In one embodiment, a data processing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and a universal serial bus (USB) controller coupled to the processor and the memory. The USB controller includes a local memory to cache at least one activity descriptor of at least a portion of a periodic schedule having multiple frames stored in the main memory. The USB controller defers to service an active USB device described by one of the activity descriptors until a corresponding frame is scheduled to be serviced subsequently. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.