1. A computer-implemented method for managing the operation of a data connector coupled to a hardware unit, the method comprising: receiving a pause signal from a finite state machine (FSM) included in the hardware unit, wherein the FSM is configured to maintain the operating state of the data connector and to transition the data connector between operating states; applying one or more configuration changes to at least one of the hardware unit and the data connector during a transition between operating states associated with the data connector; and transmitting a continue signal to the FSM notifying the FSM that the one or more configuration changes have been applied.