The present invention is directed to communication systems and methods thereof. More specifically, an embodiment of the present invention includes a buffer that is coupled to a reference terminal. A shift register stores decision levels for post-cursor positions. A plurality of switches converts the decision levels to equalization currents during an equalization process. The equalization currents are converted to equalization voltage terms by one or more load resistors. The buffer is provided between the reference terminal and the one or more load resistors. There are other embodiments as well.