Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods related to pattern detection. As an example, a system for sample selection is disclosed that includes a difference calculation circuit, a comparator circuit, and an output selector circuit. The difference calculation circuit is operable to calculate a first difference between a first value corresponding to a first digital sample and a second value corresponding to a second digital sample, and to calculate a second difference between a third value corresponding to a third digital sample and a fourth value corresponding to a fourth digital sample. The comparator circuit is operable to compare the first difference with the second difference to yield a comparison output. The output selector circuit is operable to select one of the second value and the fourth value as an output based at least upon the comparison output.