A synchronization pattern is provided within an incoming waveform which represents a serial data stream transmitted at a rate determined by a data clock. The synchronization pattern includes a periodic training portion and a sync word portion. The periodic training portion is periodic and has a preselected period. As the periodic training portion is received, a receiver clock phase-locks to the periodic training portion of the incoming waveform, and a sampling circuit periodically samples the incoming waveform relative to the phase and frequency of the receiver clock to produce sample words. Thereafter, a subset of the sample words are selected utilizing a selection pattern having a period equal to the period of the periodic training portion of the incoming waveform. Utilizing the selected subset of sample words, a sync indicator word is produced and compared to preselected criteria. Such a sync indicator word may be produced with reference to the sign of each sample word of the subset of sample words. Finally, in response to a correlation between the sync indicator word and the preselected criteria, byte synchronization between the incoming waveform and the data detector is indicated, wherein the byte synchronization independently from the output of a data detector.