Incoming serial data which is received M bits at a time where M=N, N+1 or N−1 and N is greater than 1 is synchronized to a local clock by receiving a first M bits of data, storing the first M bits, receiving M additional bits, storing the M additional bits, repetitively receiving and storing until at least a predetermined number R of bits have been stored, where R=(M*X)+1 where X is an integer greater than one. When this occurs, the first R bits are output and any remaining S bits in excess of R are stored and additional groups of M bits added, with the process continuing until all of a packet has been received. With this arrangement, the R bits may be output at a rate which is a fraction of the serial bit rate.