The present invention provides a dual stage digital filter and a method for filtering digital data signals. The dual stage digital filter includes a pre-filter, a main filter, and an output register. The pre-filter receives a set of first data bits as inputs and is arranged to filter single noise bits from the set of input data bits to output a set of second data bits. The main filter is coupled to receive the set of second data bits as inputs and is arranged to filter burst noise bits from the set of second data bits to output a set of third data bits. The output register is coupled to receive and store the set of third data bits for output.