An adaptive algorithm is implemented that optimizes the slicer threshold by optimizing the tail distribution of a “+1” and “−1” histogram. Through the use of a low resolution and under-sampled ADC, a histogram of received bit may be created. The difference between the y-intersects of lines derived from the “+1” and “−1” histogram is used to determine an error function. The algorithm iteratively updates the threshold value based on this error function.