Provided is a system and method for de-interleaving a data stream stored in a buffer having a plurality of memory locations. Each location has a memory width of (W) bytes and the data stream is formed of a number of data words each including (N) number of data bytes, and (N) is a non-integer multiple of the width (W). The method includes storing the data words into respective memory locations and appending each of the stored data words with number (X) of dummy bytes, a sum of (N)+(X) being an integer multiple of the width (W). The appended dummy bytes are then stored in the respective memory locations.