A programmable transmitter generates a frame in a frame format according to one of a plurality of operating modes using a frame structure table storing a respective frame format for each of the operating modes. The transmitter includes a frame structure engine that receives a mode selection signal indicative of a select operating mode, and accesses the frame structure table to determine the frame format of the select operating mode. The frame structure engine produces a control signal to a frame generator to control the generation of a frame in the frame format of the select operating mode.