In an embodiment, a method for determining a word boundary in an incoming data stream includes initializing an N bit register with initial content, receiving a number of consecutive N bit words of the incoming data stream and processing each of the number of consecutive N bit words. The processing includes performing operations per bit position of the register, including performing an XOR operation on a corresponding received data bit and a next received data bit, performing an AND operation on a current state of the bit position of the register and a result of the XOR operation, and storing a result of the AND operation to update the state of the bit position of the register. The word boundary is defined based on the content of the register following the processing of the number of consecutive N bit words.