A method and apparatus generating an error signal and an update vector signal used to generate filter tap coefficients for an equalizer filter residing in an equalizer. The equalizer filter outputs an equalized signal in response to receiving a sample data stream. The error signal is generated by down-sampling the equalized signal, subtracting the equalized signal from a reference signal, and filtering and down-sampling the resulting signal. Simultaneously, the update vector signal is generated by converting scalar samples of the sample data stream to a data vector signal and descrambling, filtering, and down-sampling the data vector signal. A tap coefficients generator is used to generate the filter tap coefficients for updating the equalizer filter based on the error signal and the update vector signal.