Method and apparatus for data recovery

An apparatus for data recovery includes a multi-level comparison unit, a detection logic unit, and a data composer. The multi-level comparison unit compares an input signal with M different reference signal levels to generate M digital data, the number M being greater than or equal to 2. The detection logic unit is coupled to the multi-level comparison unit, and performs logic operations upon specified lengths over the M digital data obtained from the multi-level comparison unit. The data composer is coupled to the multi-level comparison unit and the detection logic unit. The data composer generates recovered data conforming with a run length encoding constraint based on the M digital data obtained from the multi-level comparison unit and the result obtained from the detection logic unit.