Serializer-deserializer (SerDes) having a predominantly digital architecture and method of deserializing data

A serializer-deserializer and a method of deserializing data. In one embodiment, the serializer-deserializer includes: (1) an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive a serial data stream and provide a digital output based thereon, (2) a digital comparator coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and configured to compare the digital output to an output table to yield candidate output bits, (3) a digital feedback equalizer coupled to the digital comparator and configured to generate the output table based on the candidate output bits and (4) a multiplexer coupled to the digital comparator and configured to select output bits from among the candidate output bits to form a discrete bit sequence.