Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the fast detection of a predetermined pattern of n bits embedded in a serial bit stream. The n bits are adjacent or regularly distributed over the bit stream, and form a unique word which may in particular be used as a synchronization pattern, the detection of which allows to conclude that a synchronization status has been reached within the signal detected at a reception node. The method consists in detecting first a synchronization root, which is a subset of n' consecutive bits of the unique word. Then, succeeding potential bits of the unique word are detected from the serial bit stream, and each potential bit of the unique word is compared to the corresponding bit of the stored unique word. At each match, a counter is incremented, and when the count of the consecutive matches reaches a predetermined number, the unique word is said to be detected.