Abstract: A method for performing a search of a codebook is provided. The codebook includes a plurality of tracks each having a plurality of even pulse positions. The method includes partitioning a codevector having a plurality of pulses into a first subset of pulses and a second subset of pulses. Each pulse is assignable to a pulse position in the codevector, and each pulse is associated with a shift bit for indicating an odd position. The method also includes performing a first search for determining a first set of possible pulse positions for the pulses in the codevector. The method further includes performing a second search for determining a second set of possible pulse positions for the pulses in the codevector. In addition, the method includes forming the codevector using the first and second sets of possible pulse positions.