Abstract: A blind equalization process (200) for an adaptive equalizer including a plurality of taps, each having a corresponding coefficient, is disclosed which comprises the following steps. Blind equalization (204) is performed on a subset of the coefficients in the adaptive equalizer. Then, if the coefficients have converged (206), a decision directed adaptive equalization process (220) is initiated.

Abstract: An echo-canceling system and method uses an echo estimate to modify the error signal which is obtained by the difference between an echo signal and the echo estimate. The modified error signal, rather than the error signal itself, is transmitted. By using the echo estimate as a parameter for modifying the error signal, improved hands-free performance may be obtained in a vehicular radiotelephone, such as a cellular telephone. Preferably, modification of the electrical error signal is performed by a center clipper which removes a portion of the electrical error signal which is below a variable threshold, wherein the variable threshold is determined by the echo estimate electrical signal. The variable threshold may be produced from the echo estimate electrical signal using an envelope detector.