Abstract: A system and method for transmitting digital data over a transmission medium includes receiving digital values representing a plurality of N-bit characters to be output over the transmission medium, each N-bit character being either a data character or a control character. A determination is made as to which of the plurality of N-bit characters are control characters. The digital values represented by the plurality of N-bit characters are encoded to provide an encoded codeword, the encoded codeword being {Mx(N?1)+P} bits having M fields of N?1 bits, each of the M fields corresponding to one of the N-bit characters being encoded.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the quality of transmitted digital signals in a multi-level signaling system wherein digital signals representing more than one bit of information may be transmitted at more than two signal levels on a single transmission medium, includes encoding digital values represented by sets of N bits to provide corresponding sets of P symbols, each set of P symbols being selected to reduce full-swing transitions and to perform DC balancing between successive digital signal transmissions. The system and method further includes transmitting the sets of P symbols over the single transmission medium. Clock data recovery and comma insertions may additionally be provided in alternate configurations.