Abstract: Generation of pulse signals for sampling data bits incoming on one or more data channels is effected by employing a common timing signal generator in conjunction with one or more per channel units. The per channel units are associated on a one-to-one basis with the incoming data channels. Sample pulses are generated by each per channel unit independent of the other units for sampling data bits incoming on the associated channel substantially at mid-interval. This is achieved by storing first predetermined ones of the timing signals being generated when an incoming sync bit is received and comparing the stored signals with others of the timing signals being generated. The phase relationship between the stored timing signals and the others of the timing signals being compared is such that sample pulses are generated substantially mid-interval of the incoming data bits. Resynchronization on subsequently received data characters is also effected by the individual per channel units.