Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a high data rate signal are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of data processing units and a switching arrangement to repeatedly switch a received high first data rate signal between inputs of the plurality of data processing units on a time division basis. Each of the data processing units is operable to process the first signal at a second data rate less than said high first data rate to form respective second signals, and the apparatus further includes a combining arrangement operable to switch between outputs of the plurality of data processing units to form a processed high data rate signal from a combination of said respective second signals. A receiver apparatus is operable to cooperate with the apparatus to receive a processed signal and to undo each of the processing steps performed by the apparatus to convert the processed signal into an original high first data rate signal.