Apparatus and method for equalizing a received data signal

Embodiments provide an apparatus for equalizing a received data signal with an adjustable filter, and a filter adjuster. The adjustable filter is configured to filter the received data signal and a filtered data signal to provide based on the received data signal. The filter adjuster is configured to compare the filtered data signal with an eye mask and to determine, based to a setting of the adjustable filter allocated to one of the eyes mask number of mask violations having the filtered data signal with respect to the eye mask, and to the adjustable filter based on the adjust certain settings.