Advanced detectors for vector signaling codes are disclosed which utilize multi-input comparators, generalized on-level slicing, reference generation based on maximum swing, and reference generation based on recent values. Vector signaling codes communicate information as groups of symbols which, when transmitted over multiple communications channels, may be received as mixed sets of symbols from different transmission groups due to propagation time variations between channels. Systems and methods are disclosed which compensate receivers and transmitters for these effects and/or utilize codes having increased immunity to such variations, and circuits are described that efficiently implement their component functions.

A communication system comprises a packet stream transforming unit, a mapping unit and a transmission unit. The packet stream transforming unit is configured to receive a 4-bit packet stream and transform the 4-bit packet stream into a 6-bit packet stream. The mapping unit is configured to map the 6-bit packet stream into multiple ternary bit streams, and the mapping unit maps at least one idle symbol into the ternary bit streams according to at least one particular bit of the at least one idle symbol of the 6-bit packet stream. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the ternary bit streams to a remote communication device through a cable.