Method and apparatus for managing a data symbol received in a time diversity communication system

A data symbol manager for managing a current data symbol received by a receiver in a frame of data of a time diversity communication system utilizing a repeated transmission of messages, the data symbol manager comprising:

• a symbol counter coupled to a symbol clock synchronized to the frame of data for providing a count of the current data symbol;
• a bit line translator coupled to the symbol counter for mapping a current address from the count;
• a conditional processor coupled to the bit line translator for deriving a selected memory address from the current address by conditionally processing the current address;
• and
• a store/merge/ignore comparator coupled to the bit line translator for making a choice among (a) storing the current data symbol in a memory at the selected memory address, (b) merging the current data symbol with an earlier received data symbol stored at the selected memory address during an earlier frame of data, and (c) ignoring the current data symbol, wherein the choice made is based upon the current address.