a convolutional encoder portion configured to encode at least two user bits into at least three coded bits, wherein said at least three coded bits includes a parity bit and said at least two user bits; and

a sublattice selector coupled to said convolutional encoder portion and configured to employ said at least three coded bits to select a particular sublattice of code alphabet element, said particular sublattice is a member of a family of even sublattices or a member of a family of odd sublattices, said sublattice selector configured to employ said parity bit to select between said family of even sublattices and said family of odd sublattices, and further to employ at least two additional user bits to select a particular code alphabet element in said particular sublattice, said particular code alphabet element corresponding to a particular 4-D 4-PAM symbol of a 4-dimension, 4-PAM trellis code.