Design techniques for read channel equalizers used in magnetic recording systems are presented. The equalization is based on a multi-level dual decision feedback architecture. The signal processing at low power and high speed is realized by using a continuous-time adaptive forward filter with an infinite impulse response. Furthermore, circuit structures with reduced offset-voltage sensitivities are developed for the equalizer implementation. As a result, the data rate in the intended application can be greater than 200 Mbits/s.