A Reed-Solomon decoder includes a Chien search circuit to receive an error location polynomial function, performs Chien search, and finds an error location; a Forney algorithm circuit to receives an error pattern polynomial function and find an error pattern; and, a seed generator circuit to indicates a seed value corresponding to a codeword length for the input data. A Chien search is performed to obtain and outputs exponential terms related to variables for the polynomials, wherein the Chien search is performed in the same computational direction as an order for the input data.