A recursive lambda rule engine (114, 302) includes a first multiplier (204) that sequentially multiplies each of series of inputs by a nonlinearity determining parameter and supplies results to a second multiplier (214) that multiplies the output of the first multiplier (204) by a previous output of the engine (114, 302). A three input adder (220, 228) sequentially sums the output of the second multiplier (214), inputs from the series of inputs, and the previous output of the engine (114, 302). A shift register (244) is used to feedback the output of the engine (114, 302) to the three input adder (220, 228) and second multiplier (214). A MUX (234) is used to route an initial value through the shift register (244) for the first cycle of operation.