In a method and apparatus for providing memory efficient filtering of a received broadcast signal, filter expressions are compared to packet data in the broadcast signal and by a wireless device assembly to determine if a match exists. The wireless device assembly is able to perform such filtering with an associated host assembly in a sleep mode or with that host in an active mode. Upon finding a filter match, the wireless device assembly selectively communicates the received packet data to the host assembly for packet decoding and analysis. If the host assembly is in a sleep mode, the wireless device assembly may send a wakeup signal to the host assembly prior to transmitting the packet data.