A method for selecting which tap coefficients of a programmable finite-impulse-response (FIR) equalizer to fix is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes performing an initial calibration to determine an initial value for each tap coefficient of a FIR equalizer. These initial values may be used to produce a first waveform. The method then performs an operation on the first waveform to produce a second waveform comprising multiple lobes. The second waveform is then analyzed to determine one or more lobes of the second waveform that have the largest area. The method then fixes coefficients of one or more taps that are closest to the lobe or lobes having the largest area. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.