1. A method for processing downlink Dedicated Pilot (DP) bits and Transmit Power Control (TPC) bits received from a wireless signal by a receiver equipped with a Rake containing multiple fingers, said wireless signal is transmitted by a transmitter, the method comprising: receiving despread Dedicated Physical Channel (DPCH) symbols; quantizing the despread DPCH symbols; selecting one of a set of processing modes for individual fingers for the quantized despread DPCH symbols based on the DPCH slot format associated with the despread DPCH symbols and on the transmit diversity mode used at said transmitter; processing the DPCH symbols containing DP bits and TPC bits according to the selected mode, wherein the processed DPCH symbols are in a common format; and combining processed DPCH symbols.