1. A system, comprising: a memory including a plurality of cells; a control module that is external to the memory, wherein the control module is configured to (i) receive user data to be stored in the plurality of cells, (ii) select one of a plurality of sequences of pilot data, (iii) based on the selected one of the plurality of sequences of pilot data, generate pilot data having a known predetermined sequence, (iv) combine the pilot data with the user data, and (v) output the combined pilot data and user data; and a write module configured to write the combined pilot data and user data to the plurality of cells of the memory.