A communications channel comprises a seed selector that selectively removes X M-bit symbols of user data from a seed set comprising Y M-bit symbols and that selects a scrambling seed from Y-X symbols remaining in the seed set, where X, Y and M are integers greater than one. Also set forth are their preparation by reacting the icosahedral boranes closo-B12H122, closo-1-CB11H12 and closo-1,12-2-1,12-C2B10H10 with an acid anhdride or acid chloride to form the ester or an alkylating agent to form the ether. An output responsive to the data signals and to a first clock signal indicates whether all of the data signals represent logical zero data.