Multiplexer and Demultiplexer

Multiplexer
Multiplexer means many into one. A multiplexer is a circuit
used to select and route any one of the several input
signals to a single output. A simple example of an non-
electronic circuit of a multiplexer is a single pole multi-
position switch.

Multi-position switches are widely used in many

electronics circuits. However, circuits that operate at high
speed require the multiplexer to be automatically selected
. A mechanical switch cannot perform this task efficiently.
Therefore, multiplexer is used to perform high speed
switching are constructed of electronic components.

Multiplexers can handle two type of data i.e., analog and

digital. For analog application, multiplexer are built using
relays and transistor switches. For digital application, they
are built from standard logic gates.

The multiplexer used for digital applications, also called

digital multiplexer, is a circuit with many input but only
one output. By applying control signals (also known as
Select Signals), we can steer any input to the output.
Some of the common types of multiplexer are 2-to-1, 4-to
-1, 8-to-1, 16-to-1 multiplexer.

Following figure shows the general idea of a multiplexer

with n input signal, m control signals and one output
signal.
Understanding 4-to-1 Multiplexer
The 4-to-1 multiplexer has 4 input bits, 2
control or select bits, and 1 output bit. The
four input bits are D0,D1,D2 and D3. Only
one of this is transmitted to the output Y.
The output depends on the values of A and
B, which are the control inputs. The control
input determines which of the input data bit
is transmitted to the output.

For instance, as shown in figure, when A B

= 0 0 , the upper AND gate is enabled, while
all other AND gates are disabled. Therefore,
data bit D0 is transmitted to the output,
giving Y = Do.
Applications of Multiplexer

Multiplexer are used in various fields

where multiple data need to be
transmitted using a single line.
Following are some of the applications
of multiplexers –
Communication System –
Communication system is a set of system that enable communication like
transmission system, relay and tributary station, and communication
network. The efficiency of communication system can be increased
considerably using multiplexer. Multiplexer allow the process of transmitting
different type of data such as audio, video at the same time using a single
transmission line.
Telephone Network –
In telephone network, multiple audio signals are integrated on a single line
for transmission with the help of multiplexers. In this way, multiple audio
signals can be isolated and eventually, the desire audio signals reach the
intended recipients.

Computer Memory –
Multiplexers are used to implement huge amount of memory into the
computer, at the same time reduces the number of copper lines required to
connect the memory to other parts of the computer circuit.

Transmission from the Computer System of a Satellite –

Multiplexer can be used for the transmission of data signals from the
computer system of a satellite or spacecraft to the ground system using
the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites.
This is just an introduction to the concept of Multiplexer. To learn more
about Multiplexers, read this Multiplexer (MUX) and Multiplexing tutorial.

Demultiplexer

Demultiplexer means one to many. A demultiplexer is a

circuit with one input and many outputs. By applying
control signal, we can steer any input to the output.
Few types of demultiplexer are 1-to 2, 1-to-4, 1-to-8
and 1-to 16 demultiplexer.

Following figure illustrate the general idea of a

demultiplexer with 1 input signal, m control signals, and
n output signals.
Applications of Demultiplexer
Demultiplexer is used to connect a single source to multiple
destinations. The main application area of demultiplexer is
communication system, where multiplexers are used. Most of
the communication system are bidirectional i.e., they function in
both ways (transmitting and receiving signals). Hence, for most
of the applications, the multiplexer and demultiplexer work in
sync. Demultiplexer are also used for reconstruction of parallel
data and ALU circuits.
Communication System – Communication system use multiplexer
to carry multiple data like audio, video and other form of data
using a single line for transmission. This process make the
transmission easier. The demultiplexer receive the output
signals of the multiplexer and converts them back to the original
form of the data at the receiving end. The multiplexer and
demultiplexer work together to carry out the process of
transmission and reception of data in communication system.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) – In an ALU circuit, the output of ALU
can be stored in multiple registers or storage units with the
help of demultiplexer. The output of ALU is fed as the data input
to the demultiplexer. Each output of demultiplexer is connected
to multiple register which can be stored in the registers.
Serial to Parallel Converter – A serial to parallel converter is used
for reconstructing parallel data from incoming serial data
stream. In this technique, serial data from the incoming serial
data stream is given as data input to the demultiplexer at the
regular intervals. A counter is attach to the control input of the
demultiplexer. This counter directs the data signal to the output
of the demultiplexer where these data signals are stored. When
all data signals have been stored, the output of the
demultiplexer can be retrieved and read out in parallel.
This is just an introduction to the concept of Demultiplexer. To
learn more about Demultiplexers, read this What is Demultiplexer
(DEMUX) tutorial.