UNIT-2

Difference between Multiplexer and Demultiplexer

1. Multiplexer :
Multiplexer is a data selector which takes several inputs and gives a single output.In
multiplexer we have 2n input lines and 1 output lines where n is the number of selection
lines.

2.Demultiplexer:
Demultiplexer is a data distributor which takes a single input and gives several outputs.In
demultiplexer we have 1 input and 2n output lines where n is the selection line.
Difference between of Multiplexer and Demultiplexer :

Multiplexer Demultiplexer

Multiplexer processes the digital Demultiplexer receives digital

information from various sources information from a single source and
into a single source. converts it into several sources

It is known as Data Selector It is known as Data Distributor

Multiplexer is a digital switch Demultiplexer is a digital circuit

It follows combinational logic type It also follows combinational logic type

It has 2n input data lines It has single input line

It has a single output data line It has 2n output data lines

 Multiplexer Demultiplexer

It works on many to one operational It works on one to many operational

principle principle

In time division Multiplexing,

In time division Multiplexing,
multiplexer is used at the transmitter
demultiplexer is used at the receiver end
end

Differences: Multiplexer vs. Demultiplexer

Let us now simplify the major points showing the important differences between these two
terms, multiplexer, and demultiplexer, with the help of the following table:

Criteria Multiplexer Demultiplexer

Function A MUX selects several input signals A DEMUX takes a single input signal
and transmits them on a single and transmits it to one of several output
output line. lines.

Number of A MUX can have 'n' input lines, A DEMUX typically has a single (1) input
input lines where 'n' can be any number. line.

Number of A MUX has log2 (n) output lines A DEMUX has n output lines, where 'n'
output lines rounded up to the next integer can be any number.
value.

Selection A MUX has selection inputs used to A DEMUX has selection inputs used to
inputs select one of the input lines for select which output line the input signal
transmission to the output line. should be transmitted through.

Example A MUX is used for selecting one of A DEMUX is used for distributing a
 several video inputs to display on a digital signal to multiple devices.
TV.

Applications Multiplexers are used in data Demultiplexers are used in memory

transmission, signal routing, decoding, signal routing,
memory addressing, computer communication systems, computer
networks, and more. networks, and more.

MUXs are used in data transmission, signal routing, memory addressing, and computer
networks. For example, a MUX can be used to select one of several video inputs to display on a
TV. DEMUXs, on the other hand, are used in memory decoding, signal routing, communication
systems, and computer networks. For instance, a DEMUX can be used to distribute a digital
signal to multiple devices.

What are Multiplexer and Demultiplexer?

In-network transmission, both the multiplexer and demultiplexer

are combinational circuits. A multiplexer selects an input from several inputs
then it is transmitted in the form of a single line. An alternative name of the
multiplexer is MUX or data selector. A demultiplexer uses one input signal and
generates many. So it is known as Demux or data distributor.

Multiplexer and Demultiplexer

What is a Multiplexer?
The multiplexer is a device that has multiple inputs and single line output. The
select lines determine which input is connected to the output, and also
increase the amount of data that can be sent over a network within a certain
time. It is also called a data selector.

The single-pole multi-position switch is a simple example of a non-electronic

circuit of the multiplexer, and it is widely used in many electronic circuits. The
multiplexer is used to perform high-speed switching and is constructed
by electronic components.

Multiplexer

Multiplexers are capable of handling both analog and digital applications. In

analog applications, multiplexers are made up of relays and transistor
switches, whereas in digital applications, the multiplexers are built from
standard logic gates. When the multiplexer is used for digital applications, it is
called a digital multiplexer.
Multiplexer Types
Multiplexers are classified into four types:

 2-1 multiplexer ( 1select line)

 4-1 multiplexer (2 select lines)
 8-1 multiplexer(3 select lines)
 16-1 multiplexer (4 select lines)
4-to-1 Multiplexer

The 4X1 multiplexer comprises 4-input bits, 1- output bit, and 2- control bits.
The four input bits are namely 0, D1, D2, and D3, respectively; only one of the
input bits is transmitted to the output. The o/p ‘q’ depends on the value of
control input AB. The control bit AB decides which of the i/p data bit should
transmit the output. The following figure shows the 4X1 multiplexer circuit
diagram using AND gates. For example, when the control bits AB =00, then
the higher AND gates are allowed while remaining AND gates are restricted.
Thus, data input D0 is transmitted to the output ‘q”
 4X1 Mux

If the control input is changed to 11, then all gates are restricted except the
bottom AND gate. In this case, D3 is transmitted to the output, and q=D0. If
the control input is changed to AB =11, all gates are disabled except the
bottom AND gate. In this case, D3 is transmitted to the output, and q = D3.
The best example of a 4X1 multiplexer is IC 74153. In this IC, the o/p is the
same as the i/p. Another example of a 4X1 multiplexer is IC 45352. In this IC,
the o/p is the compliment of the i/p

8-to-1 Multiplexer

The 8-to-1 multiplexer consists of 8 input lines, one output line, and 3
selection lines.

8-to-1 Mux

8-1 Multiplexer Circuit

For the combination of a selection input, the data line is connected to the
output line. The circuit shown below is an 8*1 multiplexer. The 8-to-1
multiplexer requires 8 AND gates, one OR gate, and 3 selection lines. As an
input, the combination of selection inputs is giving to the AND gate with the
corresponding input data lines.
In a similar fashion, all the AND gates are given connection. In this 8*1
multiplexer, for any selection line input, one AND gate gives a value of 1 and
the remaining all AND gates give 0. And, finally, by using OR gates, all the
AND gates are added; and, this will be equal to the selected value.

8-to-1 Mux Circuit

Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiplexer

The advantages of multiplexer include the following.
 In multiplexer, the usage of a number of wires can be decreased
 It reduces the cost as well as the complexity of the circuit
 The implementation of a number of combination circuits can be possible by
using a multiplexer
 Mux doesn’t require K-maps & simplification
 The multiplexer can make the transmission circuit less complex &
economical
 The dissipation of heat is less because of the analog switching current
which ranges from 10mA to 20mA.
 The multiplexer ability can be extended to switch audio signals, video
signals, etc.
 The digital system reliability can be improved using a MUX as it decreases
the number of exterior wired connections.
 MUX is used to implement several combinational circuits
 The logic design can be simplified through MUX
The disadvantages of multiplexer include the following.
 Additional delays required within switching ports & I/O signals which
propagate throughout the multiplexer.
 The ports which can be utilized at the same time have limitations
 Switching ports can be handled by adding the complexity of firmware
 The controlling of multiplexer can be done by using additional I/O ports.
Applications of Multiplexers

Multiplexers are used in various applications wherein multiple-data need to be

transmitted by using a single line.

Communication System
A communication system has both a communication network and a transmission
system. By using a multiplexer, the efficiency of the communication system can
be increased by allowing the transmission of data, such as audio and video
data from different channels through single lines or cables.
Computer Memory
Multiplexers are used in computer memory to maintain a huge amount of
memory in the computers, and also to reduce the number of copper lines
required to connect the memory to other parts of the computer.

Telephone Network
In telephone networks, multiple audio signals are integrated on a single line of
transmission with the help of a multiplexer.

Transmission from the Computer System of a Satellite

The multiplexer is used to transmit the data signals from the computer system
of a spacecraft or a satellite to the ground system by using a GSM satellite.
What is Demultiplexer?
De-multiplexer is also a device with one input and multiple output lines. It is
used to send a signal to one of the many devices. The main difference
between a multiplexer and a de-multiplexer is that a multiplexer takes two or
more signals and encodes them on a wire, whereas a de-multiplexer does
reverse to what the multiplexer does.
 Demultiplexer

Types of Demultiplexer
Demultiplexers are classified into four types

 1-2 demultiplexer (1 select line)

 1-4 demultiplexer (2 select lines)
 1-8 demultiplexer (3 select lines)
 1-16 demultiplexer (4 select lines)
1-4 Demultiplexer

The 1-to-4 demultiplexer comprises 1- input bit, 4-output bits, and control bits.
The 1X4 demultiplexer circuit diagram is shown below.

1X4 Demux
The i/p bit is considered as Data D. This data bit is transmitted to the data bit
of the o/p lines, which depends on the AB value and the control i/p.

When the control i/p AB = 01, the upper second AND gate is permitted while
the remaining AND gates are restricted. Thus, only data bit D is transmitted to
the output, and Y1 = Data.

If the data bit D is low, the output Y1 is low. IF data bit D is high, the output Y1
is high. The value of the output Y1 depends upon the value of data bit D, the
remaining outputs are in a low state.

If the control input changes to AB = 10, then all the gates are restricted except
the third AND gate from the top. Then, data bit D is transmitted only to the
output Y2; and, Y2 = Data. . The best example of 1X4 demultiplexer is IC
74155.

1-8 Demultiplexer

The demultiplexer is also called a data distributor as it requires one input, 3

selected lines, and 8 outputs. De-multiplexer takes one single input data line
and then switches it to any one of the output lines. The 1-to-8 demultiplexer
circuit diagram is shown below; it uses 8 AND gates for achieving the
operation.

1-8 Demux Circuit

The input bit is considered as data D and it is transmitted to the output lines.
This depends on the control input value of the AB. When AB = 01, the upper
second gate F1 is enabled, while the remaining AND gates are disabled, and
the data bit is transmitted to the output giving F1= data. If D is low, the F1 is
low, and if D is high, the F1 is high. So the value of the F1 depends on the
value of D, and the remaining outputs are in the low state.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Demultiplexer

The advantages of demultiplexer include the following.
 A demultiplexer or Demux is used to divide the mutual signals back into
separate streams.
 The function of Demux is quite opposite to MUX.
 The Audio or Video signals transmission needs a combination of Mux and
Demux.
 Demux is used as a decoder within the security systems of banking sectors.
 The communication system efficiency can be enhanced through the
combination of Mux & Demux.
The disadvantages of demultiplexer include the following.
 Bandwidth wastage might happen
 Because of the synchronization of the signals, delays might take place
Applications of Demultiplexer

Demultiplexers are used to connect a single source to multiple destinations.

These applications include the following:

Communication System
Mux and demux both are used in communication systems to carry out the
process of data transmission. A De-multiplexer receives the output signals
from the multiplexer and at the receiver end, it converts them back to the
original form.

Arithmetic Logic Unit

The output of the ALU is fed as an input to the De-multiplexer, and the output
of the demultiplexer is connected to multiple registers. The output of the ALU
can be stored in multiple registers.

Serial to Parallel Converter

This converter is used to reconstruct parallel data. In this technique, serial
data is given as an input to the De-multiplexer at a regular interval, and a
counter is attached to the demultiplexer at the control input to detect the data
signal at the output of the demultiplexer. When all data signals are stored, the
output of the demux can be read out in parallel.
Difference Between Multiplexer (MUX) and
Demultiplexer (DEMUX)
The major factor that differentiates multiplexer and demultiplexer is their ability
to accept multiple input and single input respectively. The multiplexer also known
as a MUX operates on several inputs but provide a single output. As against
demultiplexer also known as DEMUX simply reverses the operation of MUX and
operates on single input but transmits the data to multiple outputs.

It is noteworthy here that multiplexer acts as data selector thus provide a single
output from several inputs. However, demultiplexer acts as a data distributor and
generates several outputs with a single input.

We will discuss some other major differences between MUX and DEMUX but
before that have a look towards the contents to be discussed under this article.

Content: Multiplexer vs Demultiplexer

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion
Comparison chart

PARAMETER MULTIPLEXER DEMULTIPLEXER

Definition A multiplexer is a combinational circuit that A demultiplexer is a combinational circuit that

provides single output but accepts multiple takes single input but that input can be directed

data inputs. through multiple outputs.

PARAMETER MULTIPLEXER DEMULTIPLEXER

Symbol

Number of Multiple Single

data inputs

Number of Single Multiple

data output

Conversion It performs parallel to serial conversion. It performs serial to parallel conversion.

technique

Device It is N to 1 device and thus behaves as data It is 1 to N device and thus behaves as data

configuration selector. distributor.

Definition of Multiplexer

It is a logic circuit that allows a single output to get generated by accepting

multiple data input. Multiplexer consists of the control signal or data select input
that concludes the output from several inputs. Thus, also known as the data
selector.

It is referred to as many to one circuit due to its ability to select the single
output from multiple inputs.

The figure below shows the circuit of a MUX including input, output and control
signals.
It works as a multi-position switch which is digitally controlled by the control
signals. Here, the select lines determine which input will get switched to output
among several inputs. As we can see in the figure shown above that n input
signal is fed to a MUX, containing m control signals. However, only 1 data source
is transmitted to output.

A relation exists between the input and select lines which is noteworthy and is
given by:

2m = n

: m is the select lines and n is the input lines

One can have several configurations of multiplexer depending on input lines and
the control signal applied to it.

Let us have a look at 4 to 1 multiplexer that consists of 4 input signal along with 2
control signals, in order to provide a single output.
Here, 4 input bits applied to the MUX are D0, D1, D2, D3 and the control signals are
a and b. So, any data input can be transmitted to output on changing the level of
the control signal.

The truth table for the multiplexer is shown below. Let us consider 4 separate
cases in order to understand the variation in output by controlling the level of
control signals.

DATA SELECT LINES INPUT SELECTED INPUT OUTPUT

a b D D Z

0 0 D0 0 0

1 1

0 1 D1 0 0
DATA SELECT LINES INPUT SELECTED INPUT OUTPUT

1 1

1 0 D2 0 0

1 1

1 1 D3 0 0

1 1

Case 1: Consider that both the applied control signals a and b are low i.e., 0. In
such a condition due to the presence of NOT gate inputs I1 and I2 of only AND
gate 1 is high. So, if the input bit of D0 is high then the output is high and if the
input of D0 is low then AND gate generates its output as 0.

Thus, with control signal level 00 only A1 is enabled and all others get disable
hence output achieved is the reflection of data bit associated with A1.

Case 2: When control signal a is low and b is high then it causes AND gate 2 to
be enabled as I1 and I2 of A2 will be high. So, input bit D1 decides the output of A2.
If D1 is high, the output will be 1 otherwise 0.

Case 3: Now consider that level of control signal a is high and that of b is low.
This enables only AND gate 3 as inputs I1 and I2 of A3 is high in this condition. So,
applied input bit D2 will provide the desired bit at the output.

Case 4: Let us now consider the case when the level of both the applied control
signals is high or 1. Then due to this only gate, A4 gets enabled while all others
get disabled. Due to this, the output will be the result of applied input D 3.

Definition of Demultiplexer

Demultiplexer basically reverses the operation of a multiplexer. It switches a

single input to several outputs.
Here also control signal plays a major role by deciding the output to which the
input is to be passed. It is also known as data distributor as it allows a single
input to be distributed among multiple outputs.

Let’s have a look at the DEMUX configuration shown below that have only one
input but m control and n output lines.

Moving further have a look at 1:4 demultiplexer consisting of data bit D, with 2
control signals a and b. Here, Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3 are the 4 output provided by the
demultiplexer.
As we have already explained that for a particular value of control signal only a
single AND gate is enabled while all others get disabled.

The truth table for a 1:4 DEMUX is shown below

A B D Z0 Z1 Z2 Z3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 0 1 0 0
 A B D Z0 Z1 Z2 Z3

1 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 1 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 0 0 1

Demultiplexer circuit also plays a major role in the communication system as

sometimes parallel data reception is required. Thus, for such applications, these
circuits are used.

Key Differences Multiplexer and Demultiplexer

1. Both Multiplexers and Demultiplexers are combinational logic

circuits used in communication system but their operation is exactly
reverse of each other as one operates on multiple inputs and other on a
single input.
2. When we talk about data conversion technique then it is not difficult to
understand that MUX performs parallel to serial conversion as it requires
several inputs. However, DEMUX on a reverse note performs serial to
parallel conversion as multiple outputs are achieved in its case.
3. Multiplexer with the help of control signals selects the particular input that
has to be transmitted at the output. On the contrary, Demultiplexer utilizes
the control signal and allows us to have multiple outputs.
4. Another key difference exists for MUX and DEMUX is that multiplexer is N
to 1 device but demultiplexer is 1 to N device.

Difference between Encoder and

Decoder


Combinational logic is the concept in which two or more input state define one or more
output state. Encoder and Decoder are the combinational logic circuits. In which we
implement combinational logic with the help of boolean algebra.
To encode something is to convert an unambiguous piece of information into a form of
code that is not so clearly understood and the device which performs this operation is
termed ad Encoder.
1. Encoder :
An Encoder is a device that converts the active data signal into a coded message format
or it is a device that converts analogue signal to digital signals. It is a combinational
circuit, that converts binary information in the form of a 2N input lines into N output
lines which represent N bit code for the input. When an input signal is applied to an
encoder then logic circuitry involved within it converts that particular input into coded
binary output.

To decode is to perform the reverse operation :converting a code back into an

unambiguous form code and the device which perform this operation is termed as
Decoder.
2. Decoder :
A decoder is also a combinational circuit as encoder but its operation is exactly reverse as
that of the encoder. A decoder is a device that generates the original signal as output from
the coded input signal and converts n lines of input into 2n lines of output. An AND gate
can be used as the basic decoding element because it produces a high output only when
all inputs are high.
Difference between encoder and decoder :
S.No
. ENCODER DECODER

Encoder circuit basically converts the applied Decoder performs reverse operation
information signal into a coded digital bit and recovers the original information
1 stream. signal from the coded bits.

In case of encoder, the applied signal is the Decoder accepts coded binary data as
2 active signal input. its input.

The number of inputs accepted by an encoder The number of input accepted by

3 is 2n. decoder is only n inputs.

4 The output lines for an encoder is n. The output lines of an decoder is 2n.

The decoder generates an active

The encoder generates coded data bits as its output signal in response to the coded
5 output. data bits.

6 The operation performed is simple. The operation performed is complex.

The encoder circuit is installed at the The decoder circuit is installed at the
7 transmitting end. receiving side.

8 OR gate is the basic logic element used in it. AND gate along with NOT gate is the
basic logic element used in it.
 It is used in Microprocessors, memory
9 It is used in E-mail, video encoders etc. chips etc.

Difference between encoder and

decoder
In this article, we will discuss the difference between encoder and decoder. Both are
combinational logic circuits. A combinational logic circuit is a circuit that contains different
types of logic gates. There are n numbers of inputs, and m numbers of outputs are possible
in a combinational logic circuit.

The basic difference between encoder and decoder is that, in encoder, the binary
information is passed in the form of 2n input lines, and it changes the input into n output
lines. Whereas, in decoder, the binary information is passed in the form of n input lines, and
changes this binary information in the form of 2n output lines. Similarly, we will see other
differences between encoder and decoder.

But before jumping directly to the comparison, let's first see a brief description of encoder
and decoder.

Encoder
An encoder can also be described as a combinational circuit that has a maximum of 2^n (or
less) input lines and n output lines.

Backward Skip 10sPlay VideoForward Skip 10s

Encoders are used to convert a decimal number into a binary number. The objective is to
perform a binary operation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. The basic logic
element that is used in encoders is OR gate. The operation of the encoder is fairly simple.
Encoders are commonly used in Videos, E-mail, etc.

The representation of the encoder is shown in the below image -

There are various types of encoders such as 4 to 2 line encoder, 8 to 3 line encoder, etc.

In 4 to 2 line encoder, there are a total of four inputs, i.e., Y0, Y1, Y2, and Y3, and two
outputs, i.e., A0 and A1.

In 8 to 3 line encoder, there are a total of eight inputs, i.e., Y0, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5,
Y6, and Y7 and three outputs, i.e., A0, A1, and A2. It is also known as Octal to Binary
Encoder.

Decoder
Decode performs the reverse operation of encoder.

It can be described as a combinational circuit that converts binary information from n coded
inputs to a maximum of 2^n different outputs. In decoder, the basic logic element is AND
gate along with the NOT gate. Decoders are commonly used in memory chips,
microprocessors, etc. Unlike encoder, the operation of decoder is complex. It is because the
decoder requires understanding the coding format of the encoder.

The representation of the decoder is shown in the below image -

There are various types of decoders such as 2 to 4 line decoder, 3 to 8 line decoder, etc.

In the 2 to 4 line decoder, there are a total of three inputs, i.e., A0, A1, and E and four
outputs, i.e., Y0, Y1, Y2, and Y3.

In 3 to 8 line decoder, there are a total of eight outputs, i.e., Y0, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5,
Y6, and Y7 and three inputs, i.e., A0, A1, and A2. It is also called as Binary to octal decoder.

The commonly used or most preferred decoders are n to m decoders, where m<= 2^n. It is
also referred to as n * m decoder that has n inputs and m outputs.

Encoder v/s Decoder

Now, let's see the comparison between Encoder and Decoder. We are comparing both
terms on the basis of some characteristics to make the comparison clear and more
understandable.

S.no. On the Encoder Decoder

basis of

1. Basic It is a combinational circuit It is also a combinational circuit that

that basically converts the converts the coded bits to the original
information signal to the information. It performs the reverse
coded digital bitstream. operation of the encoder.

2. Input lines There are 2n input lines in the There are n input lines in the decoder.
 encoder.

3. Output lines There are n output lines in the There are 2n output lines in the
encoder. decoder.

4. Operation The operation of the encoder Unlike encoder, the operation of

is fairly simple. decoder is complex.

5. Basic logic The basic logic element that is In decoder, the basic logic element
element used in encoders is OR gate. is AND gate along with the NOT gate.

6. Installation It is installed at the It is installed at the receiving side.

transmitting end.

7. Application Encoders are commonly used Decoders are commonly used in

in Videos, E-mail, etc. memory chips, microprocessors, etc.

Both encoders and decoders are the compliment of each other. One is used for encoding
the original information, and another is used to decode the coded data bits to get the exact
message signal.