What is a Multiplexer (MUX)?

• A MUX is a digital switch that

Multiplexer
has multiple inputs (sources) Block Diagram
and a single output
(destination).
• The select lines determine 2N 1

MUX
Inputs Output
which input is connected to (sources) (destination)

the output.
• MUX Types N
 2-to-1 (1 select line)
Select
 4-to-1 (2 select lines) Lines
 8-to-1 (3 select lines)
 16-to-1 (4 select lines)
1
 Typical Application of a MUX
Multiple Sources Selector Single Destination

MP3 Player
Docking Station

D0
Laptop
D1

MUX
Sound Card Y
D2

D3

Surround Sound System

Digital B A Selected Source

Satellite
0 0 MP3
0 1 Laptop
1 0 Satellite
Digital
1 1 Cable TV
Cable TV
2
4-to-1 Multiplexer (MUX)
D0

MUX
D1
Y
D2

D3

B A

B A Y

0 0 D0

0 1 D1

1 0 D2

1 1 D3

3
 4-to-1 Multiplexer Waveforms
D0

D1
Input
Data
D2

D3

A
Select
Line
B

Output
Y Data
D0 D1 D2 D3 D0 D1 D2 D3 4
What is a Demultiplexer (DEMUX)?
• A DEMUX is a digital switch Demultiplexer
with a single input (source) Block Diagram
and a multiple outputs
(destinations).

DEMUX
• The select lines determine 1 2N
Input Outputs
which output the input is (source) (destinations)

connected to.
• DEMUX Types N
 1-to-2 (1 select line) Select
 1-to-4 (2 select lines) Lines
 1-to-8 (3 select lines)
 1-to-16 (4 select lines)
5
Typical Application of a DEMUX
Single Source Selector Multiple Destinations

B/W Laser
Printer

Fax
Machine

D0

DEMUX
X D1

D2 Color Inkjet
Printer
D3

B A Selected Destination
0 0 B/W Laser Printer Pen
Plotter
0 1 Fax Machine
1 0 Color Inkjet Printer
1 1 Pen Plotter
6
1-to-4 De-Multiplexer (DEMUX)
D0

DEMUX
D1
X
D2

D3

B A

B A D0 D1 D2 D3

0 0 X 0 0 0

0 1 0 X 0 0

1 0 0 0 X 0

1 1 0 0 0 X

7
1-to-4 De-Multiplexer Waveforms
X Input
Data

S0
Select
Line
S1

D0

D1
Output
Data
D2

D3
8