Multiplexer and Demultiplexer in Computer Organization

Multiplexers and demultiplexers are digital circuits used in digital systems for data transmission, selection, and routing. A multiplexer, also known as a “MUX” is a combinational circuit that selects one of several input signals and transmits it to a single output line based on a set of selection inputs. A demultiplexer, also known as a “DEMUX” is a combinational circuit that receives a single input signal and routes it to one of several output lines based on a set of selection inputs.

Multiplexers:

A multiplexer has n input lines and a set of selection inputs, typically referred to as “selection lines,” which determine which of the input lines is transmitted to the output line. The number of selection lines determines the number of input lines that can be selected. For example, a 2-to-1 multiplexer has two input lines and one selection line, while a 4-to-1 multiplexer has four input lines and two selection lines.

The truth table for a 2-to-1 multiplexer is as follows:

Selection Input A Input B Output
0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0
0 1 0 1
0 1 1 1

As can be seen from the truth table, when the selection input is 0, input A is transmitted to the output, while when the selection input is 1, input B is transmitted to the output.

Demultiplexers:

A demultiplexer has a single input line and a set of selection inputs, typically referred to as “selection lines,” which determine which of the output lines the input signal is routed to. The number of selection lines determines the number of output lines that can be selected. For example, a 1-to-2 demultiplexer has one input line and two output lines, while a 1-to-4 demultiplexer has one input line and four output lines.

The truth table for a 1-to-2 demultiplexer is as follows:

Selection Input Output A Output B
0 0 0 0
0 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
1 1 0 1

As can be seen from the truth table, when the selection input is 0, the input signal is routed to output A, while when the selection input is 1, the input signal is routed to output B.

Differences between a MUX and a DEMUX:

Feature Multiplexer (MUX) Demultiplexer (DEMUX)
Function Selects one of several input signals and transmits it to a single output line Receives a single input signal and routes it to one of several output lines
Input Lines Multiple input lines One input line
Output Lines One output line Multiple output lines
Selection Lines The number of selection lines is equal to the logarithm base 2 of the number of input lines The number of selection lines is equal to the logarithm base 2 of the number of output lines
Control Selection lines control which input signal is transmitted Selection lines control which output line the input signal is routed to
Application Used in data communication systems where multiple signals need to be transmitted over a single transmission line Used in memory systems where a single memory block is accessed by multiple processors

11 thoughts on “Multiplexer and Demultiplexer in Computer Organization”

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