Define a demultiplexer (DEMUX) and its role in data distribution.
1 Answer
A demultiplexer, often abbreviated as DEMUX, is a digital electronic circuit or device used in the field of digital electronics and telecommunications. Its primary function is to take a single input signal and distribute it to one of multiple output lines based on the control signals it receives. In other words, a demultiplexer takes a single input and directs it to a specific output channel, thus performing the opposite function of a multiplexer (MUX).
A demultiplexer typically has one input line, which carries the data or signal to be distributed, and multiple output lines (usually powers of 2, like 2, 4, 8, etc.), each corresponding to a different destination or receiver. It also has control inputs, known as selection lines or address lines, which determine which output line the input signal will be directed to.
The number of control inputs on a demultiplexer determines the number of possible output channels it can address. For example, if a demultiplexer has n control inputs, it can address 2^n output channels. Each combination of control inputs corresponds to a specific output channel, enabling the demultiplexer to route the input signal to the desired destination.
In summary, a demultiplexer plays a crucial role in data distribution by taking a single input signal and directing it to a specific output channel among multiple options. It finds applications in various digital systems, including communication systems, data routing, memory addressing, and more.
A demultiplexer typically has one input line, which carries the data or signal to be distributed, and multiple output lines (usually powers of 2, like 2, 4, 8, etc.), each corresponding to a different destination or receiver. It also has control inputs, known as selection lines or address lines, which determine which output line the input signal will be directed to.
The number of control inputs on a demultiplexer determines the number of possible output channels it can address. For example, if a demultiplexer has n control inputs, it can address 2^n output channels. Each combination of control inputs corresponds to a specific output channel, enabling the demultiplexer to route the input signal to the desired destination.
In summary, a demultiplexer plays a crucial role in data distribution by taking a single input signal and directing it to a specific output channel among multiple options. It finds applications in various digital systems, including communication systems, data routing, memory addressing, and more.