A demultiplexer, commonly abbreviated as DEMUX, is a digital circuit that performs the opposite function of a multiplexer (MUX). While a multiplexer takes multiple input signals and selects one of them to be routed to a single output line, a demultiplexer takes a single input and distributes it to one of several possible output lines based on the control signals it receives.
The primary role of a demultiplexer is to distribute data from a single source to multiple destinations. It acts as a data distributor, enabling information to be sent to one of several target locations. Each output line of the demultiplexer represents a distinct destination or channel.
Demultiplexers are commonly used in various applications, such as:
Data routing: In communication systems, a demultiplexer takes a composite data stream and distributes it to different channels or users. For example, in a telecommunications network, incoming data from a single line might be separated and sent to various devices or connections.
Memory addressing: Demultiplexers can be used to select specific memory locations in digital systems. The input to the DEMUX provides the address information, and the control signals determine which memory location is being accessed.
Signal decoding: In digital electronics, a demultiplexer is frequently used to decode binary-encoded data. It takes a binary input and enables a specific output corresponding to that binary value.
Display systems: In certain display applications, like multiplexed 7-segment displays, a demultiplexer is used to select which individual segment to activate based on the input.
The control signals of the demultiplexer determine which output line will receive the input data. The number of output lines in a demultiplexer is typically determined by the number of bits in the control input, which corresponds to the number of possible destinations or channels.
In summary, a demultiplexer plays a vital role in data distribution by allowing a single input to be directed to one of multiple output lines, enabling efficient and controlled data routing in digital systems.