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

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 1

  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

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 2

 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.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 3

 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.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 4

 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.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 5

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.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 6

 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.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 7

 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

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 8

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.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 9

Difference between Multiplexer and Demultiplexer

The main difference between multiplexer and demultiplexer is discussed below.

Multiplexer Demultiplexer
A demultiplexer (Demux) is also a combinational
A multiplexer (Mux) is a combinational circuit that circuit that uses single input that can be directed
uses several data inputs to generate a single output. throughout several outputs.
Multiplexer includes several inputs and the single Demultiplexer includes single input and several
output outputs
A multiplexer is a data selector The demultiplexer is a data distributor
It is a digital switch It is a digital circuit
It works on the principle of many to one It works on the principle of one-to-many
The parallel to serial conversion is used in the The serial to parallel conversion is used in
multiplexer Demultiplexer
The multiplexer used in TDM (Time Division The demultiplexer used in TDM (Time Division
Multiplexing is at the end of the transmitter Multiplexing is at the end of the receiver
The multiplexer is called MUX The demultiplexer is called Demux
In this, additional gates are necessary while
It doesn’t use any extra gates while designing designing demux
In Multiplexer, control signals are used to choose the Demultiplexer uses the control signal to permit us
specific input that has to be sent at the output. to include several outputs.
The multiplexer is used to improve the efficiency of Demultiplexer gets the o/p signals from the Mux
the communication system using transmission data & changed them to the unique form at the end of
like transmission of audio as well as video. the receiver.
The different types of multiplexers are 8-1 MUX, The different types of demultiplexers are 1-8
16-1 MUX, and 32-1 MUX. Demux, 1-16 Demux, 1-32 Demux.
In multiplexer, the set of selection lines are used to In demultiplexer, the selection of output line can
control the specific input be controlled through n-selection lines bit values.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 10

Key Difference between Multiplexer and Demultiplexer

The key differences between multiplexer and demultiplexer are discussed below.

 The combinational logic circuits like multiplexer and demultiplexer are used within
communication systems however their function is accurately opposite to each other because
one works on multiple inputs whereas the other works on only input.
 Multiplexer or Mux is an N-to-1 device whereas demultiplexer is a 1-to-N device.
 A multiplexer is used to convert several analog or digital signals into a single o/p signal
through different control lines. These control lines can be determined by using this formula
like 2n=r where ‘r’ is the no of i/p signals & ‘n’ is the no of required control lines.
 The data conversion method used in MUX is parallel to serial and it is not difficult to
understand because it uses different inputs. However, DEMUX works quite reverse to MUX
like a serial to parallel conversion. So, the number of outputs can be achieved in this case.
 A demultiplexer is used to convert one i/p signal to several. The number of control signals can
be determined by using the same formula of MUX.
 Both the Mux and Demux are used to transmit the data over a network in less bandwidth. But
multiplexer is used at the transmitter end whereas the Demux is used at the receiver end.

Mrs.P.SUDARMANI,M.Sc,M.Phil., Asst.Prof.in CS SVCSFW,ERODE Page 11