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MUX vs DEMUX | Difference between MUX and DEMUX

This page on MUX(Multiplexer) vs DEMUX(De-Multiplexer) covers basics of MUX and DEMUX and also mention difference between MUX(Multiplexer) and DEMUX(De-Multiplexer).


As we know multiplexer is a device or chip which selects one output of multiple input lines. The input line which need to be selected is provided as soft input to the selection lines.

If there are 8 input lines, selection lines are equal to 3. This is due to the fact that:
number of input lines = 2n,
Where n =no of selection lines

The left side of figure-1, depicts 4 to 1 multiplexer. Here any one of the input lines (from a, b, c, d) is available at output line (Z) based on data programmed at selection lines Sel(0,1).

Figure-1 MUX DEMUX Process


The demultiplexer does the reverse function of the multiplexer. It routes one signal input line to any one of the multiple output lines available at the output. The right side of figure-1, depicts 1 to 4 demultiplexer.

Here input line 'a' can be available on any one of the four output lines (Y). Which output line is selected is determined based on data available at two 'sel' lines.

Earlier days of telephone switching was as per this principle. Now-a-days, this logic can be easily programmed in VHDL or Verilog and the code can be ported on FPGA device as per any logic needed.

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