Multiplexers
A multiplexer, abbreviated mux, is a device that has multiple inputs and one output.
The schematic symbol for multiplexers is
![schematic symbol for multiplexers](https://dwma4bz18k1bd.cloudfront.net/textbooks/v4c9-schematic-symbol-for-multiplexers.png)
The truth table for a 2-to-1 multiplexer is
![2-to-1 multiplexer truth table](https://dwma4bz18k1bd.cloudfront.net/textbooks/v4c9-2-to-1-multiplexer-truth-table.png)
Using a 1-to-2 decoder as part of the circuit, we can express this circuit easily.
![multiplexer 1-to-2 decoder as par of the circuit](https://dwma4bz18k1bd.cloudfront.net/textbooks/v4c9-multiplexer-1-to-2-decoder-as-part-of-the-circuit-01.png)
![multiplexer 1-to-2 decoder as par of the circuit](https://dwma4bz18k1bd.cloudfront.net/textbooks/v4c9-multiplexer-1-to-2-decoder-as-part-of-the-circuit-02.png)
Multiplexers can also be expanded with the same naming conventions as demultiplexers. A 4-to-1 multiplexer circuit is
![4-to-1 multiplexer circuit](https://dwma4bz18k1bd.cloudfront.net/textbooks/v4c9-4-to-1-multiplexer-circuit.png)
That is the formal definition of a multiplexer. Informally, there is a lot of confusion. Both demultiplexers and multiplexers have similar names, abbreviations, schematic symbols and circuits, so confusion is easy. The term multiplexer, and the abbreviation mux, are often used to also mean a demultiplexer, or a multiplexer and a demultiplexer working together. So when you hear about a multiplexer, it may mean something quite different.
Lessons In Electric Circuits copyright (C) 2000-2020 Tony R. Kuphaldt, under the terms and conditions of the CC BY License.
See the Design Science License (Appendix 3) for details regarding copying and distribution.
Revised November 06, 2021
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