The Multiplexer

The Multiplexer

A data selector, more commonly called a Multiplexer, shortened to "Mux" or "MPX", are combinational logic switching devices that operate like a very fast acting multiple position rotary switch. They connect or control, multiple input lines called "channels" consisting of either 2, 4, 8 or 16 individual inputs, one at a time to an output. Then the job of a multiplexer is to allow multiple signals to share a single common output. For example, a single 8-channel multiplexer would connect one of its eight inputs to the single data output. Multiplexers are used as one method of reducing the number of logic gates required in a circuit or when a single data line is required to carry two or more different digital signals.

Digital Multiplexers are constructed from individual analogue switches encased in a single IC package as opposed to the "mechanical" type selectors such as normal conventional switches and relays. Generally, multiplexers have an even number of data inputs, usually an even power of two, n² , a number of "control" inputs that correspond with the number of data inputs and according to the binary condition of these control inputs, the appropriate data input is connected directly to the output. An example of a Multiplexer configuration is shown below.

4-to-1 Channel Multiplexer

The Boolean expression for this 4-to-1 Multiplexer above with inputs A to D and data select lines a, b is given as:

Q = abA + abB + abC + abD

In this example at any one instant in time only ONE of the four analogue switches is closed, connecting only one of the input lines A to D to the single output at Q. As to which switch is closed depends upon the addressing input code on lines "a" and "b", so for this example to select input B to the output at Q, the binary input address would need to be "a" = logic "1" and "b" = logic "0". Adding more control address lines will allow the multiplexer to control more inputs but each control line configuration will connect only ONE input to the output.

Then the implementation of this Boolean expression above using individual logic gates would require the use of seven individual gates consisting of AND, OR and NOT gates as shown.

4 Channel Multiplexer using Logic Gates

The symbol used in logic diagrams to identify a multiplexer is as follows.

Multiplexer Symbol

Multiplexers are not limited to just switching a number of different input lines or channels to one common single output. There are also types that can switch their inputs to multiple outputs and have arrangements or 4 to 2, 8 to 3 or even 16 to 4 etc configurations and an example of a simple Dual channel 4 input multiplexer (4 to 2) is given below:

4-to-2 Channel Multiplexer

Here in this example the 4 input channels are switched to 2 individual output lines but larger arrangements are also possible. This simple 4 to 2 configuration could be used for example, to switch audio signals for stereo pre-amplifiers or mixers.

Adjustable Amplifier Gain

As well as sending parallel data in a serial format down a single transmission line or connection, another possible use of multi-channel multiplexers is in digital audio applications as mixers or where the gain of an analogue amplifier can be controlled digitally, for example.

Digitally Adjustable Amplifier Gain

Here, the voltage gain of the inverting amplifier is dependent upon the ratio between the input resistor, Rin and its feedback resistor, Rf as determined in the Op-amp tutorials. A single 4-channel (Quad) SPST switch configured as a 4-to-1 channel multiplexer is connected in series with the resistors to select any feedback resistor to vary the value of Rf. The combination of these resistors will determine the overall gain of the amplifier, (Av). Then the gain of the amplifier can be adjusted digitally by simply selecting the appropriate resistor combination.

Digital multiplexers are sometimes also referred to as "Data Selectors" as they select the data to be sent to the output line and are commonly used in communications or high speed network switching circuits such as LAN´s and Ethernet applications. Some multiplexer IC´s have a single inverting buffer (NOT Gate) connected to the output to give a positive logic output (logic "1", HIGH) on one terminal and a complimentary negative logic output (logic "0", LOW) on another different terminal.

It is possible to make simple multiplexer circuits from standard AND and OR gates as we have seen above, but commonly multiplexers/data selectors are available as standard i.c. packages such as the common TTL 74LS151 8-input to 1 line multiplexer or the TTL 74LS153 Dual 4-input to 1 line multiplexer. Multiplexer circuits with much higher number of inputs can be obtained by cascading together two or more smaller devices.

The Multiplexer is a very useful combinational device that has its uses in many different applications such as signal routing, data communications and data bus control. When used with a demultiplexer, parallel data can be transmitted in serial form via a single data link such as a fibre-optic cable or telephone line. They can also be used to switch either analogue, digital or video signals, with the switching current in analogue power circuits limited to below 10mA to 20mA per channel in order to reduce heat dissipation.

In the next tutorial about combinational logic devices, we will look at the reverse of the Multiplexer called the Demultiplexer which takes a single input line and connects it to multiple output lines.