Multiplexer

In electronics, a multiplexer (or mux; spelled sometimes as multiplexor), also known as a data selector, is a device that selects between several analog or digital input signals and forwards the selected input to a single output line.^[1] The selection is directed by a separate set of digital inputs known as select lines. A multiplexer of ${\displaystyle 2^{n}}$ inputs has ${\displaystyle n}$ select lines, which are used to select which input line to send to the output.^[2]

A multiplexer makes it possible for several input signals to share one device or resource, for example, one analog-to-digital converter or one communications transmission medium, instead of having one device per input signal. Multiplexers can also be used to implement Boolean functions of multiple variables.

Conversely, a demultiplexer (or demux) is a device taking a single input and selecting signals of the output of the compatible mux, which is connected to the single input, and a shared selection line. A multiplexer is often used with a complementary demultiplexer on the receiving end.^[1]

An electronic multiplexer can be considered as a multiple-input, single-output switch, and a demultiplexer as a single-input, multiple-output switch.^[3] The schematic symbol for a multiplexer is an isosceles trapezoid with the longer parallel side containing the input pins and the short parallel side containing the output pin.^[4] The schematic on the right shows a 2-to-1 multiplexer on the left and an equivalent switch on the right. The ${\displaystyle sel}$ wire connects the desired input to the output.