DEMULTIPLEXER Meaning and
Definition
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A demultiplexer, often abbreviated as demux, is an electronic device used in digital circuits and communication systems. It is primarily designed to perform the opposite function of a multiplexer, which is to take a single input and distribute it to multiple outputs.
In essence, a demultiplexer is responsible for the selection and routing of signals to their respective destination paths. It takes input from a single shared line and routes it to one of several output lines based on the specified control signals. The number of output lines is typically determined by the binary logarithm of the number of control signals.
A demultiplexer operates by decoding the binary control signals received at the input to determine the specific output to connect. The selected output line receives the copy of the input signal while all other outputs remain idle. Demultiplexers are commonly used in various applications, such as digital circuits, data transmission, telecommunications, and computer networks.
Moreover, demultiplexers are crucial components in the design of complex systems, as they enable the efficient distribution and routing of signals. They are instrumental in multiplexing and demultiplexing data streams, allowing for effective data transmission and reception across multiple channels. Overall, demultiplexers play a vital role in digital communication systems by demultiplexing signals and directing them to their intended destinations.
Etymology of DEMULTIPLEXER
The word "demultiplexer" is derived from two components: "de-" and "multiplexer".
1. "De-" is a prefix used to indicate a reversal or undoing of something. In this context, it implies the opposite or inverse of a multiplexer.
2. "Multiplexer" is a combination of "multi-" and "plexer".
- "Multi-" is a prefix that means multiple or many.
- "Plexer" is derived from the word "plex", which comes from the Latin word "plexus", meaning "weave" or "twist".
Therefore, "demultiplexer" refers to a device or circuit that separates a multiplexed signal into its original individual components or channels.
