Multiplexer

From ArticleWorld

A multiplexer is a device that combines data from two or more sources and encodes it in such a way that it can be sent across in a single channel. The use of a multiplexer is especially important in situations where it would be both difficult and expensive to implement independent channels for every source of data.

Mux and DeMux

In the domain of electronics, the task of the multiplexer revolves around the act of combining several electrical signals and coming up with a solitary signal. A demultiplexer is normally required to split the multiplexed signal back into the original streams of data that can be appropriately put to use. Both the multiplexer and demultiplexer may be provided in a single piece of equipment referred to as “multiplexer”. A good example of such devices being used is in the creation of telemetry. This technology involves the transmission of signals from the computer system of a satellite or unmanned aerial vehicle to an installation on the ground.

Digital signal processing

Multiplexers are also important in the field of digital signal processing (DSP), where a number of independent streams of digital data are combined together to give rise to a single data stream. This new data stream has a higher data rate. Thus, with the establishment of a single physical link to transfer multiple data streams, there is a great saving in cost.