Even in our time of high technology, education and knowledge, not every person knows what a multiplexer is. By the way, knowledge is not something very necessary, because this device is used in a narrow circle, but it does not hurt to understand this term (at least just for general development).
So, a multiplexer is a special device equipped with many inputs - signal and control. This device has only one output. It is important that the signal can be transmitted to the output from any of the inputs, for the selection of which a special combination of pulses is used.
In total, there are two types of this device - there are analog and digital multiplexers. The principle of operation for these types is completely different.
Thus, in a digital device, logic levels are copied from the selected input to the output. This type is very easy to use, but not perfect.
But the analog multiplexer is a more complex device. In it, the input and output are connected by electricity, and a voltage is generated, but only a weak one.
It cannot be said that analoga multiplexer, also called a switch, combines two devices at once: this device can perform not only its own function, but also all the actions inherent in demultiplexers. This makes it much more convenient to use.
As the name implies, the last device is the exact opposite of the first - it is able to transmit a signal from the output to one of the inputs. This is possible because an analog multiplexer connects them electrically.
But working with this device is impossible without the help of auxiliary mechanisms. Together with it, a control circuit with addressable and enabling inputs is most often used.
Having figured out what an analog multiplexer is and what it consists of, we can talk about the most important thing - about its purpose. This device is used to convert binary code - parallel to serial and vice versa. Simply put, it switches signals.
This device works quite simply: it independently determines which of the inputs should be connected to the output using the number of the first and the binary code of the second - they must match each other. And the scheme with address codes helps a person to track the operation of the device.
This is done quite simply, given that any analog multiplexer has the same input designation.
So, for example, if the address input has the code "00", then the signalat the output will be equal to that at the input, indicated by zero, the code "01" indicates a signal from the first input, and "10" - from the second. The reader can continue on their own.
It remains only to give an example that speaks of the need to use this device in life.
Assume that the subject has some four objects that transmit signals, and the existing device can "read" only one of them. In this case, a multiplexer is built into its board, which itself selects the only suitable one.
