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Demultiplexers

🧠 Introduction

A Demultiplexer (DEMUX) is a combinational logic circuit that takes a single input and routes it to one of many outputs, depending on the select lines.

👉 You can think of it as the reverse of a multiplexer:

  • MUX: Many inputs → One output
  • DEMUX: One input → Many outputs

Thus, a Demultiplexer is also known as a “data distributor.”


ðŸŽŊ Purpose of Demultiplexer

  • To transmit a single data input to one of the many outputs.
  • Used where one source needs to be connected to multiple destinations at different times.

⚙ïļ Working Principle

  • It has one input line, n selection lines, and 2âŋ output lines.
  • The selection lines decide which output line gets the input signal.

🛠ïļ Basic Structure

No. of OutputsNo. of Select LinesExample
211×2 DEMUX
421×4 DEMUX
831×8 DEMUX
1641×16 DEMUX

General Rule:

For m outputs, we need n selection lines, where m = 2âŋ.


📈 Block Diagram of a Demultiplexer

Input: Data (D)
|
Select Lines (S₀, S₁, ..., Sn)
|
[ DEMUX ]
/ | \
Outputs: O₀ O₁ ... On
  • Only one output is active at a time, depending on the select line combination.

📑 Example: 1×4 Demultiplexer

  • Input: D
  • Select Lines: S₁, S₀
  • Outputs: Y₀, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃

Truth Table:

S₁S₀Active Output
00Y₀ = D
01Y₁ = D
10Y₂ = D
11Y₃ = D

✅ Only one output carries the input signal D, others remain 0.


ðŸ§Đ Circuit Diagram of 1×4 DEMUX

Logical Expressions:

Y₀ = D ⋅ ®S₁ ⋅ ®S₀
Y₁ = D ⋅ ®S₁ ⋅ S₀
Y₂ = D ⋅ S₁ ⋅ ®S₀
Y₃ = D ⋅ S₁ ⋅ S₀

where:

  • (⋅) = AND
  • (ÂŽ) = NOT (inverted)

🧠 Important Points

  • Only one output is activated at a time based on select inputs.
  • Others remain inactive (0).
  • It is mainly used for data distribution.

🌟 Applications of Demultiplexer

ApplicationHow it’s used
Data RoutingDistributing data from one source to multiple destinations
Communication SystemsChannelizing signals to different channels
Memory ManagementConnecting CPU to memory blocks
Serial-to-Parallel Data ConversionConvert serial data to parallel
Logic CircuitsImplementation of logical expressions

ðŸ”Ĩ Advantages of Demultiplexer

  • Saves wiring when one input needs to reach many outputs.
  • Simplifies design for data distribution systems.
  • Flexible control using selection lines.
  • Efficient for multi-point communication.

ðŸŽŊ Summary

FeatureDemultiplexer
PurposeDistribute one input to multiple outputs
Input Lines1
Output Lines2âŋ outputs
Control Signalsn select lines
Major Components UsedAND, OR, NOT gates

✏ïļ Example Problem

👉 Design a 1×4 Demultiplexer.

Inputs: D
Select Lines: S₁, S₀

Outputs:

Y₀ = D ⋅ ®S₁ ⋅ ®S₀
Y₁ = D ⋅ ®S₁ ⋅ S₀
Y₂ = D ⋅ S₁ ⋅ ®S₀
Y₃ = D ⋅ S₁ ⋅ S₀

✅ Implement using AND, NOT gates!


ðŸ“Ē Real-Life Analogy

Think of a Demultiplexer like a water tap distributor 🚰:

  • One pipe (input) brings water.
  • The control valve (select line) decides which outlet the water will flow through (output).

📌 Key Differences between MUX and DEMUX

FeatureMultiplexer (MUX)Demultiplexer (DEMUX)
InputsMultiple inputsOne input
OutputsOne outputMultiple outputs
FunctionSelect one inputSelect one output
Also CalledData SelectorData Distributor