Analog multiplexer - what is it?

Even in our time of high technology, education and knowledge, not everyone knows what a multiplexer is. By the way, knowledge is not something that is very necessary, because this device is used in a narrow circle, but to understand this term will not hurt (even if just for general development).

So, a multiplexer is a special device equipped with many inputs - signal and control. The output of this device is only one. Of great importance is the fact that the signal can be transmitted to the output from any of the inputs, for which a special combination of pulses is used.

In total there are two types of this device - they allocate analog and digital multiplexer. The principle of operation of these types is completely different.

So, in the digital device from the selected input to the output logical levels are copied. 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, with a voltage, but only a weak one.

One can not help saying that the analog multiplexer, also called a switch, combines two devices at once: this device can perform not only its own function, but also all the actions peculiar to demultiplexers. This makes it much more convenient to use.

As can be understood by name, the last device is the direct opposite of the first - it is able to transmit a signal from the output to one of the inputs. This is possible due to the fact that the analog multiplexer connects them using electricity.

But work with this device is impossible without the aid of auxiliary mechanisms. Together with it the control scheme with address and resolving inputs is most often used.

Having dealt with what an analog multiplexer is and what it consists of, you can talk about the most important thing - 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 connect to the output using the first and binary code of the second one - they must match each other. A scheme with address codes helps a person to monitor the work of the device.

This is done quite simply, considering that any analog multiplexer has the same designation of the inputs.

So, for example, if the address input has the code "00", then the output signal will be equal to that at the input denoted by zero, the code "01" indicates the signal from the first input, and "10" - from the second. Continue the reader can independently.

It remains only to give an example, talking about the need to use this device in life.

Suppose a 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 chooses the only suitable one.