What does multiplexed mean?
Multiplexed describes a system or process in which several signals, data streams, or communication channels are combined and interleaved so that they can share one transmission route. The technique is used in telecommunications, digital broadcasting, computer networking, and electronics to make limited bandwidth more efficient. For example, one physical cable or radio transmission may carry several distinct television channels, telephone conversations, or data streams. The term is especially associated with digital compression and time-division multiplexing, in which each signal receives a share of the available path. In ordinary conversation it is uncommon and may sound highly technical. “Multiplexed” can function either as an adjective describing the resulting arrangement or as the past tense and past participle of “multiplex,” describing the act of combining multiple channels into one.
Relating to or involving multiple signals, channels, or data streams combined or interleaved over a shared transmission path.
"The device separates the multiplexed signal into four independent feeds."
Chiefly used in telecommunications, broadcasting, electronics, and computing.
To combine or interleave multiple signals, channels, or data streams so that they can share a transmission path.
"The encoder multiplexes the audio and video data into a single stream."
The third-person singular present form is “multiplexes”; the gerund is “multiplexing.”
Multiplexing turns one shared communication route into a highway for several signals at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multiplexed come from?
The word comes through English “multiplex,” a borrowing of Latin multiplex, meaning “multiple” or “manifold.” Latin multiplex was formed from multus, “many,” and plexus, “interlaced” or “intertwined,” the same source of words such as plexus and complex. The modern technical sense developed through the idea of sending several communications simultaneously over a shared route.
Related word forms
How multiplexed is actually used
Chiefly technical and common in telecommunications, broadcasting, electronics, and computing. In formal technical writing, “multiplexed” is typically used attributively, as in “multiplexed signal,” while the verb form is used for the action of combining channels.
Easily confused with multiplexed
Multiplex is the base adjective, noun, and verb, while multiplexed specifically describes a result or process involving the combining of multiple signals or channels.
A multiplexer is a device that combines multiple input signals or channels; multiplexed is an adjective or verb form describing that operation or its result.