What does multiplexer mean?
A multiplexer is a device or circuit that makes efficient use of a shared communication or processing path. In telecommunications, it combines several separate signals or data streams into one channel, often by assigning them different time slots, frequencies, or wavelengths. In electronics and computing, a multiplexer may instead select one of several inputs and connect it to a single output. The opposite operation is performed by a demultiplexer, which separates a combined signal into its original components. The term is also used for software functions that perform the same role logically rather than physically. Multiplexers are important in telephone networks, digital television, computer buses, fiber-optic communication, and many electronic systems, where they allow limited transmission or processing resources to serve multiple users or signals.
nounA device or circuit that combines multiple separate signals or data streams into one transmission channel, or selects one of several inputs to a single output. The term is used especially in telecommunications, electronics, and computing.
- A device that combines multiple signals or data streams into one channel.
- A device that selects among several inputs and routes the selected one to a single output.
- A circuit or software function that enables one communication channel to carry several distinct transmissions.
"The digital multiplexer combines several telephone conversations into a single high-capacity link."
"The time-division multiplexer assigned each voice call a separate slot in the shared transmission."
"A wavelength multiplexer combines signals carried at different optical wavelengths onto a single fiber."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The equipment includes several optical multiplexers for combining separate data streams."
A multiplexer is the traffic junction of digital communication: it funnels many separate signals into one shared route.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multiplexer come from?
The word was formed in the early 20th century from “multiplex,” meaning “having many,” with the agent suffix “-er.” “Multiplex” comes from Latin multiplex, from multus, “many,” and plexus, “woven,” a word related to plectere, “to weave.” The same roots underlie “multiple,” “complex,” and “plexus.”
Related word forms
How multiplexer is actually used
The word is primarily technical. Its precise meaning depends on the field: in telecommunications it commonly combines signals, while in electronics and computing it may select among multiple inputs.
Easily confused with multiplexer
A multiplexer combines several signals into one channel, whereas a demultiplexer separates a combined channel into individual signals.