Multiplexer

A multiplexer, also known as a mux, is a device used in telecommunications and data transmission systems. It is part of the supply class "Miscellaneous Communication Equipment" in the supply group "Communication, Detection, And Coherent Radiation Equipment."

A multiplexer is responsible for combining multiple input signals into a single output signal. It allows multiple data streams to be transmitted over a single communication channel, thereby maximizing the utilization of the channel's capacity.

In telecommunications, multiplexers are commonly used in digital transmission systems, such as TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) and FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing). TDM multiplexers divide the available bandwidth into time slots, allowing multiple signals to be transmitted sequentially. FDM multiplexers divide the available bandwidth into different frequency bands, allowing multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously.

Multiplexers can also be used in networking applications, where they are used to combine multiple data streams from different sources into a single data stream for transmission over a network. This helps to optimize network bandwidth and improve efficiency.

Overall, multiplexers play a crucial role in communication systems by enabling the efficient transmission of multiple signals over a single channel.