Introduction to EECS (Week 6 Handouts)

Decoders and Multiplexers

Objective

Understand and Analyze Decoders & Multiplexers, synthesize a Larger Decoder using smaller ones.
Practical application and Function implementation using them.

Decoder is a combinational circuit that has ‘n’ input lines and maximum of 2n output lines. One of these
outputs will be active High based on the combination of inputs present, when the decoder is enabled.
That means decoder detects a particular code. The outputs of the decoder are nothing but the min terms
of ‘n’ input variables (lines), when it is enabled.

Larger Sized Decoder using smaller decoder (Figure Left), Inside a Decoder (Figure Right)

Applications

When the counter or register continuously pulse the decoder inputs, the outputs will be activated
sequentially. And these outputs can be used as sequencing signals or timing signals to switch the devices
at particular times.

Address Decoders

Amongst its many uses, a decoder is widely used to decode the particular memory location in the
computer memory system. Decoders accept the address code generated by the CPU which is a
combination of address bits for a specific location in the memory.

Instruction Decoder

Another application of the decoder can be found in the control unit of the central processing unit. This
decoder is used to decode the program instructions in order to activate the specific control lines such that
different operations in the ALU of the CPU are carried out.

Multiplexer

Multiplexer (or mux), also known as a data selector, is a device that selects between several input signals
and forwards it to a single output line. A multiplexer of 2n inputs has n select lines, which are used to
select which input line to send to the output. Multiplexers can also be used to implement Boolean
functions of multiple variables.

Applications

Multiplexers are used in various applications wherein multiple-data need to be transmitted by using single
line.

Communication System (Exchange)

A communication system has both a communication network and a transmission system. By using a
multiplexer, the efficiency of the communication system can be increased by allowing the transmission of
data, such as audio and video data from different channels through single lines or cables.

Computer System of a Satellite

Multiplexer is used to transmit the data signals from the computer system of a spacecraft or a satellite to
the ground system (Temperature, Humidity, Information etc.)

Time Multiplexing

A multiplexer is often a time-division multiplexer. Based on some control signal, it takes N signals or signal
groups and selectively feed them into one signal group.

Function Implementation using MUX and Smaller Mux

Implement following function using

𝐹(𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐) = 𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 (2,4,6,7)

a) One 3x8 Decoder and additional gates (if required)
b) Two 2x4 decoders with Enable
c) One 8x1 Multiplexer
d) One 4x1 Multiplexer and additional gates (if required)