What is IC Analog Multiplexer Chip?

IC Analog Multiplexer Chip is Analog switches that receive more than one analog input and place one of those inputs on the output pin based on the condition of the control pins [which are normally digital controls]. An Analog Multiplexer switches one of many inputs to an output pin based on control bits.

PSE Media Converter

Analog Multiplexer by Function: The circuit shown above is a dual 4-to-1 analog Mux with an output Enable. The control lines are A0 and A1. In some cases the Enable line may be called an Inhibit line.

4-to-1 Analog Multiplexer Chip

Functionality Multiplexer Chips operate just like Analog Switches so the design approach is the same, except for the switch function. In this case the function is a Mux, so the selection is 2-to-1, 4-to-1, 8-to-1 and so on.

8-to-1 Analog Multiplexer Chip

However after that, First select the required switch function. Then select the operational frequency requirements. Next select a part based on the 'on' and 'off' resistance. Finally select the component based on package style. 

As discussed on the Analog Switch page, there are some cases when an analog switch is considered a differential switch. This condition applies to analog multiplexers as well, any time the analog Mux contains pairs of switches controlled by a single control line. The phrase differential switch simply means that a pair of switches is controlled by a single line so that the switches operate as a differential pair. In other words the term just means that a switch has a particular configuration or used in a particular manner; however it does not force the switch to be used as such.

In other words you could select a differential switch but use it as a normal switch or just not use the switch to control a differential signal. At any rate the term is mentioned here because some analog data sheets indicate that a Mux is a differential switch, or could act like one. If your controlling differential signals than the data sheet should indicate the circuit supports that function, otherwise your free to use the chip any way that works in the design.

In some cases a single width mux will also support a differential Mux of half the size. That is a single channel 8 wide Mux may support a 4 wide differential Mux. Although in most cases the differential version will be a companion part, having a different part number. Note that the dual 4-to-1 mux shown at the top of the page uses one control line to control a switch in both the 'A' path and the 'B' path [a differential circuit].

On a side note all analog switches will be specified as operating off either single or dual power supplies, with some components operating off either type. Just another specification to consider when selecting a part, in consideration of the data being switched by the part [Unipolar vs Bipolar signals]. With either option the control signal(s) will almost always be digital, and some form of TTL.

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