4 August 2019

Difference between decoder and demultiplexer

The key difference between a decoder and demultiplexer is that the former is a logic circuit that decrypted an encoded bitstream from one format into another, while the latter is a combination circuit that routes a single input line to multiple digital output line. Let us have a deep insight into the difference between decoder and demultiplexer. 

Difference : 
  • The decoder is a logic circuit that decodes an encrypted input stream from one format to another while DEMUX is a combination circuit that used to implement general-purpose logic. It routes a single input signal to one of many output signals.
  • The decoder is the inverse function of an encoder, which is translate coded digital input signals into equivalent coded output signals while DEMUX, on the other hand, does exactly the opposite of what a multiplexer does, which is to consolidate several data streams into a single stream of media or information.
  • The decoder does not include select line while it is included in the demultiplexer.
  • A decoder is used in the machine-specific language to change the instruction format while a routing device is used in the demultiplexer to route data from one signal to multiple signals.
  • Decoding is employed data-intensive applications where data need to be changed into another form while demultiplexing is majorly implemented in the networking application.
  • The decoder is generally categorized into 2 to 4 decoders, 3 to 8 decoders and 4 to 16 decoder while demultiplexer, on the other hand, is classified into 1-4 demultiplexers, 1-8 demultiplexer, and 1-16 demultiplexer.
  • The decoder takes n input lines and produces 2^n out[ut lines, unlike an encoder which takes 2^n input lines and produces n output line whereas a demultiplexer transmits data from one line to 2^n  possible output lines, where the output line is determined by n select lines.
  • Both multiplexer and demultiplexer are widely used in communication systems such as telecommunication and networking solutions. It receives the output signal from the multiplexer and converts it back into the original format. The decoder is used in a variety of applications such as wireless communication, data demultiplexing, memory address decoding and many more.
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