Module 4

Multiplexing and spreading

Multiplexing is the process of combining multiple signals into one signal, over a shared
medium. If the analog signals are multiplexed, then it is called as analog multiplexing.
Similarly, if the digital signals are multiplexed, then it is called as digital multiplexing.
Multiplexing was first developed in telephony. A number of signals were combined to send
through a single cable. The process of multiplexing divides a communication channel into
several number of logical channels, allotting each one for a different message signal or a data
stream to be transferred. The device that does multiplexing can be called
as Multiplexer or MUX.
The reverse process, i.e., extracting the number of channels from one, which is done at the
receiver is called as de-multiplexing. The device that does de-multiplexing can be called as de-
multiplexer or DEMUX.
The following figures illustrates the concept of MUX and DEMUX. Their primary use is in the
field of communications.

Types of Multiplexers
There are mainly two types of multiplexers, namely analog and digital. They are further divided
into Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), and
Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). The following figure gives a detailed idea about this
classification.

There are many types of multiplexing techniques. Out of which, we have the main types with
general classification, mentioned in the above figure. Let us take a look at them individually.
Analog Multiplexing
The signals used in analog multiplexing techniques are analog in nature. The analog signals are
multiplexed according to their frequency (FDM) or wavelength (WDM).
Frequency Division Multiplexing
In this, a number of signals are transmitted at the same time, and each source transfers its signals
in the allotted frequency range. There is a suitable frequency gap between the 2 adjacent signals
to avoid over-lapping. Since the signals are transmitted in the allotted frequencies so this
decreases the probability of collision. The frequency spectrum is divided into several logical
channels, in which every user feels that they possess a particular bandwidth. A number of signals
are sent simultaneously at the same time allocating separate frequency bands or channels to each
signal. It is used in radio and TV transmission. Therefore to avoid interference between two
successive channels Guard bands are used.
Example − A traditional television transmitter, which sends a number of channels through a
single cable uses FDM.

Application of FDM:
In the first generation of mobile phones, FDM was used.
The use of FDM in television broadcasting
FDM is used to broadcast FM and AM radio frequencies.
2. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM):
This happens when the data transmission rate of media is greater than that of the source, and
each signal is allotted a definite amount of time. These slots are so small that all transmissions
appear to be parallel. In frequency division multiplexing all the signals operate at the same time
with different frequencies, but in time-division multiplexing, all the signals operate with the
same frequency at different times.
It is of the following types:
1. Synchronous TDM:
The time slots are pre-assigned and fixed. This slot is even given if the source is not ready with
data at this time. In this case, the slot is transmitted empty. It is used for multiplexing digitized
voice streams.

2. Asynchronous (or statistical) TDM:

The slots are allocated dynamically depending on the speed of the source or their ready state. It
dynamically allocates the time slots according to different input channels’ needs, thus saving the
channel capacity.

Advantages of Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM):

Efficient Use of Bandwidth: FDM allows multiple signals to be transmitted over a single
communication channel, which can lead to more efficient use of available bandwidth.
No Time Synchronization Required: FDM does not require precise time synchronization
between the transmitting and receiving devices, making it easier to implement.
Low Implementation Cost: FDM is a relatively simple technique that does not require
sophisticated hardware or software, making it less expensive to implement.
Disadvantages of Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM):
Limited Capacity: FDM is limited in terms of the number of signals that can be transmitted
over a single communication channel, which can be a disadvantage in applications where a large
number of signals need to be transmitted.
Interference: FDM can be susceptible to interference from other signals transmitted on nearby
frequencies, which can degrade the quality of the transmitted signals.
Difficulty in Assigning Frequencies: FDM requires careful assignment of frequencies to different
signals to avoid interference, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Advantages of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM):
High Capacity: TDM can support a large number of signals over a single communication
channel, making it ideal for applications where many signals need to be transmitted.
Simple Implementation: TDM is a relatively simple technique that is easy to implement, making
it a cost-effective solution for many applications.
Precise Time Synchronization: TDM requires precise time synchronization between the
transmitting and receiving devices, which can help ensure accurate transmission of signals.
Disadvantages of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM):
Inefficient Use of Bandwidth: TDM may not make optimal use of available bandwidth, as time
slots may be left unused if there are no signals to transmit during a particular time slot.
High Implementation Cost: TDM requires sophisticated hardware or software to ensure precise
time synchronization between the transmitting and receiving devices, making it more expensive
to implement than FDM.
Vulnerable to Timing Jitter: TDM can be vulnerable to timing jitter, which can occur when the
timing of the transmitting and receiving devices drifts out of sync, leading to errors in the
transmission of signals.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing
Wavelength Division multiplexing (WDM) is an analog technique, in which many data streams
of different wavelengths are transmitted in the light spectrum. If the wavelength increases, the
frequency of the signal decreases. A prism, which can turn different wavelengths into a single
line, can be used at the output of MUX and input of DEMUX.
Example − Optical fiber communications use WDM technique, to merge different wavelengths
into a single light for communication.
Digital Multiplexing
The term digital represents the discrete bits of information. Hence, the available data is in the
form of frames or packets, which are discrete.
De-Multiplexer
De-multiplexers are used to connect a single source to multiple destinations. This process is the
reverse process of multiplexing. As mentioned previously, it is used mostly at the receivers.
DEMUX has many applications. It is used in receivers in the communication systems. It is used
in arithmetic and logical unit in computers to supply power and to pass on communication, etc.
De-multiplexers are used as serial to parallel converters. The serial data is given as input to
DEMUX at regular interval and a counter is attached to it to control the output of the de-
multiplexer.
Both the multiplexers and de-multiplexers play an important role in communication systems,
both at the transmitter and the receiver sections.
General Block Diagram Of A DEMUX

Truth Table Of A 1X4 DEMUX

A 1x4 DEMUX has only one input which is denoted as I. There are two selection lines i.e. S1
and S0. At last, the DEMUX has output lines including Y3, Y2, Y1 &Y0. Here is the 1x4
DEMUX with diagram as mentioned below.

Now let us discuss the truth table of the 1x4 DEMUX as mentioned below.
Selection Inputs Outputs
0 0 0 0 0 I

0 1 0 1 1 0
1 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 0 0