What is the use of a demultiplexer?

A demultiplexer, often abbreviated as DEMUX, is a crucial component in digital electronics that serves the specific function of taking a single input signal and routing it to one of several outputs based on the state of select lines. This ability to control which output receives the input signal allows for efficient signal distribution in digital circuits.

When a demultiplexer receives an input signal, it utilizes the select lines to determine which output line should be activated. If there are multiple available outputs, the configuration of the select lines directs the input signal to the designated output. This is particularly useful in applications where one source needs to supply multiple destinations without interference, such as in communication systems and data routing.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that do not align with the specific operational characteristics of a demultiplexer. Combining signals into one is typically the role of a multiplexer, while storing data refers to memory elements like registers or RAM. The conversion of signals from digital to analog (or vice versa) pertains to digital-to-analog converters or analog-to-digital converters, not to a demultiplexer.