Sizing the control interface for an 8-to-1 multiplexer: An eight-line (8:1) multiplexer requires how many data inputs and how many select inputs to address them uniquely?
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Afour data inputs and three select inputs
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Beight data inputs and two select inputs
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Ceight data inputs and three select inputs
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Deight data inputs and four select inputs
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Esixteen data inputs and four select inputs
Answer
Correct Answer: eight data inputs and three select inputs
Explanation
Introduction / Context:A multiplexer (MUX) selects one of N data inputs based on a binary address applied to its select lines. Determining the required number of select pins is a straightforward application of binary addressing, yet it is a frequent source of simple design errors when scaling channel counts.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target device: 8:1 MUX (eight inputs, one output).
- Binary addressing: k select lines can uniquely address up to 2^k inputs.
- No additional enable line is assumed in the count of “select lines.”
Concept / Approach:To choose among eight inputs uniquely, the address space must cover 8 states. Since 2^3 = 8, exactly three select inputs are needed. The MUX also, by definition, has eight data inputs (D0–D7). Therefore, an 8:1 multiplexer has eight data inputs and three select inputs. This mapping generalizes: an N:1 MUX needs log2(N) select lines, rounded up to the next integer when N is not a power of two.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Compute number of selects: find k such that 2^k ≥ 8 → k = 3.List interface: data inputs D0…D7 (eight total) plus select inputs S2 S1 S0 (three total).Confirm uniqueness: each 3-bit code selects exactly one of the eight inputs.Verification / Alternative check:Examine common parts like the 74151: it is an 8:1 MUX with three select lines (S2 S1 S0) and one enable. The enable does not change the addressing requirement; it only gates the output, confirming the count of three select inputs for eight data inputs.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Four data inputs: describes a 4:1 MUX, not 8:1.Two select inputs: 2^2 = 4, insufficient to address eight inputs.Four select inputs: 2^4 = 16, more than required for eight inputs.Sixteen data inputs: describes a 16:1 MUX, not 8:1.Common Pitfalls:Confusing enable/strobe pins with select pins, and miscounting required select lines by forgetting the log2(N) relationship.
Final Answer:eight data inputs and three select inputs