Regarding demultiplexers (DeMUX) in digital electronics, which statement best describes their typical data-routing function?

Introduction / Context:
A demultiplexer (DeMUX) is the conceptual inverse of a multiplexer. Whereas a MUX funnels multiple inputs to a single output, a DeMUX takes a single input and routes it to one of many outputs based on select lines. Mastering this relationship is foundational for data distribution, memory addressing, and bus steering.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• One data input line.
• Multiple output lines.
• Log2(N) select lines determine which output is active.

Concept / Approach:
A DeMUX implements controlled data distribution: data_in appears at exactly one of the N outputs at a time. This makes it ideal for tasks like writing to one of many registers or enabling one device on a shared line. In practice, address decoders used for memory chip selection behave as demultiplexers that assert a single chip-enable line among many.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Let input be D and outputs Y0..Y7 with selects S2..S0.When S=101, the DeMUX drives Y5 with D; all other Yk are inactive.Changing S redirects the same single input to a different output line as needed.Thus, the function is single input routed to one of many outputs.

Verification / Alternative check:
Truth tables of 1-to-4 or 1-to-8 DeMUX ICs confirm that exactly one output follows the input for any select code, validating the description.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Decimal to hexadecimal / parity conversions: These are code conversions performed by encoders/decoders, not DeMUX routing.
• AC to DC: Power conversion, not a logic routing function.
• Parallel-to-parallel conversion: May be achieved by decoders/ROMs, not the core DeMUX behavior.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming multiple outputs are driven simultaneously; a DeMUX selects exactly one (unless specifically designed for multiple enables).
• Confusing enable polarity and output active levels (active-high vs active-low).

Final Answer:
single input, multiple outputs