In digital systems, one common application of a multiplexer (MUX) is to route multiple parallel data lines onto a single shared path. Which task does a digital multiplexer directly facilitate for data handling?

Introduction / Context:
A digital multiplexer (MUX) is a combinational logic device that selects one of many inputs and forwards it to a single output line. This selection is controlled by binary select inputs. Understanding the core function of a MUX helps explain how parallel data can efficiently share a single channel, a pattern seen in communication buses and serializer stages.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• There are N data inputs and one output.
• Log2(N) select lines choose which input reaches the output at any instant.
• Selection can be changed each clock or control interval.

Concept / Approach:
A multiplexer performs input selection. If we have several parallel bits or channels that need to traverse a single wire or path, a MUX can time-division-route each input sequentially to the output. Paired with a clocked control sequence, this creates a serial stream that represents the original parallel words, i.e., a parallel-to-serial conversion. A demultiplexer or serial-to-parallel register on the receiving end can reconstruct the parallel word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Let inputs be D0..D7 and select lines S2..S0.At time t0, set S=000 so output Y=D0.At time t1, set S=001 so Y=D1; continue cycling through selects.Collecting Y over time yields a serial sequence [D0,D1,...,D7], implementing parallel-to-serial conversion.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard serializer circuits use a MUX to step through bit positions under control of a counter or shift-register based state machine, confirming that a MUX implements the selection needed for serialization.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Code conversion: Typically done by dedicated encoders/decoders or ROMs, not a plain MUX alone.
• Parity checking: Uses XOR trees, not selection logic.
• Data generation: Requires counters/LFSRs, not just a selector.
• ECC: Needs specialized encoders/decoders beyond simple multiplexing.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing a MUX with an encoder; an encoder reduces many active lines to a binary code, while a MUX passes one selected line.
• Forgetting the role of the clock/control to make the serialization deterministic and synchronous.

Final Answer:
parallel-to-serial data conversion