APPLICATION NOTE
Multiplexers and Signal Switches Glossary
1 About This Multiplexers and Signal Switches Glossary
This glossary provides a brief overview and introduction to the terminology, features, and parameters for TI'smultiplexers and signal switches for analog signal chain applications. The entire signal switches and multiplexers portfolio can be found at www.ti.com/switches.
For components used to manage power rails and for applications that require a switch current of greater than 500mA, TI offers a power switch and power multiplexer portfolio which can each be found at www.ti.com/powerswitch.
2 Introduction to Multiplexers and Signal Switches
| Signal switch — An integrated circuit (IC) used for connecting and disconnecting an electrical circuit. For more information, see the Switches and muxes: What are switches & multiplexers? training video from TI Precision Labs. |  Figure 2-1 Ideal 1:1 SPST Switch |
| Multiplexer (Mux) — An integrated circuit that connects a selected signal path to a single line. |  Figure 2-2 Ideal 4:1 Mux |
Analog switches and multiplexers — These devices are used for switching and multiplexing analog and digital signals up to 500 mA in applications such as:
| |
| Protocol-specific switches and multiplexers — These devices are defined to support specific protocol applications such as USB, HDMI, LAN, MIPI, audio, memory and so forth. | |
| Precision — These devices minimize offset error and signal distortion in a high-accuracy measurement system. | |
| Protection — These devices isolate I/O signal paths and protect the system using powered-off, overvoltage and undershoot protection. | |
| Low voltage — These devices support I/O signals ≤ ±25 V | |
| Mid voltage — These devices support I/O signals > ±25 V | |
| Configuration — Defines the number of signals that can be selected. Table 2-1 shows the typical configurations. | |
| Channel — Defines the number of configurations (circuits) in a single device. Table 2-1 shows the 1- and 2- channel configurations, but the number of channels may exceed 2. | |
Table 2-1 Configurations and Channels
| 1-Channel | 2-Channel | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | 1:1 |  |  |
| 2:1 |  |  | |
| 3:1 |  | ||
| 4:1 |  |  | |
| Configuration | 8:1 |  |  |
| Configuration | 16:1 | N/A |
