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 |
3 Operation of Multiplexers and Signal Switches
| Absolute maximum ratings — These are stress ratings only, which do not imply functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated under the Recommended Operating Conditions. Exposure to absolute-maximum-rated conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability. Stresses beyond those listed under the Absolute Maximum Rating may cause permanent damage to the device. | |
| Recommended operating conditions — The operating conditions for which the device has been characterized. | |
| Single power supply — Device with only positive power supply pins with reference to ground. The voltage applied is labeled as VDD, VCC, V+ and so forth. Dual power supply — Device with positive and negative supply pins with reference to ground. Voltage applied at the positive pin is labeled as VDD, VCC, V+, and so forth, and at the negative pin is labeled as VSS, VEE, V-, and so forth. |  Figure 3-1 Single and Dual Supply |
Switch control signal levels (VIH, VIL) — Voltage levels required on the control pins (EN, SEL, IN, and so forth) required for the switch to change the internal signal path.
|  Figure 3-2 Switch Control Signal Levels |
| Rail-to-rail — A common term meaning that a device will support VI/O voltage range between the most positive and most negative power supply rails. |  Figure 3-3 Rail-to-Rail |
| Input/Output voltage beyond supply – The switch can support voltage range beyond the supply rail to VI/O(MAX)as indicated by the recommended operating conditions. |  Figure 3-4 I/O Voltage Beyond Supply |
| Bidirectional signal path – The switch conducts equally well from source (S) to drain (D) or from drain (D) to source (S). Each channel has very similar characteristics in both directions and supports both analog and digital signals. TI analog switches and multiplexers are typically bidirectional. See the Switches and muxes: Are switches & multiplexers bidirectional? training video from TI Precision Labs. |  Figure 3-5 Bidirectional Signal Path |
