Multiplexing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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multiplexing
[mʌl.tɪˈplɛks.ɪŋ ]
Definition
communication technology
Multiplexing is a method used in communications technology to send multiple signals over a single channel or medium. This process optimizes the use of available bandwidth by allowing the simultaneous transmission of various data streams. There are different types of multiplexing including Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) and Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), each serving specific purposes. As a result, multiplexing enables efficient data sharing and reduces the need for multiple communication lines.
Synonyms
data combining, signal merging.
Examples of usage
- Data is sent using multiplexing in fiber optic cables.
- Television signals are transmitted through multiplexing techniques.
- Telecommunications devices often utilize multiplexing for efficient data transfer.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Technology
- In telecommunications, multiplexing allows different phone calls to share the same line, improving efficiency.
- There are several types of multiplexing, including time-division and frequency-division, each with unique benefits.
- The technology supports everything from streaming online videos to connecting devices in smart homes.
Pop Culture
- Multiplexing is often reflected in cinema, where a multiplex theater shows several films at the same time, catering to different audiences.
- In video gaming, multiplexing allows multiple players to connect to the same server and compete or cooperate simultaneously.
- Popular TV services use multiplexing as a way to broadcast multiple channels over the same frequency, leading to fine-tuned viewership experiences.
Science
- In biology, multiplexing techniques can help in analyzing multiple genetic sequences simultaneously, enhancing research efficiency.
- In environmental science, this approach helps to gather data from various sensors at once, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of ecosystems.
- In chemistry, multiplexing facilitates simultaneous testing of multiple samples in experiments, speeding up the research process.
Origin of 'multiplexing'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'multiplex' comes from Latin, where 'multi' means 'many' and 'plex' means 'to fold'.
- It was first used in the late 19th century to describe a system that allows multiple signals to share one wire.
- The concept has evolved from early telephone systems to include modern data and video transmission.
The word 'multiplexing' originated from the Latin root 'multiplex', meaning 'many-fold' or 'multiple', combined with the English suffix '-ing' to denote the action of the process. Its usage in telecommunications began to gain prominence in the 1960s, coinciding with advancements in electronic communication technologies. The concept of combining multiple signals into one has evolved significantly, becoming a fundamental principle in modern transmission methods. As technology developed and the need for efficient data transmission rose, multiplexing became crucial in various fields, including telecommunications, broadcasting, and networking. This evolution reflects the ongoing pursuit of maximizing resource use in communication systems.