An **8-to-1 multiplexer** (8:1 MUX) is an integrated circuit (IC) that selects one of 8 input signals and forwards the selected input to the output based on 3 control or select lines. This IC allows you to manage multiple signals and pass only one at a time based on the control bits.
One commonly used IC for an 8:1 MUX is the **74HC157** or **74LS157**, which is a part of the **74-series of logic chips** from Texas Instruments (or other manufacturers like Fairchild, etc.).
Here are some characteristics and details:
- **74HC157** is an 8-input multiplexer IC with a high-speed CMOS logic family.
- **74LS157** is a similar multiplexer IC in the **Low Power Schottky** logic family.
These ICs will have 8 data inputs, 3 select inputs, and one output. The select lines determine which of the 8 input data lines gets passed to the output.
You can find this multiplexer IC in many different packages such as **DIP (Dual in-line package)**, **SMD**, etc. There are also other 8:1 MUX ICs that might fit specific needs, depending on the logic family and electrical characteristics you're working with.