Yes, the **IC 74155** can indeed be used as a demultiplexer, though with certain caveats. Let's break this down in detail.
### **IC 74155 Overview**
The **IC 74155** is a **dual 4-line to 16-line decoder/demultiplexer**. It has two independent 4-to-16 line decoders on a single chip. This means that the chip is designed to take a 4-bit input and select one of 16 output lines, making it effectively a **demultiplexer**. Each section of the IC can independently demultiplex signals, allowing for more versatile applications.
Hereโs a brief breakdown of the IC's functionality:
- **Inputs**: The IC has a 4-bit binary input (labeled **A, B, C, D**) that selects which one of the 16 output lines (labeled **Y0 to Y15**) will be active.
- **Outputs**: There are 16 output lines, each corresponding to one of the possible combinations of the 4 input bits.
- **Enable**: The IC includes an **enable** input, which is necessary for the outputs to be active. If the enable input is not active, all output lines are deactivated regardless of the input.
### **How Does it Work as a Demultiplexer?**
A **demultiplexer** takes a single input signal and routes it to one of several output lines based on the state of a set of selection lines (in this case, the 4-bit binary input).
In the case of the **74155**, the chip performs this function as follows:
1. You provide a 4-bit binary input to the IC (letโs call it **A, B, C, D**).
2. Based on this input, one of the 16 output lines (Y0 to Y15) will be selected.
3. You can use this selection to route your signal to the corresponding output line, while all other lines remain inactive (usually at logic low, or 0).
### **Example:**
If the 4-bit input is `0011` (binary), this corresponds to the output line **Y3** being active (assuming the chip is enabled). Any signal you input to the IC will be routed to **Y3**, while all other output lines remain inactive.
### **Applications**
As a demultiplexer, the IC 74155 can be used in a variety of applications such as:
- **Data routing**: Routing a single input signal to one of 16 outputs, based on control signals.
- **Address decoding**: In memory systems, where a single address input can select one of many memory locations or peripherals.
- **Control systems**: Where one control signal can trigger multiple actions, based on which output line is selected.
### **Key Points to Consider:**
1. **Two Sections**: The 74155 has two independent 4-to-16 decoders on the same chip, meaning it can provide two demultiplexing functions simultaneously. Each section can be used independently with its own enable and selection inputs.
2. **Active Low Outputs**: Typically, the outputs on the IC are **active low**, meaning the selected output line will be pulled to a logic low level (0V), while all other outputs are high (logic 1).
3. **Enable Pin**: The enable pin must be active (usually low) for the outputs to be active. If the enable is not activated, no output will respond to the input, regardless of the selection lines.
### **Can IC 74155 be used as a 1-to-16 Demux?**
Yes, if you're looking for a **1-to-16** demultiplexer, the 74155 is a great choice because it already provides 16 output lines and can handle 4-bit select inputs. You just need to feed the input signal into the appropriate section of the chip and control the selection lines to determine where the signal should go.
### **Conclusion**
The **74155** IC is perfectly suited to be used as a **demultiplexer**, as it is designed with this functionality in mind. It can take a 4-bit input and route a single input signal to one of 16 output lines, making it an effective and efficient solution for many digital routing tasks.