Definition
A method of transmitting two or more separate signals or streams of information simultaneously over a single communication channel or wire, by separating them in frequency, time, or coding so they do not interfere with each other.
Plain English
Sending several different signals down one wire or one radio channel at the same time, while keeping each signal distinct so the receiver can pull them apart again.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical, avionics, and digital system discussions, especially where many signals are carried through limited wiring.
Derivation
From the Latin 'multi' meaning many, and 'plex' meaning fold or layered. Literally 'many-folded.' The word captures the idea of multiple things layered onto one path.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces aircraft weight and wiring complexity while allowing reliable transfer of data between systems such as flight computers and sensors.
Intuition Check
Multiplex does not mean the signals are permanently mixed together. It means they share a path in an organized way so the receiving equipment can separate and use them correctly.
Example Sentence 1
The aircraft's data bus uses multiplex techniques to carry information from many sensors over a single pair of wires.
Example Sentence 2
Technicians traced a fault to the multiplex unit that combines signals from four different pressure sensors.