What is the purpose of a multiplexer in digital circuits?

The purpose of a multiplexer in digital circuits is to combine multiple inputs into a single output. This device allows one of several input signals to be selected and transmitted to the output, based on the value of control signals. By doing so, multiplexers enable the efficient use of available pathways in digital systems, allowing for the routing of data from multiple sources through a single line. This functionality is particularly important in applications where minimizing the number of connections or transmission lines is crucial for reducing complexity and optimizing performance.

In contrast, the other functions described in the remaining options highlight different kinds of devices or processes within digital circuits. While decoding binary signals is the function of a decoder, temporarily storing data is the role of a latch or flip-flop. Generating clock signals is typically done by a clock generator or oscillator. Each of these devices has a specific purpose that does not align with the primary function of a multiplexer.