The ’HC257 and ’HCT257 are quad 2-input multiplexers which select four bits of data from two sources under the control of a common Select Input (S). The Output Enable input (OE\) is active LOW. When OE\ is HIGH, all of the outputs (1Y-4Y) are in the high impedance state regardless of all other input conditions.

Moving data from two groups of registers to four common output buses is a common use of the 257. The state of the Select input determines the particular register from which the data comes. It can also be used as a function generator.