Microchip Technology MT93L16AQ1

Overview

MT93L16AQ1 from Zarlink Semiconductor is a dual-path acoustic and line echo canceller IC designed for analog hands-free voice communication systems. It integrates an 112 ms acoustic echo canceller and a 16 ms line echo canceller, supports ITU-T G.711 µ/A-Law or linear 2's complement PCM formats, operates from 2.7 V to 3.6 V, and delivers full-duplex speech without switched loss in automotive speakerphone applications.

For engineers reviewing the MT93L16AQ1 datasheet, MT93L16AQ1 pinout, MT93L16AQ1 application, or MT93L16AQ1 equivalent, this device is selected for its double-talk–stable adaptive filtering, 20 MHz master clock operation, 5 V-tolerant inputs, ST-BUS/GCI/SSI interface flexibility, and integrated howling prevention-key criteria for robust AEC deployment in noise-prone environments.

Technical Context

The MT93L16AQ1 implements two independent adaptive filter paths: one optimized for 112 ms acoustic echo tail cancellation (e.g., speaker-to-microphone path in car kits), and another for 16 ms line echo cancellation (e.g., PSTN or VoIP network return loss). Its convergence algorithm remains stable during double-talk, with real-time tracking of echo path changes enabled by NBSD and ADV-NLP modules.

It supports three PCM interface modes-ST-BUS (active-low frame pulse), GCI (active-high frame pulse), and SSI (enable-strobe–driven)-with automatic detection via F0i pin state. Each port (PORT1/Rin-Sout and PORT2/Sin-Rout) can operate in different PCM format and bit-width configurations simultaneously, controlled by LAW, FORMAT, ENA1/ENA2, and MD1/MD2 pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MT93L16AQ1 is housed in a 36-pin QSOP package (Pb-free matte tin finish), with 28 functional pins, 6 NC pins, and 2 internal connection (IC) pins tied to VSS. Pin assignments are validated per Zarlink MT93L16 datasheet Rev. October 2006, Figure 2 and Pin Description tables.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar echo canceller applications.

Compared with ZL38002, MT93L16AQ1 provides dual-path echo cancellation essential for hybrid analog/digital systems, while MT93L16AF offers identical signal processing in a physically larger but thermally advantageous package - making MT93L16AQ1 optimal for space-constrained QSOP layouts requiring full AEC+LEC capability.

Availability

MT93L16AQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive hands-free kits, digital speakerphones, video conferencing terminals, and home security intercoms requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MT93L16AQ1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Zarlink Semiconductor was a fabless semiconductor company specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and communications ICs, acquired by Microsemi in 2011. It pioneered high-performance echo cancellation and timing solutions for voice infrastructure.

The MT93L16AQ1 belongs to Zarlink's AEC for Analog Hands-Free Communication product line, engineered specifically to replace discrete echo suppression circuits in cost-sensitive, noise-immune automotive and telephony applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MT93L16AQ1?

The MT93L16AQ1 is a dual-path echo canceller IC integrating an 112 ms acoustic echo canceller and a 16 ms line echo canceller. It processes PCM audio streams on two independent ports (PORT1 and PORT2), supporting full-duplex voice communication without switched loss. Its core function is to eliminate acoustic and line echo in analog hands-free systems such as automotive kits and speakerphones - a role confirmed in the MT93L16 datasheet Section 1 and Functional Description.

Does the MT93L16AQ1 support both µ-Law and A-Law PCM formats?

Yes, the MT93L16AQ1 supports both µ-Law and A-Law companding via the LAW pin: low = µ-Law, high = A-Law. This selection applies to both PORT1 (Rin/Sout) and PORT2 (Sin/Rout). The FORMAT pin further selects between sign-magnitude and ITU-T G.711 coding. These controls are documented in Table 5 and Pin Description section of the MT93L16 datasheet, confirming format flexibility per port.

What interface standards does the MT93L16AQ1 support?

The MT93L16AQ1 supports ST-BUS, GCI, and variable-rate SSI PCM interfaces - automatically detected via the F0i pin state. ST-BUS uses active-low frame pulses; GCI uses active-high; SSI uses ENA1/ENA2 strobes. All three are explicitly listed in the Features section and detailed in Figures 3–7 and Sections 9–12 of the MT93L16 datasheet, with timing diagrams validating interoperability.

Is the MT93L16AQ1 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the MT93L16AQ1 is qualified for automotive use: the "Q1" suffix denotes Pb-free matte tin finish and operation from −40°C to +85°C, matching AEC-Q100 ambient temperature requirements. Its features - double-talk stability, howling prevention, and NBSD - are explicitly cited for "Hands-free in automobile environment" in the Applications section of the MT93L16 datasheet.

How does the MT93L16AQ1 handle power-down and reset?

The MT93L16AQ1 uses an active-low RESET pin: holding it low halts all internal clocks and tristates Sout, Rout, and DATA1. After power-up, RESET must be held low for ≥200 ms, then released; the device requires 8 full 8 kHz frames before register access. This sequence is specified in Section 8 ("Power Down / Reset") and verified in the MT93L16 datasheet timing requirements.