NXP Semiconductors MX93AUD-HAT

Overview

MX93AUD-HAT from NXP Semiconductors is an entry-level audio evaluation platform designed for rapid prototyping and validation of audio subsystems with the i.MX 93 applications processor. It integrates a CS42448 8-channel codec, dual S/PDIF (TOSLINK + RCA) I/O, and a 4-lane PDM interface for digital microphone arrays, supporting I²S, TDM, and PDM audio protocols at up to 32-bit/192 kHz resolution.

For engineers reviewing the MX93AUD-HAT datasheet, MX93AUD-HAT pinout, MX93AUD-HAT application, or MX93AUD-HAT equivalent, this board serves as a hardware reference for audio interface validation, codec bring-up, and multi-microphone array integration on i.MX 93-based designs - especially where S/PDIF routing, PDM clock/data alignment, and I²S slave configuration are critical.

Technical Context

The MX93AUD-HAT operates as a peripheral HAT board, interfacing exclusively via a 40-pin 2.54 mm pitch connector (J20) to host boards like the MCIMX93-EVK. Its audio subsystem centers on the Cirrus Logic CS42448 codec, configured as an I²S slave with fixed MCLK, BCLK, and frame sync timing derived from the host processor.

All digital interfaces - I²C (100 kHz, address 0x48–0x4F), I²S (1-lane RX/TX), S/PDIF (bidirectional optical/coaxial), and 4-lane PDM - use 3.3 V logic levels and are routed through J20 or dedicated connectors (J3/J5/J16/J17/J21). Power is supplied either via 5 V (converted onboard to 3.3 V by LDO U1) or directly via 3.3 V from the host.

Key Specifications

Availability

MX93AUD-HAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio subsystem validation, i.MX 93-based voice interface development, and multi-channel digital microphone array integration requiring stable component supply and documented reference hardware.

Supply support for MX93AUD-HAT 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and mobile applications.

The MX93AUD-HAT belongs to NXP's i.MX evaluation ecosystem and was developed to accelerate audio interface development for the i.MX 93 applications processor - specifically targeting voice-enabled edge devices, smart audio hubs, and low-power industrial voice capture systems.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the MX93AUD-HAT?

The MX93AUD-HAT is an entry-level audio evaluation platform designed to validate and prototype audio subsystems using the i.MX 93 applications processor. It enables rapid bring-up of the CS42448 codec, S/PDIF I/O, and 4-lane PDM microphone interfaces - serving as a reference for hardware design, driver development, and audio signal path verification in voice and multimedia applications. The MX93AUD-HAT is not a standalone product but requires pairing with a compatible host board such as the MCIMX93-EVK.

Which host boards is the MX93AUD-HAT compatible with?

The MX93AUD-HAT is explicitly designed for full compatibility with the MCIMX93-EVK evaluation kit, as confirmed in its user manual. Its 40-pin Audio Hat connector (J20) maps to the EVK's expansion header with defined I²S, PDM, S/PDIF, I²C, and GPIO signals. While mechanically similar to Raspberry Pi HAT form factor, it is not intended for Raspberry Pi use - pinout, voltage domains, and signal assignments are specific to i.MX 93 platforms. The MX93AUD-HAT does not support other i.MX families without hardware and software adaptation.

How is the CS42448 codec configured on the MX93AUD-HAT?

The CS42448 codec on the MX93AUD-HAT is configured exclusively via the I²C bus (GPIO2_I2C4.SDA/GPIO3_I2C4.SCL) at default 7-bit address 0x48, with AD0/AD1 pins allowing address adjustment to 0x49–0x4F. Configuration includes clock setup (MCLK source, PLL enable), I²S format selection (TDM/LJ/RJ), channel mapping, and analog gain settings. All register-level control is performed by host software - the MX93AUD-HAT provides no on-board microcontroller or firmware for autonomous operation.

Can the MX93AUD-HAT operate without a host processor?

No - the MX93AUD-HAT has no onboard processor, memory, or boot capability. It functions solely as a peripheral audio interface board requiring an external host (e.g., MCIMX93-EVK) to provide power, clocking, control signals (I²C), and data streams (I²S/PDM/S/PDIF). All digital audio processing, codec initialization, and interrupt handling must be implemented in host-side software. The MX93AUD-HAT contains only passive components, the CS42448 codec, level shifters, and interface connectors - no active logic beyond the codec itself.

What are the supported digital audio formats on the MX93AUD-HAT?

The MX93AUD-HAT supports I²S, Left-Justified (LJ), Right-Justified (RJ), One-Line Mode (OLM), and TDM formats via the CS42448 codec's serial ports. ADC supports up to six channels (AIN1–AIN6) and DAC up to eight channels (AOUT1–AOUT8), with bit depths from 16 to 32 bits and sample rates up to 192 kHz. S/PDIF handles stereo PCM or compressed 5.1/7.1 audio (e.g., Dolby Digital), while the 4-lane PDM interface accepts high-frequency 1-bit streams from digital microphone arrays such as the 8MIC-RPI-MX8 board.