Echo Cancellers

Echo Cancellers

Echo cancellers, also known as echo suppressors, are digital signal processing algorithms used to eliminate the echo that occurs during a phone call or video conference. Echo is caused by the reflection of sound waves from the far end of the communication channel, which returns to the near end with a delay. This delay causes the near-end speaker to hear their own voice, creating an annoying and distracting effect known as echo. Echo cancellers work by analyzing the incoming audio signal and identifying the portion of the signal that corresponds to the echo. Once identified, the algorithm generates a replica of the echo and subtracts it from the original signal, effectively canceling it out. This process is repeated continuously during the call to ensure that any changes in the echo characteristics are accounted for. Echo cancellers are essential for ensuring clear and effective communication during phone calls and video conferences. Without them, the echo can become so severe that it makes communication impossible. In addition, echo cancellers improve the overall quality of the call by reducing background noise and improving voice clarity. While echo cancellers are highly effective, they are not perfect. In some cases, they may mistakenly identify parts of the audio signal as echo and cancel them out, resulting in distorted audio. Additionally, some echo cancellers may not be able to handle certain types of echo, such as those caused by complex room acoustics or multiple reflections.

digital signal processing, communication channel, audio signal, replica, background noise

— Daniel Martin

CITATION : "Daniel Martin. 'Echo Cancellers.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/echo-cancellers?E=324030 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"