2pcs Lm386 dip ic

🔹 LM386 – Low Voltage Audio Power Amplifier (DIP-8 Package)

A legendary, industry-standard monolithic integrated circuit designed as a versatile, easy-to-use low voltage audio power amplifier. The LM386 in its classic 8-pin DIP package is perfect for amplifying audio signals from microphones, MP3 players, or radios to drive small speakers in battery-powered projects, intercoms, and portable sound systems.

✅ Specifications:

• Part Number: LM386 (Common variants: LM386N-1, LM386N-3, LM386N-4)

• Type: Low Voltage Audio Power Amplifier IC

• Supply Voltage Range (Recommended): 4V – 12V (Absolute Max: 15V)

• Quiescent Current: ~4 mA

• Output Power: (Depends on model & supply voltage)

  • LM386N-1: Up to ~325 mW @ 6V, 8Ω

  • LM386N-3/N-4: Up to ~700 mW @ 9V, 8Ω

• Voltage Gain: Internally fixed at 20 (26 dB). Can be increased up to 200 (46 dB) with an external resistor and capacitor.

• Input Impedance: ~50 kΩ

• Bandwidth: ~300 kHz

• Package: DIP-8 (Through-Hole, Dual In-Line)

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): ~0.2% (Typical)

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C (Commercial)

⚙️ Key Features:

• Battery Operable: Works with a single supply voltage as low as 4V, making it ideal for portable devices.

• Minimal External Parts: Requires only a few capacitors and optionally a gain-setting resistor to build a complete audio amplifier.

• Easy to Use: Simple pinout and straightforward application circuits documented in the classic datasheet.

• DIP Package: Perfect for prototyping on breadboards and perfboards.

• Widely Available & Inexpensive: A ubiquitous component with a massive user base and countless project examples online.

📦 Typical Applications:

• Portable Audio Amplifiers: For boosting the output of smartphones, MP3 players, or radios to small 8Ω speakers.

• DIY Guitar/Bass Practice Amps: Simple, low-power amplifier circuits for musical instruments.

• Intercoms & Doorbell Amplifiers: Boosting microphone signals for clear audio transmission.

• Signal Conditioning in Sensor Circuits: Can be used to amplify weak AC signals (not just audio).

• Educational & Hobbyist Projects: The quintessential “first amplifier” IC for learning audio electronics.

🔧 Basic Application Circuit (Gain = 20):

1. Power: Connect VCC (Pin 6) to your positive supply (4-12V) and GND (Pin 4) to ground.

2. Input: Connect your audio source (via a coupling capacitor, e.g., 10µF) to the non-inverting input (Pin 3). Pin 2 (inverting) is usually grounded.

3. Output: Connect an 8Ω speaker between the output (Pin 5) and ground, typically through a large output capacitor (e.g., 220µF – 1000µF) to block DC.

4. Bypass: A 10µF capacitor from BYPASS (Pin 7) to ground improves stability and reduces noise.

5. Gain Boost: To increase gain to 200, connect a 10µF capacitor in series with a 1.2kΩ resistor between Pins 1 and 8.

⚠️ Important Design Notes:

• Heat Dissipation: When driving at higher power levels (e.g., with a 9V supply), the IC can get warm. For continuous high-power use, a small heatsink is recommended.

• Power Supply Bypassing: Always place a 100µF electrolytic and a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor close to the IC’s power pins to prevent oscillation and noise.

• Output Capacitor: The large capacitor in series with the speaker is essential to protect the speaker from DC current. Polarity must be observed.

• Variants: The LM386N-4 can handle up to 18V supply for slightly higher output power. Ensure your variant matches your voltage needs.