LM386 Low-Voltage Audio Amplifier IC DIP-8 – 0.25W to 1W, 4V–12V Supply

LM386 Low-Voltage Audio Amplifier IC – DIP-8

The LM386 is the classic low-voltage audio power amplifier IC – a self-contained mono amplifier that drives a small speaker directly from a 4V to 12V supply with no external power transistors required. With adjustable gain from 20× to 200× and output power from 0.25W to 1W depending on supply voltage and load, it's the go-to IC for portable speaker projects, Arduino audio output, intercoms, and battery-powered audio applications. The DIP-8 package makes it ideal for breadboard prototyping.

Electrical Specifications

• Part Number: LM386 / LM386N / LM386N-1 / LM386N-3 / LM386N-4
• Package: DIP-8 (through-hole, 2.54mm pitch)
• Supply Voltage: 4V – 12V DC
• Output Power: 0.25W (4Ω, 6V) / 0.5W (8Ω, 9V) / 1W (8Ω, 12V, LM386N-4)
• Gain: 20× (default) to 200× (with 10μF between pins 1 and 8)
• Input Impedance: 50kΩ
• Quiescent Current: 4mA (typical at 6V)
• THD: 0.2% (typical at 125mW, 8Ω, 6V)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C
• Built-in thermal shutdown protection

Gain Setting

• 20× (26dB): Pins 1 and 8 open (default)
• 50× (34dB): 1.2kΩ resistor between pins 1 and 8
• 200× (46dB): 10μF capacitor between pins 1 and 8

Typical Applications

• Arduino speaker driver: Drive a small 8Ω speaker from Arduino PWM or DAC output
• Portable speaker: Battery-powered compact speaker amplifier
• Intercom system: Voice amplification for two-way communication
• Walkie-talkie audio: Receiver audio amplifier stage
• AM/FM radio: Audio output stage for radio receiver circuits
• IoT audio alerts: Speaker driver for notification and alarm sounds

Package Contents

• 1 × LM386 DIP-8 low-voltage audio amplifier IC

The classic portable audio amplifier IC – the LM386 drives a small speaker directly from 4V–12V with adjustable gain up to 200× and no external power transistors required.

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