LM386 Low Voltage Audio Amplifier IC

The LM386 Low Voltage Audio Amplifier IC is a compact and efficient power amplifier tailored for low-voltage consumer electronics. It offers a built-in gain of 20 to minimize the need for external components but allows gain customization from 20 to 200 with a simple resistor-capacitor combination. With its ground-referenced inputs and output biased to half the supply voltage, the LM386 is an excellent solution for battery-powered and space-constrained designs.

Thanks to its low quiescent power drain of just 24 mW when operating at 6V, it is ideal for portable audio devices, small speaker systems, intercoms, and DIY electronics projects. The LM386 requires minimal external circuitry and comes in a DIP-8 package for easy breadboarding and prototyping.

🔧 Key Features

• Internally fixed gain of 20 – adjustable up to 200
• Low quiescent current: 24 mW at 6V supply
• Operates from 4V to 12V DC supply
• Ground-referenced inputs for easy interfacing
• Output automatically biased at half supply voltage
• Minimum external components required
• Perfect for battery-powered audio applications
• Compact DIP-8 package for easy use in breadboards

📐 Technical Specifications

📌 Applications

• Battery-powered audio amplifiers
• Miniature speaker systems
• DIY intercom and communication projects
• Portable music players and radios
• Low-power embedded audio designs

💡 Why Choose the LM386?

The LM386 Low Voltage Audio Amplifier offers powerful audio amplification in a small and energy-efficient package. It’s ideal for students, makers, and engineers seeking a dependable IC for compact, low-power audio designs.

📦 Package Includes

• 1 × LM386 Low Voltage Audio Amplifier IC