LM386


The LM386 is an integrated circuit containing a low voltage audio power amplifier. It is suitable for battery-powered devices such as radios, guitar amplifiers, and hobby electronics projects. The IC consists of an 8 pin dual in-line package and can output 0.25 to 1 watts of power depending on the model using a 9-volt power supply.

Models

There are three different models of the LM386 that have slightly different specifications, outlined below.
Chip NameMin VoltageMax VoltageMinimum Output PowerTypical Output PowerLoad Impedance
LM386N-14 volts12 volts250 mW325 mW8 ohms
LM386N-34 volts12 volts500 mW700 mW8 ohms
LM386N-45 volts18 volts700 mW1000 mW32 ohms

The LM386 was invented by Ernie Leroy Long at Motorola in 1969. It was originally for part of a fuel injection system for a Ford Car.
Almost identical versions of the device are available from Unisonic as the LM386 and the New Japan Radio Co. Ltd. as the NJM386 and NJM386B.
The JRC devices are also available in a single-in-line package.
JRC devices, marked as 386 JRC, are sometimes misleadingly referred to as the JRC386.

SPICE simulation models

Although National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments do not provide an official SPICE model for the LM386, there are two independently developed models freely available:
The LM386 is very commonly used in the audio amplifier of low power QRP amateur radio rigs, like the Pixie.