LM386N-4

Product Overview

Category

The LM386N-4 belongs to the category of integrated circuits (ICs) specifically designed for audio amplification.

Use

It is primarily used as a low voltage audio power amplifier, suitable for applications such as portable radios, intercoms, and small speaker systems.

Characteristics

• Low voltage operation: The LM386N-4 operates at a low supply voltage, typically ranging from 4V to 12V.
• Small package size: It comes in an 8-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package), making it compact and easy to integrate into various electronic devices.
• High gain: The IC offers a high voltage gain of up to 46 dB, allowing for amplification of weak audio signals.
• Low distortion: It provides low total harmonic distortion (THD) and noise, ensuring clear and accurate sound reproduction.
• Internal gain control: The LM386N-4 includes an internal gain control pin that allows users to adjust the amplification level according to their requirements.

Package and Quantity

The LM386N-4 is available in an 8-pin DIP package. It is commonly sold in reels or tubes containing multiple units, with quantities varying depending on the supplier.

Specifications

• Supply Voltage Range: 4V to 12V
• Quiescent Current Drain: 4mA
• Voltage Gain: 20 to 200 (adjustable)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.2% (typical)
• Output Power: 325mW (typical)
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C

Pin Configuration

The LM386N-4 features the following pin configuration:

┌───┐ IN+ -|1 8|- VCC IN- -|2 7|- BYPASS OUT -|3 6|- GAIN GND -|4 5|- IN- └───┘

Functional Features

1. Input Stage: The LM386N-4 has a differential input stage that provides high input impedance and effectively rejects common-mode noise.
2. Gain Control: The internal gain control pin (GAIN) allows users to adjust the amplification level, enabling customization based on specific audio requirements.
3. Power Amplification: The IC amplifies the weak audio signals received at the input and delivers them with increased power to drive speakers or headphones.
4. Low Power Consumption: With a quiescent current drain of only 4mA, the LM386N-4 is designed for low power consumption, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Compact size and easy integration into various electronic devices.
• Low voltage operation enables use in portable and battery-powered applications.
• High voltage gain ensures effective amplification of weak audio signals.
• Low distortion and noise contribute to clear and accurate sound reproduction.
• Internal gain control allows for customization of amplification levels.

Disadvantages

• Limited output power compared to higher wattage audio amplifiers.
• Not suitable for high-power audio applications or driving large speakers.

Working Principles

The LM386N-4 operates as a class AB amplifier, utilizing both NPN and PNP transistors to amplify the audio signal. It consists of multiple stages, including an input stage, voltage gain stage, and output stage. The input stage provides high input impedance and differential amplification, while the voltage gain stage amplifies the signal according to the gain setting. Finally, the output stage drives the amplified signal to the load (e.g., speaker or headphones).

Detailed Application Field Plans

The LM386N-4 finds applications in various audio amplification scenarios, including: 1. Portable radios and music players 2. Intercom systems 3. Small speaker systems 4. Audio amplification for microcontrollers and Arduino projects 5. Educational electronics kits

Detailed and Complete Alternative Models

1. LM386N-1: Similar to LM386N-4 but with a fixed gain of 20.
2. LM386N-3: Similar to LM386N-4 but with a fixed gain of 50.
3. LM380: A higher-power audio amplifier IC suitable for driving larger speakers.

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