LM386 Audio Amplifier

Welcome to Robotshapers! Every one in this world must have used sound devices like speaker, headphone and others. All the cellphones, speakers, television etc. has an audio amplifier installed in it. So it is very necessary to connect your knowledge with the audio amplification methods and components used in it. Here in this blog we will prepare a basic audio amplifier circuit using LM386 IC.

The LM386 is a widely used audio amplifier integrated circuit (IC) designed to amplify low noise. It is a versatile and useful IC often used in audio applications such as portable devices, radios, intercom systems and small audio systems. Here are some key details about the LM386:

Pin Configuration: The LM386 IC is usually included in an 8-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package) or SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package. Pins are labeled as follows:

Pin 1: Gain (gain pin can be bypassed to adjust gain)
Pin 2: Input (+) (audio signal input)
Pin 3: Input (-) (out noise output) )
Pin 4: Ground (Ground or bad connection)
Pin 5: Vout (Output)
Pin 6: Vcc (Supply)
Pin 7: BYPASS (BYPASS pin for internal amplifier bias) pin for internal amplifier bias) Pin8: Gain

Amplification: LM386, 46dB' It is designed to provide a voltage gain of up to The gain can be adjusted by connecting a resistor and capacitor between gain (pin 1) and ground (pin 4) or by bypassing the gain pin.
Power Supply: The LM386 works on a wide variety of power supplies, mostly between 4V and 12V. The positive terminal (pin 5) is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, while the negative terminal (pin 6) is connected to the negative terminal or ground.
External Components: The LM386 requires several external components to function properly, including capacitors for isolation and bypass, resistors for control, and feedback for stability.
Output Stage: The LM386 has an integrated output stage that can supply enough power to directly drive small speakers or headphones. Eliminates the need for a timing isolation amplifier.
Low Static Current: The LM386 has low quiescent current, making it suitable for battery applications where power consumption is critical.
Thermal Shutdown Protection: The IC is equipped with thermal protection to prevent overheating and damage the device at high temperatures. TheLM386 is known for its simplicity, low cost and ease of use, making it a popular choice for expansion in many electronic applications. It provides a simple solution to amplify music with minimal external device and power requirement.

Components Required:

Circuit diagram:

Applications:

Portable Audio Devices: The LM386 is often used in portable audio devices such as smartphones, tablets, and portable radios.
Intercom system: LM386 is used in intercom system to make loud noise and send audio signal to different places.
Radio amplification: LM386 is widely used as an audio amplifier in radio circuits.
Small Audio Amplifier: LM386 is generally used in small audio amplifier circuits such as headphone amplifiers, computers .
Guitar Amplifier: LM386 is used in guitar amplifier circuits, especially in low power application amplifiers.
Alarm System: It is used to make loud alarm or siren in LM386 alarm system.
Training: The LM386 is a popular choice for high noise training applications.
Toy and game sound: LM386 is used to generate sound in toys and games.
Public address system: The LM386 can be used in small addresses such as a classroom, meeting room or a small place.
Prototyping: The LM386 is primarily used in audio testing and prototyping applications.