# LM386

> integrated circuit containing a low voltage audio power amplifier

**Wikidata**: [Q3500526](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3500526)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LM386)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lm386

## Summary  
The LM386 is an integrated circuit that contains a low-voltage audio power amplifier, commonly used in battery-powered devices like radios, record players, and intercoms. It was developed by National Semiconductor and is known for its simplicity, low power consumption, and ease of use in small audio applications. The chip has become a standard component in electronics education and DIY projects due to its reliability and straightforward design.

## Key Facts  
- Instance of: Integrated circuit model  
- Subclass of: Amplifier, integrated circuit  
- Developer and Manufacturer: National Semiconductor  
- Primary function: Low voltage audio power amplification  
- Aliases: Circuito integrado LM386 (Spanish)  
- Freebase ID: /m/05p15r3  
- Commons category: LM386 power amplifier  
- Wikipedia languages: English, Czech, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Commons  
- Wikidata description: "integrated circuit containing a low voltage audio power amplifier"  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the LM386 used for?  
A: The LM386 is primarily used as a low-voltage audio power amplifier in portable electronic devices such as radios, intercoms, and small speakers. It's also widely used in educational settings and hobbyist electronics projects due to its simple implementation and low cost.

### Q: Who made the LM386?  
A: The LM386 was developed and manufactured by National Semiconductor, a company known for producing analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products.

### Q: Is the LM386 still in production?  
A: While originally released decades ago, the LM386 remains widely available through various distributors and continues to be used in modern low-power audio applications and educational contexts.

## Why It Matters  
The LM386 holds significant importance in both professional and amateur electronics due to its role as a reliable, easy-to-use audio amplifier IC. Designed for low-voltage operation, it became a go-to solution for embedding sound capabilities into compact, battery-operated devices. Its enduring popularity stems from its minimal external component requirements, wide supply voltage range, and robust performance across varying loads. In educational environments, it serves as an accessible introduction to analog circuit design and signal processing. As one of the more recognizable chips in consumer electronics history, the LM386 represents a foundational element in the evolution of personal audio systems and embedded sound solutions.

## Notable For  
- Simplicity in design requiring few external components  
- Wide adoption in educational and DIY electronics projects  
- Low-voltage operation making it ideal for battery-powered applications  
- Longevity and continued availability despite being an older IC model  
- Standard reference point in discussions of basic audio amplifier circuits  

## Body  

### Overview  
The LM386 is a monolithic integrated circuit designed specifically for low-voltage consumer applications. It provides moderate power gain with internal compensation, making it suitable for driving small loudspeakers or headphones using minimal external parts.

### Technical Specifications  
- Supply Voltage Range: 4V to 12V (single supply)
- Quiescent Power Consumption: Typically around 4mA
- Voltage Gain: Adjustable from 20 to 200 via external resistor/capacitor network
- Output Power: Up to ~0.7W into 8Ω at 9V supply
- Bandwidth: Approximately 300 kHz
- Package Types: DIP-8, SOIC-8

### Applications  
Common uses include:
- Portable tape recorders
- Intercom systems
- Radio receivers
- Small speaker drivers
- Educational lab experiments

### Development and Release  
Developed by National Semiconductor, the LM386 emerged during the era when semiconductor companies were expanding their portfolios to support emerging consumer electronics markets. Though exact release date information is not cited here, the part has been in widespread use since at least the late 20th century.

### Legacy and Availability  
Despite advancements in semiconductor technology, the LM386 remains popular among engineers and students alike due to its predictable behavior, well-documented datasheets, and ease of integration into breadboard prototypes. Multiple vendors continue to offer compatible versions under different brand names, ensuring ongoing accessibility.