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Low-voltage audio power amplifier

LM386 Basic Circuit

Build a basic LM386 circuit with labeled pins, component values and connection guidance.

Package view

LM386 in a circuit

A real IC, AC coupling and a clearly connected speaker.

6VLM386gain20.Inputthrough100nFto3with100kreturn;2and4ground;5through250uFpositiveatICto8ohmspeaker;5through10ohmand47nFtoGND.6bypassed100nFand100uF;7optional10uF;1and8open.
The speaker is AC coupled. All ground symbols are the same return; the gain pins are intentionally open.

Connect it, step by step

Follow the component values and pin connections

Keep the input quiet

Use short signal wiring and a common ground. The input capacitor blocks source DC.

Decouple the supply

Put the small bypass capacitor close to pins 6 and 4, and add local bulk capacitance.

Connect the speaker through C2

The positive side of the output capacitor faces pin 5, which sits near half the supply.

Component view