BETASelected -1 supply range4–12 V
Low-voltage audio power amplifier
LM386 Specifications
Review LM386 electrical specifications, operating conditions and package details.
Package view
Key specifications
A ground-referenced input, internally set gain and a biased power output make a compact mono amplifier. The speaker needs AC coupling.
Voltage gain20–200 Set with pins 1 and 8
Ambient range0–70 °C
Typical power at 6 V325 mW · 8 Ω · 10% THD
Package details
LM386N-1 · PDIP-8
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Part number | LM386N-1 |
| Package | PDIP-8 |
| Connections | 8 pins |
| Mounting | Through-hole |
| Lead pitch | 2.54 mm |
| Package code | dip |
| Thermal reference | Board and package dependent; see manufacturer data |
Operating conditions
LM386N-1 / LM386M-1
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4–12 V | Selected -1 variants |
| Ambient temperature | 0 to 70°C | Operating range |
| Speaker impedance | 4 Ω minimum | Use the power curves for the selected supply and load |
| Input range | −0.4 to +0.4 V | Relative to GND |
| Quiescent current | 4 mA typical; 8 mA maximum | VS = 6 V; VIN = 0 |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
The LM386N-4 is a different option with a 5–18 V operating range.
Audio performance
Conditions matter
Manufacturer specifications 8 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Default voltage gain | 20 V/V · 26 dB | 6 V; 1 kHz; pins 1 and 8 open |
| High-gain configuration | 200 V/V · 46 dB | 10 µF between pins 1 and 8 |
| Bandwidth | 300 kHz typical | 6 V; gain 20 |
| Output power | 250 mW minimum; 325 mW typical | 6 V; 8 Ω; 10% THD; selected -1 variants |
| Distortion | 0.2% typical | 6 V; 8 Ω; 125 mW; 1 kHz; gain 20 |
| Input resistance | 50 kΩ typical | Small-signal input |
| Input bias current | 250 nA typical | 6 V; inputs open |
| Supply rejection | 50 dB typical | 6 V; 1 kHz; 10 µF bypass; gain pins open |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
The 10% THD power rating is not a low-distortion listening target.
Speaker circuit
6 V · gain 20 · 8 Ω
Manufacturer specifications 8 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Input coupling C1 | 100 nF | Audio source to input3; 100 kΩ input return |
| Input return R1 | 100 kΩ | Input3 to GND; internal input resistance also loads it |
| Output coupling C2 | 250 µF | Positive side at output5; speaker side near 0 V DC |
| Output stability network | 10 Ω in series with 47 nF | Output5 to GND; place close to the IC |
| Supply bypass | 100 nF + 100 µF | VS6 to GND4 |
| Bias bypass | 10 µF optional | Pin7 to GND; positive at pin7 |
| Gain pins | 1 and 8 open | Gain approximately 20 |
| Speaker high-pass corner | 79.6 Hz nominal | 1 / (2π × 8 Ω × 250 µF) |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Speaker impedance varies with frequency; the calculator treats it as an 8 Ω resistor.
Gain configurations
Pins 1 and 8
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open pins | Gain ≈ 20 | Fewest external parts |
| 10 µF capacitor | Gain ≈ 200 | Positive at pin1; negative at pin8 |
| 10 µF + 1.2 kΩ in series | Gain ≈ 50 | Manufacturer example |
| More gain | More sensitivity and amplified noise | Reduce source level to avoid clipping |
| Output at rest | Approximately VS / 2 | Not a ground-referenced DC output |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
These are AC gain configurations; they do not turn the device into a rail-to-rail precision op-amp.
Package and stress limits
LM386N-1 · PDIP-8
Manufacturer specifications 5 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead pitch | 2.54 mm | Through-hole; top view |
| Supply absolute maximum | 15 V | Selected -1 variants; stress rating only |
| Input absolute maximum | ±0.4 V | Respect signal amplitude and transients |
| Storage temperature | −65 to +150°C | Unpowered |
| Thermal design | Package and PCB dependent | Check dissipation and thermal resistance for the actual layout |
No specifications match. Try a parameter name or a unit.
Absolute maximum limits are not recommended operating targets.
Connections by function
Select a pin for its function, connection guidance and electrical notes.