The LM386 is an integrated circuit containing a low-voltage audio power amplifier. It is suitable for battery-powered devices such as radios, guitar amplifiers, and hobby electronics projects. The IC consists of an 8-pin dual in-line package (DIP-8) and can output 0.25 to 1 watts of power, depending on the model, using a 9-volt power supply.

Part numbers

There are three different models of the LM386 that have slightly different specifications, outlined below. Almost identical versions of the device are available from Unisonic (Unisonic Technologies Co. or UTC) as the LM386 and the New Japan Radio Co. Ltd. (JRC) as the NJM386 and NJM386B. The JRC devices are also available in a single-in-line package. JRC devices, marked as 386 JRC, are sometimes misleadingly referred to as the JRC386.

SPICE simulation models

Although National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments (who bought National Semiconductor in 2011 ) do not provide an official SPICE model for the LM386, there are two independently developed models freely available:

Usage in guitar amplifiers

Usage in amateur radio

The LM386 is very commonly used in the audio amplifier of low power QRP amateur radio rigs such as the Pixie.