That amplification is what’s known as the voltage gain. In an amplifier circuit, the LM386 takes an audio input signal and increases its potential anywhere from 20 to 200 times. They take an input potential (voltage) and produce an output potential that’s tens, hundreds, or thousands of times the magnitude of the input potential.

Operational amplifiers have a basic task. The LM386 is a type of operational amplifier (Op-Amp). The pinout is shown in the diagram below:ĭownload the datasheet for more information about the output power, distortion characteristics, and minimum/maximum ratings: I used a 9V battery for the power supply and it works great, but you can go down to 4V or up to 12V. The datasheet has graphs that will tell you. The actual output power you get will depend on your supply voltage and speaker impedance. There are three varieties of the LM386, each with different output power ratings: The chip has options for gain control and bass boost, and it can also be turned into an oscillator capable of outputting sine waves or square waves. Only a couple resistors and capacitors are needed to make a working audio amplifier.

BONUS: Download my parts list for the LM386 amplifier with bass boost circuit to see which components to use for good sound quality.

Transistor as an amplifier download