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LM386N-1 vs LM386N-3

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LM386

Hello,

I am trying to find out the difference between the LM386N-1 and the LM386N-3 variants of the LM386 IC. In particular I am interested on the maximum output power into an 8ohm load.

There is a table in the datasheet but this lists the two versions at different operating voltages.

Regards, Kevin

  • Hello, I am still trying to resolve this. Kevin

  • Hi Kevin,

    Sorry for the late response. Let me try to find something useful for you.

    Andy

  • Hi Kevin,

    Here is the answer I got from my colleague. 

    As you can see the DS, LM386N-1 and N-3 have same operating voltage range. N-3 has capable about 700mW typ as output power into 8 ohms load with Vcc=9V. But even the supply voltage increased, the output power will be the same. Please look at following graph below.

    This graph shows even supply voltage increase, the output power is not increased. It is maybe driving current will be limited or current limit worked.

  • Hello Andy,

    I have already seen this graph in the datasheet.

    Can you confirm which of the following it is for:
    • LM386N-1
    • LM386N-3
    • Both of the above

    It doesn't say in the datasheet.

    Also would the LM386N-1 do 700mW if supplied at 9V? By using different loads and supply voltages in the table it makes comparing difficult.

    Best regards

    Kevin Spurr
    Director

    Tel: 0845 8380781
    Fax: 0845 8380782

    Kitronik Ltd • Unit 3a • Shipstones Business Centre • North Gate • Nottingham • NG7 7FN • UK
    Website • Facebook • Twitter • YouTube • Google + •

    Kitronik Ltd is a UK registered company (registration number 5602752)
    On 24/11/2014 16:10, Andy Liu SH wrote:

    Hi Kevin,

    Here is the answer I got from my colleague. 

    As you can see the DS, LM386N-1 and N-3 have same operating voltage range. N-3 has capable about 700mW typ as output power into 8 ohms load with Vcc=9V. But even the supply voltage increased, the output power will be the same. Please look at following graph below.

    This graph shows even supply voltage increase, the output power is not increased. It is maybe driving current will be limited or current limit worked.

  • Hi Kevin,

    I will give you the answer soon.

    Andy

  • Hi Kevin,

    Our understanding is that typical performance characteristics on the datasheet is applicable to all the package type devices and supply voltage except N-4 device operating voltage range. So both N-1 and N-3 output power @9V supply is the same.

    Andy

  • Hi Andy,

    Thank you for this. Very helpful. It might be worth making it clearer in the datasheet as I have seen the same question many times online.

    Best regards

    Kevin Spurr
    Director

    Tel: 0845 8380781
    Fax: 0845 8380782

    Kitronik Ltd • Unit 3a • Shipstones Business Centre • North Gate • Nottingham • NG7 7FN • UK
    Website • Facebook • Twitter • YouTube • Google + •

    Kitronik Ltd is a UK registered company (registration number 5602752)
    On 26/11/2014 16:46, Andy Liu SH wrote:

    Hi Kevin,

    Our understanding is that typical performance characteristics on the datasheet is applicable to all the package type devices and supply voltage except N-4 device operating voltage range. So both N-1 and N-3 output power @9V supply is the same.

    Andy