LM386: Meaning of a particular schematic symbol

Alexander Soto

Part Number: LM386

In the product descripton located at https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm386.pdf there is a schematic diagram of the lm386. To the left of pin 6 and pin 5 shows two diodes connected in series and further in that series is a component symbolized by an arrow inside a circle. This device is connected to the diodes. I do not know what that symbol means and therefore what the component is.

over 7 years ago

0 José Luis over 7 years ago

TI__Mastermind 20085 points

Hi Alexander,

Welcome to E2E, thanks for your interest in our devices.
This symbol is a current source.

Best Regards
Jose Luis Figueroa
Audio Applications Engineer

0 Alexander Soto over 7 years ago in reply to José Luis

Prodigy 30 points

I'm confused. The schematic shows that pin 4 is the ground, pin 5 is the V output, and pin 6 is also related to voltage. If these three pins deal with external voltage going either in or out of the chip from an external source, how can you have a current source built into the chip. Did you put a photocell in there ?

0 Alexander Soto over 7 years ago in reply to José Luis

Prodigy 30 points

0 José Luis over 7 years ago in reply to Alexander Soto

TI__Mastermind 20085 points

Hi Alex,

I don't know the layout design of the device. Unfortunately, we cannot share details about the layout design.

Best Regards
Jose Luis Figueroa
Audio Applications Engineer

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LM386: Meaning of a particular schematic symbol