An audio power amplifier is used to amplify low-power-based audio signals like a radio receiver (or) an electric guitar pickup signal to a high range sufficient to drive a loudspeaker or headphone. These are found in all types of sound systems, including musical instrument amplifiers, sound reinforcement, home audio systems, etc. The inputs of low-power audio amplifiers can be any number of audio sources such as CD players, record players, cassette players & digital audio players. There are different audio amplifiers are available in the LM series made by National Semiconductor. In this series, the term LM is linear monolithic and refers to the analog components incorporated into a single part of silicon. This article provides brief information on LM3886 IC, pinout, specifications, and applications.
What is LM3886 IC?
LM3886 is a high-performance-based audio power amplifier IC that is capable of delivering a continuous average of 68W of power to a 4Ω load & 38W of power to 8Ω including 0.1% THD+N from 20Hz to 20kHz. The LM3886 performance uses self-peak instantaneous temperature SPiKe protection circuitry that provides an inherently and dynamically protected SOA (Safe Operating Area). So these parts are protected completely at the output from under voltage, overvoltage, overloads with thermal runaway, shorts to the supplies & instant temperature peaks.
The LM3886 IC maintains an outstanding S/N ratio of better than 92dB with a usual 2.0µV low noise floor. It exhibits very less 0.03% THD+N values at the rated o/p into the rated load above the audio spectrum. It provides outstanding linearity with an IMD 0.004% typical rating.
LM3886 IC Pin Configuration:
The pin configuration of LM3886 IC is shown below. This IC includes 11 pins which are discussed below.
LM3886 IC Pin Configuration
- Pin 1 & 5 (V+): It is the positive (+) power supply terminal;
- Pin 2 & 6 (NC): It is a not connected pin.
- Pin 3 (Output): It is the output terminal pin after the amplification of the signal.
- Pin 4 (V-): It is the negative (-) power terminal;
- Pin 7 (GND): It is the ground terminal.
- Pin 8 (Mute): It is the mute end, so it must be connected to the negative terminal if it is not required.
- Pin 9 (Vin-): It is the inverting input terminal (Vin-) of the signal.
- Pin 10(Vin+): It is the non-inverting input terminal (Vin-) of the signal.
- Pin 11(NC): It is not a connected pin.
Features & Specifications:
The features and specifications of LM3886 IC include the following.
- Manufactured by Texas Instruments.
- It is available in the TO-220 11-Lead Package.
- The audio input type is an analog input.
- It has Class-AB architecture.
- Speaker channels maximum Mono.
- Its maximum power stage supply is 94V.
- The minimum power stage supply is 20V.
- Minimum load 4 ohms.
- Output power is 68 Watts.
- SNR is 110 dB.
- THD + N is 0.03% at 1 kHz.
- Typical ‘Iq’ is 50mA.
- Minim analog supply is 20V.
- The maximum analog supply is 84V.
- Maximum power to parallel bridge tied load is 68W.
- PSRR is 120 dB.
- The operating temperature range is 0 to 70 degrees Centigrade.
Equivalent & Alternative LM3886 ICs
The equivalent LM3886 ICs are; JM64RE, LM3886TF, etc. An alternative LM3886 IC is; TDA7295.
Audio Amplifier Circuit with LM3886 IC.
Audio Amplifier Circuit with LM3886 IC
The LM3886 is a very famous power amplifier IC, used widely in audio amplifier circuits. The main application of this amplifier IC is to design 68W audio amplifiers. This amplifier can be designed with a few basic components. So, the circuit diagram of the audio amplifier with LM3886 IC is shown below.
The LM3886 IC used in this circuit is a high-performance audio amplifier that gives high power output & outstanding sound quality. These amplifiers can be found in different audio equipment like; home theaters, stereo systems, professional sound systems, etc. This IC is well known for its high efficiency, outstanding transient response & low distortion.
Audio Amplifier Circuit with LM3886 IC
Working
The power supply of this 68W audio amplifier circuit can be either a dual-ended or a single-ended design. So a single-ended power supply for this amplifier is very simple & very cost-effective, however, a dual-ended power supply gives better performance & higher output power.
The LM3886 IC is a Class AB amplifier that works in a non-inverting configuration. So it has a higher input impedance that makes it perfect to utilize with low-level signals like those from a CD player or preamplifier. This IC also has a maximum power output, which makes it suitable for driving large, high-quality speakers.
The audio amplifier with LM3886 IC is a flexible & high-performance amplifier circuit that provides outstanding sound quality with maximum power output. This IC is a robust & reliable IC that is used widely in audio equipment. So it is a good choice for beginners who want to design their amplifiers.
Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantages of LM3886 IC include the following.
- It has outstanding performance.
- This IC has many protections like a safe working Area, temperature protection, short circuit & SPiKe protection.
- The sound quality of this amplifier is outstanding due to the 92db low S/N ratio at 2 microvolts.
- These are significant components within signal processing & can improve the strength or amplitude of a signal.
- They improve energy conversion efficiency & decrease energy consumption.
- This is the most highly regarded audio chip amplifier within the DIY community.
The disadvantages of LM3886 IC include the following.
- LM3886 IC has very little capacitance PSU.
- It doesn’t have DC protection.
- The supply pins of this amplifier IC are rather long.
Applications
The applications of LM3886 IC include the following.
- LM3886 is a high-performance-based audio power amplifier that delivers continuous 38w of power on an 8ohm speaker & 68watts of power on a 4ohm speaker.
- This amplifier is equipped with a protection circuit for overload and overheating and it is very useful in muting circuits to switch ON & OFF the power supply.
- These audio amplifiers are used in Compact stereo; Component stereo; Self-powered speakers; High-end stereo TVs & Surround-sound amplifiers.
- It is used in audio production because of its outstanding performance.
- These are used in Component stereo, Surround-sound amplifiers, Hifi-end stereo TVs & Self-powered speakers.
Please refer to this link for the LM3886 IC datasheet.
Thus, this is an overview of LM3886 IC, pinout, specifications, circuit, working, and its applications. The LM3886 is the most popular audio chip amplifier and is established well in DIY markets. There are fewer equivalents & low distortion will make it more reasonable. Here is a question for you, what is an audio amplifier?