Texas Instruments Confirms LM386 Audio Chip Still in Mass Production After 50 Years

Texas Instruments continues mass production of the LM386 audio amplifier chip, a legacy component originally released in the mid-1970s. The company confirmed in May 2024 that there are no plans to discontinue the part. The chip remains widely available through various foundries and distributors.

Output power varies by model variant when driving 4-ohm to 32-ohm speakers.

The LM386 utilizes a Class AB pure analog architecture with a fixed voltage gain of 20x. It draws only 4mA of static current and operates on a standard supply voltage between 4V and 12V. The N-4 version supports up to 18V supply voltage. The design requires minimal external components, typically just one coupling capacitor and one filter capacitor.

Output power varies by model variant when driving 4-ohm to 32-ohm speakers. The LM386N-1 delivers 325mW of output power. The LM386N-3 reaches 700mW. The LM386N-4 achieves a peak output power of 1W. All versions come in a DIP-8 package.

Pricing for the component differs significantly based on the manufacturer and region. Original Texas Instruments parts, such as the LM386N-1/NOPB, cost approximately 2.55 CNY in bulk. Domestic compatible versions sell for between 0.1 CNY and 1 CNY. Original imports in China range from 0.18 CNY to 1.85 CNY.

Kuai Keji reported on the continued production and market dynamics of the LM386. The chip serves as a cost-effective solution for simple audio amplification tasks. Its longevity demonstrates the enduring demand for basic analog hardware components in modern electronics.