TI LM386 1

[aap2]

I was working on trying to use this amplifier for a small radio. I copied the design from the datasheet with a gain of 50. Has anyone ever utilized it for a radio? Were there any problems? Have anyone tried powering it with a small 6V solar panel?

Datasheet

 

[VEBill]

Word association: LM386... ...hissss...

It's a very common little audio amplifier. Widely used in such projects.

 

[IRstuff]

Total harmonic distortion is quite high for relatively low output power. If you're trying to boost a radio playing music, I think this is not a good solution.


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[aap2]

I'm trying to pick up frequencies in the cell phone range. Do you think this is possible with this amplifier?

 

[IRstuff]

Just to be clear, you want to amplify the voice channel? or music? Note that this amplifier is pretty puny, as amplifiers go.

Voice is a no-brainer, since the bandwidth is low and distortion is a fact of life.
Music would be tolerable for most people, but those with "refined" ears would probably squawk.

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[Comcokid]

I'm trying to pick up frequencies in the cell phone range. Do you think this is possible with this amplifier?

Just to be clear, the LM386 is an audio amplifier good up to near 100kHz. To amplify cell phone signals you need an RF amplifier good at a couple GHz. Not only are there four order of magnitude difference between these frequency ranges, there are about four order of magnitude difference in design knowledge needed as well.

 

[Skogsgurra]

You really mean the antenna signals!?

You better read some serious text-books on RF before spoiling your youth on projects like that.

I am kind and extremely lenient when I say so.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

--------------------------------------
Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I'm trying to pick up frequencies in the cell phone range. Do you think this is possible with this amplifier?

You'll pick 'em up alright... via the random wires you'll be using to connect up the chip. And you'll do exactly bupkis with whatever those antennas... er, wires, pick up.

You had better start from square one and explain what you're trying to accomplish, because not only are you on the wrong road to project success, I think your road is in a different country altogether.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[aap2]

You really mean the antenna signals!? thumbsdown

You better read some serious text-books on RF before spoiling your youth on projects like that.

I am kind and extremely lenient when I say so.

That's what I meant. Thanks, but I already have. Don't worry I haven't spoiled my youth.

Just to be clear, the LM386 is an audio amplifier good up to near 100kHz. To amplify cell phone signals you need an RF amplifier good at a couple GHz. Not only are there four order of magnitude difference between these frequency ranges, there are about four order of magnitude difference in design knowledge needed as well.

Understood. The frequency was what I was trying to find out. Proceeding to end. I appreciate the insult, I'm done with this board.

 

[IRstuff]

Seriously? The frequency response of part is clearly printed in section 6.5 of the datasheet you cited.

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[Comcokid]

aap2 - My comment wasn't meant to be insulting. At a previous job a decade ago I did RF design at these frequencies and the knowledge and tools (simulation software, equipment) requirements to do it, and do it right, made my head spin thinking about it again. Not only that but cell phone and cellular device approvals are controlled not only by the FCC, but by by organizations setup by the cellular phone companies and companies who make key devices such as PTCRB, Qualcomm, etc for North America and other acronym organizations for other countries and regions.