October 2013
I need a good, single-source audio amp IC for a project. The LM-386 isn't powerful enough. Is there a 'super' LM-386 op-amp that's also single-source (only one power connection)?
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The LM-386 and its kin usually require a big capacitor between the amp and the speaker because the output is offset up from ground by 1/2 VCC. I like the BTL (bridge tied load) amplifiers, which are basically push-pull, and require no capacitor in the output. The TDA7056AT is my favorite. Supply up to 18VDC, but works great anywhere from 5VDC up. Provides about 3W into 16 ohms at 12VDC supply. It also has a DC volume control input, so you're not running audio through the volume pot, which can introduce noise. I made an MP3 player with it and it belts out the sound. It pulls some current, though, to get that much power. I used a 9.6V RC power pack to power it!
he TDA7056AT is in a 16-pin wide SO surface-mount package, but SO is at an 0.05" spacing, which is not bad for hand soldering. (A magnifier helps.) Certainly not as bad as the 0.5mm spacing on the QFP parts!!! Hope this helps! BTW, I think TI has a mono BTL amplifier in a DIP package, but it doesn't have the DC volume control function, IIRC...
The LM380 is the 2 watt "big brother" to the LM386.
Depending on your power and voltage requirements, I would suggest the LM380 or LM384. I have used both of these parts many times over the years. The LM380 is available in a 8-pin or 14-pin package. Unless you are trying to get more than 1 watt out of the part, you probably won't need a heat sink. Just put a large copper area on your PCB for pins 3,4,5,10,11,12. Both parts are available from Mouser or Digi-Key.
