Time for sound… so where to start? As usual, www.digikey.com (too bad they don’t have an affiliate program!).

So, what are we looking for? A linear audio amplifier. The goal isn’t necessarily to get the cheapest, but rather to get the one that is going to fit the needs of the device. Namely:

• mono speaker output
• stereo headphone output

Looking through the options, LM4853MM/NOPB really sticks out to me as the big winner. Why? Great question!

From the data sheet:

The LM4853 can automatically switch between mono BTL and stereo SE modes utilizing a headphone sense pin. It is ideal for any system that provides both a monaural speaker output and a stereo line or headphone output.

This is exactly what I want! Also, this package has the friendly pins to make soldering easier.

Here is the “typical circuit” the data sheet provides too:

Just look at the connections on the outside, the rest is the internal circuitry. Of course, some of the resistor and capacitor values might need to be tweaked, but it’s a great starting reference.

The thing that is missing from this is the volume control. For that, I’m going to need to do a bit more research. Until next time!