The maximum power dissipation of the LM1876T is dependent on the ambient temperature and the thermal resistance of the package. According to the datasheet, the maximum power dissipation is 15W at 25°C ambient temperature.
To ensure stability in the LM1876T, it is recommended to use a minimum of 100nF capacitor at the input and output pins, and to keep the PCB layout as compact as possible to minimize parasitic inductance and capacitance.
The recommended input voltage range for the LM1876T is 12V to 22V, although the device can operate with input voltages as low as 10V and as high as 26V.
Yes, the LM1876T can be used as a headphone amplifier, but it is not recommended due to its high power rating and high current consumption. A more suitable option would be to use a dedicated headphone amplifier IC such as the LM4881 or the TPA6120.
To protect the LM1876T from overheating, it is recommended to use a heat sink with a thermal resistance of less than 10°C/W, and to ensure good airflow around the device. Additionally, the device should be operated within its recommended power dissipation limits.
LM1876T/NOPB datasheet
by Texas Instruments
