Overview
The ULN2003AIN, produced by Texas Instruments, is a high-voltage, high-current Darlington transistor array. This device is renowned for its versatility and ubiquity across a wide range of applications. It integrates seven NPN Darlington transistor pairs, each capable of sinking up to 500 mA of current. The ULN2003AIN is designed to interface directly with TTL or CMOS logic operating at supply voltages of 5 V or 3.3 V, making it highly compatible with various microcontrollers and logic devices. The device features a common emitter and open collector outputs, along with suppression diodes for inductive loads, enhancing its reliability and performance in diverse applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Typ | Max | Unit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collector Current (single output) | - | - | 500 | mA | - |
| Output Voltage | - | - | 50 | V | - |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) | 0.9 | 1.2 | 1.7 | V | II = 350 μA, IC = 200 mA |
| Input Current (II) | 0.93 | 1.35 | - | mA | VI = 3.85 V |
| OFF-state Input Current (II(off)) | 30 | 65 | - | μA | VCE = 50 V, IC = 500 μA |
| Input Capacitance (Ci) | - | - | - | pF | - |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 | - | 105 | °C | - |
Key Features
- High-Current Capability: Each channel can sink up to 500 mA of current, making it suitable for driving high-current loads such as solenoids, relays, and small motors.
- High-Voltage Outputs: The device can handle output voltages up to 50 V, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications.
- Logic Compatibility: Inputs are compatible with various types of logic, including TTL and CMOS operating at 5 V or 3.3 V supply voltages.
- Suppression Diodes: Integrated clamp diodes for inductive loads help in suppressing kick-back voltages, enhancing the device's reliability.
- Low Input Current: The Darlington configuration allows for high-output current drive with very low input current, making it efficient for use with low GPIO voltages.
Applications
The ULN2003AIN is widely used in various applications where high-voltage or high-current drive is required from a low-voltage logic source. Typical applications include:
- Driving Solenoids and Relays: The device is often used to control solenoids and relays in industrial and automotive systems.
- Motor Control: It can drive small motors and other high-current loads efficiently.
- Lamp and LED Control: The ULN2003AIN can be used to control lamps and LEDs in various lighting applications.
- General Interface Needs: It serves as a versatile interface solution for connecting microcontrollers or logic devices to high-voltage or high-current peripherals.
Q & A
- What is the maximum collector current per channel for the ULN2003AIN?
The maximum collector current per channel is 500 mA.
- What is the maximum output voltage the ULN2003AIN can handle?
The device can handle output voltages up to 50 V.
- Is the ULN2003AIN compatible with TTL and CMOS logic?
Yes, the ULN2003AIN is compatible with TTL and CMOS logic operating at 5 V or 3.3 V supply voltages.
- What is the purpose of the suppression diodes in the ULN2003AIN?
The suppression diodes are used to suppress kick-back voltages from inductive loads, enhancing the device's reliability.
- What is the operating temperature range of the ULN2003AIN?
The operating temperature range is from -40°C to 105°C.
- How many Darlington transistor pairs does the ULN2003AIN contain?
The device contains seven NPN Darlington transistor pairs.
- What types of loads can the ULN2003AIN drive?
The ULN2003AIN can drive high-voltage or high-current loads such as solenoids, relays, small motors, lamps, and LEDs.
- Why is the ULN2003AIN useful for interfacing with microcontrollers?
The ULN2003AIN is useful because it allows microcontrollers to drive high-voltage or high-current loads directly, despite the microcontroller's limited output capabilities.
- What is the typical input current for the ULN2003AIN?
The typical input current is between 0.93 mA and 1.35 mA at an input voltage of 3.85 V.
- What is the collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) for the ULN2003AIN?
The VCE(sat) ranges from 0.9 V to 1.7 V depending on the input and output currents.
