Overview
The ULN2003A, 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 consists of seven NPN Darlington transistor pairs, each capable of sinking up to 500 mA of current. The ULN2003A is designed to interface with various logic families, including TTL and CMOS, operating at supply voltages of 5 V or 3.3 V. The device features common emitter and open collector outputs, along with suppression diodes for inductive loads, making it highly effective for driving solenoids, relays, lamps, small motors, and LEDs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Test Conditions | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vo Output Voltage | 50 | V | |||
| Vin Input Voltage | 30 | V | |||
| Ic Continuous Collector Current | 500 | mA | |||
| Ib Continuous Base Current | 25 | mA | |||
| Tamb Operating Ambient Temperature Range | -20 | 85 | °C | ||
| Tstg Storage Temperature Range | -55 | 150 | °C | ||
| Tj Junction Temperature | 150 | °C | |||
| VCE(sat) Collector-emitter Saturation Voltage | IC = 100 mA, IB = 250 µA | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.3 | V |
| Ii(on) Input Current | VI = 3.85 V | 0.82 | 0.93 | 1.35 | mA |
| Ii(off) Off-state Input Current | VCE = 50 V, IC = 500 µA | 50 | 65 | µA | |
| VF Clamp Forward Voltage | IF = 350 mA | 1.7 | 2.2 | V |
Key Features
- High-voltage outputs: up to 50 V
- High-current capability: up to 500 mA per channel
- Inputs compatible with TTL and CMOS logic at 5 V or 3.3 V
- Common emitter and open collector outputs
- Suppression diodes for inductive loads
- Series base resistors for direct operation with logic circuits
- Available in 16-pin PDIP and SOIC packages
Applications
- Relay drivers
- Solenoid drivers
- Lamp drivers
- Small motor drivers
- LED display drivers
- Thermal print head drivers
- Line drivers and logic buffers
Q & A
- What is the maximum output voltage of the ULN2003A?
The maximum output voltage of the ULN2003A is 50 V.
- What is the maximum collector current per channel of the ULN2003A?
The maximum collector current per channel of the ULN2003A is 500 mA.
- What types of logic families can the ULN2003A interface with?
The ULN2003A can interface with TTL and CMOS logic families operating at 5 V or 3.3 V.
- What is the purpose of the suppression diodes in the ULN2003A?
The suppression diodes are used to suppress the kick-back voltage from inductive loads.
- What are the typical applications of the ULN2003A?
The ULN2003A is typically used for driving relays, solenoids, lamps, small motors, and LEDs, as well as for line drivers and logic buffers.
- What are the available package types for the ULN2003A?
The ULN2003A is available in 16-pin PDIP and SOIC packages.
- What is the operating ambient temperature range of the ULN2003A?
The operating ambient temperature range of the ULN2003A is -20°C to 85°C.
- What is the junction temperature of the ULN2003A?
The junction temperature of the ULN2003A is up to 150°C.
- How do the series base resistors in the ULN2003A facilitate its operation?
The series base resistors allow the ULN2003A to operate directly with TTL or CMOS logic circuits without additional components.
- Can the Darlington pairs in the ULN2003A be paralleled for higher current capability?
Yes, the Darlington pairs in the ULN2003A can be paralleled to achieve higher current capability.
