Overview
The ULN2003A is an integrated circuit produced by Texas Instruments, consisting of an array of seven NPN Darlington transistors. This device is renowned for its high-current and high-voltage capabilities, making it versatile across a wide range of applications. Each channel of the ULN2003A features a Darlington connected NPN transistor pair, allowing for high-output current drive with very low input current. The device includes suppression diodes for inductive loads and can operate directly with TTL or 5-V CMOS logic due to the integrated series base resistors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage (VO) | 50 | V |
| Input Voltage (VI) | 30 | V |
| Collector Current - Continuous (IC) | 500 | mA |
| Base Current - Continuous (IB) | 25 | mA |
| Operating Ambient Temperature Range | -20 to +85 | °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -55 to +150 | °C |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) | 0.9 - 1.6 | V |
| Propagation Delay Time (tPLH, tPHL) | 1 - 10 | μs |
Key Features
- Seven high-voltage, high-current NPN Darlington transistor pairs with common emitter and open collector outputs.
- Each channel can sink up to 500 mA and handle up to 50 V output.
- Includes suppression diodes for inductive loads to prevent kick-back voltage.
- Inputs compatible with TTL and 5-V CMOS logic due to integrated 2.7-kΩ series base resistors.
- High-current gain (β2) allowing for high-output current drive with low input current.
- Available in PDIP, SOIC, SOP, and TSSOP packaging.
Applications
- Driver circuits for relays, solenoids, and printer hammers.
- Lamp and LED displays.
- Stepper motors and other high-current motor applications.
- Logic buffers and line drivers.
Q & A
- What is the ULN2003A?
The ULN2003A is an integrated circuit produced by Texas Instruments, consisting of seven NPN Darlington transistors capable of high-current and high-voltage output.
- What is the maximum collector current of the ULN2003A?
The maximum collector current is 500 mA).
- What is the maximum output voltage of the ULN2003A?
The maximum output voltage is 50 V).
- What types of logic are the inputs compatible with?
The inputs are compatible with TTL and 5-V CMOS logic).
- What is the purpose of the suppression diodes in the ULN2003A?
The suppression diodes are used to prevent kick-back voltage from inductive loads).
- What are the typical applications of the ULN2003A?
Typical applications include driver circuits for relays, solenoids, lamp and LED displays, stepper motors, and logic buffers).
- What packaging options are available for the ULN2003A?
The ULN2003A is available in PDIP, SOIC, SOP, and TSSOP packaging).
- How does the Darlington transistor configuration in the ULN2003A enhance its performance?
The Darlington configuration provides a very high current gain, allowing for high-output current drive with very low input current).
- Can the ULN2003A be used with other logic levels besides TTL and 5-V CMOS?
No, the ULN2003A is specifically designed for TTL and 5-V CMOS logic levels. For other logic levels, different versions like ULN2004A may be used).
- How do the series base resistors in the ULN2003A facilitate its operation?
The series base resistors (2.7 kΩ) allow the device to operate directly with TTL or 5-V CMOS logic, converting the GPIO voltage to base current).
