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ULN2803AEight-channel Darlington driver

Switch eight loads from logic—with the complete power budget in view.

Manufacturer-referenced

Toshiba · ULN2803APG

PDIP-18ULN2803APG / AFWG · November 2012

ULN2803A combines eight NPN Darlington drivers and eight clamp diodes in an 18-pin package. Each logic input controls an open-collector output that sinks current through an external load. This reference follows Toshiba ULN2803APG in DIP-18 and ULN2803AFWG in wide SOP-18. Each input has a 2.7 kΩ resistor for TTL or 5 V CMOS control; pin 9 is the shared ground return and pin 10 is the clamp-diode common. Connect COM to the positive coil supply for inductive loads. The 500 mA single-output stress rating is not an eight-channel continuous-current allowance: duty cycle, voltage drop, ambient temperature and package dissipation all matter.

Real View

ULN2803APG black package with silver leads and readable markings.
ULN2803APG · PDIP-18Package illustration

Pinout

ULN2803APDIP-18Top view
Select a pin to see its functionPDIP-18 · 18 pins

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18Physical pins ULN2803APGPDIP-18 Manufacturer-referencedToshiba

Pin diagram

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Package map
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ULN2803APDIP-18Top view

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1
PIN 1 · Logic inputs

I1

Logic input

Function

Input of Darlington channel 1, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.

How to connect

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

Electrical note

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

Key specifications

The load supply provides the output energy. The IC switches each return path; COM catches inductive flyback through the internal diodes.

Independent channels8 Darlington current sinks
Output voltage limit50 V · observe transient margin
Single-output limit500 mA · stress rating
Ambient operation−40–85 °C · derating required

Operating profile

Supply, signals and operating conditions

ULN2803A operating profile
ParameterValueConditions / notes
Selected packagePDIP-18ULN2803APG
Logic interfaceTTL / 5 V2.7 kΩ input resistor per channel
Example coil12 V · 240 ΩCOM connected to the coil rail
Use these values with the stated grade and test conditions.

Package details

ULN2803APG · PDIP-18

Selected package
Selected ULN2803A physical package
PropertyDetails
ManufacturerToshiba
Part numberULN2803APG
PackagePDIP-18
Connections18 pins
MountingThrough-hole
Lead pitch2.54 mm
Package codedip
Thermal referenceBoard and package dependent; see manufacturer data

Input and output pairs

18 physical pins · top view

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Channel 1I1 pin 1 → O1 pin 18HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 2I2 pin 2 → O2 pin 17HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 3I3 pin 3 → O3 pin 16HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 4I4 pin 4 → O4 pin 15HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 5I5 pin 5 → O5 pin 14HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 6I6 pin 6 → O6 pin 13HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 7I7 pin 7 → O7 pin 12HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 8I8 pin 8 → O8 pin 11HIGH input enables the current sink
Ground returnPin 9Controller and load ground
Diode commonPin 10Positive inductive-load supply

Output numbering runs in the opposite direction across the package.

Electrical characteristics

Toshiba ULN2803A · 25°C

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Input resistor2.7 kΩInternal series resistor
Saturation voltage at 100 mA0.9 V typical; 1.1 V maximumInput current 250 µA
Saturation voltage at 200 mA1.1 V typical; 1.3 V maximumInput current 350 µA
Saturation voltage at 350 mA1.3 V typical; 1.6 V maximumInput current 500 µA
Input current at 3.85 V0.93 mA typical; 1.35 mA maximumULN2803APG / AFWG
Input ON voltage2.4 / 2.7 / 3.0 V maximumOutput 200 / 250 / 300 mA; VCE = 2 V
Output leakage50 µA maximum at 25°C; 100 µA at 85°CVCE = 50 V
Clamp diode drop2.0 V maximumForward current 350 mA

These values refer to the selected Toshiba parts; similar names from other manufacturers can have different limits.

Multi-channel operation

Eight active circuits · manufacturer conditions

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
DIP-18 at 10% duty347 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
DIP-18 at 50% duty123 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
SOP-18 at 10% duty268 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
SOP-18 at 50% duty90 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
DIP power at 85°C0.76 W maximumRecommended operating conditions
SOP power at 85°C0.48 W maximum75 × 114 × 1.6 mm glass-epoxy board; 20% copper

Pulse figures are not DC current guarantees. Use the manufacturer duty-cycle and temperature curves for the actual board.

Relay-bank calculations

12 V supply · 240 Ω per coil

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Assumed driver drop0.90 VFixed teaching estimate
Coil voltage11.10 V12 − 0.90
Current per energized coil46.25 mA11.10 / 240
Output loss per channel41.625 mW0.90 × 0.04625
Eight coils energized370 mAEight identical loads
Eight output stages333 mWDoes not include input power or switching loss
Ground and COMPin 9 = GND; pin 10 = +12 VNever swap these two connections

Check relay pickup voltage and supply tolerances. This explorer illustrates steady-state arithmetic, not relay mechanics or temperature.

Absolute maximum ratings

25°C unless otherwise noted

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Output sustaining voltage−0.5 to 50 VStress range
Output current500 mA per channelSubject to total dissipation
Input voltage−0.5 to 30 VNormal example uses 5 V logic
Clamp reverse voltage / forward current50 V / 500 mAAbsolute maximum ratings
DIP total power1.47 W25°C; derate at higher ambient temperature
SOP total power0.92 W; 1.31 W on specified boardBoard: 75 × 114 × 1.6 mm; 20% copper
Operating / storage temperature−40–85°C / −55–150°CAmbient operation / unpowered storage

Do not combine independent absolute maxima as an operating point. No automatic overcurrent protection is provided.

Packages and timing

ULN2803APG · PDIP-18

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
DIP body22.86 × 6.40 mm nominal7.62 mm lead rows; 2.54 mm pitch
SOP body11.35–11.68 × 7.37–7.62 mm10.01–10.64 mm outer lead span; 1.27 mm pitch
Selected PCB geometryDIL18 / SO18WWide SOP geometry; not the narrow SOP18 pattern
Typical turn-on / turn-off0.1 / 0.2 µsRL = 125 Ω; VOUT = 50 V; manufacturer test circuit
Pulse test drive3 V HIGH; 50 µs; 10% dutySpecified switching test, not the relay example
Unused pinsInputs held LOW; outputs openCOM connected for any inductive loads

Footprints are reviewed generic package patterns. Confirm hole, land and assembly tolerances against the purchased part.

Connections by function

Select a pin for its function, connection guidance and electrical notes.

Logic inputs8 pins

Ground1 pin

Clamp protection1 pin

Collector outputs8 pins

Read the conditions with every value

Typical values describe stated test conditions. Absolute maximum ratings are stress limits, not operating targets.

Official PDF datasheet

ULN2803A at a glance

Follow the labeled connections and functional stages

ULN2803A working principle: illustrated functional stages, basic circuit and connections
Select the diagram to read it at full resolution.

How it works

3 stages · Explore one step at a time

Step 1 / 3

Apply a logic level

Input current passes through the internal resistor and drives a pair of transistors. A HIGH input enables its corresponding collector sink.

Step 2 / 3

Complete the load path

Current flows from the external positive supply, through the load, through the output transistor and back to pin 9.

Step 3 / 3

Account for turn-off and heat

Coil current returns through the internal diode to COM after switch-off. Add dissipation from every active channel and consider the selected package and board.

Switch 8 loads independently

Click an input. Follow its collector current and the combined power budget.

12 V · Driver explorer
Active channels0 / 8
Total coil current0 mA
Output-stage dissipation0 mW

Enable JavaScript to try the drivers.

Illustrative DC loads: 240 Ω coils, a 12 V rail and a fixed 0.90 V driver drop. COM is tied to the coil rail. The calculation excludes input-stage power, flyback transients, relay mechanics and temperature rise; it is not a safe-current guarantee.

ULN2803A in a circuit

A physical 18-pin array switches the low side of a 12 V coil.

Controller D8 connects to I1 pin 1. A 12 V 240 ohm coil connects to O1 pin 18. COM pin 10 connects to plus 12 V; GND pin 9 joins the controller and supply returns. Inputs 2 through 8 are grounded and unused outputs are open.
All ground symbols share one return. The drawing shows the coil driver; relay contacts are not included.

Connect it, step by step

Follow the component values and pin connections

Wire the load

Connect the coil from +12 V to O1 pin 18 and join pin 9 to the common return.

Return flyback current

Connect COM pin 10 to +12 V at the load supply.

Control channel one

Drive I1 pin 1 HIGH to energize the coil and LOW to release it. Hold unused inputs LOW.

Inside ULN2803A

One Darlington channel, repeated eight times inside the package.

An internal 2.7 kilohm input resistor drives two NPN transistors. Their collectors share the output, the second emitter returns to pin 9, and the clamp diode cathode connects to COM pin 10.
Representative channel inside the IC. Small bias resistors are omitted for clarity; see the manufacturer equivalent circuit.

Explore the circuit

Select a stage to see its role and connections

Input drive

A 2.7 kΩ resistor limits base drive from the logic input.

Two-transistor gain

The first emitter drives the second base; both collectors form one output sink.

Clamp return

The diode anode is at the collector and its cathode is at COM pin 10.

Selected packagePDIP-18ULN2803APG
Physical connections18 pinsPackage-specific numbering
Reference collection7 tables44 parameters & pin functions

Pin reference

Signal names, electrical functions and connection guidance

PDIP-18
Physical pin numbers18 pins

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ULN2803A pin functions and connections
PinSignalTypeFunction & connection
I1Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 1, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

I2Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 2, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

I3Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 3, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

I4Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 4, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

I5Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 5, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

I6Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 6, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

I7Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 7, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

I8Logic inputInput of Darlington channel 8, through an internal 2.7 kΩ resistor.
Connection guidance

Connect to a 5 V TTL/CMOS output; hold unused inputs LOW.

HIGH enables the matching output sink. Check the required input drive at the intended collector current.

GNDCommon emitter returnShared emitter return for all eight Darlington pairs.
Connection guidance

Join the controller and load-supply grounds.

This lead carries the combined output current. Route its return with appropriate copper and low impedance.

COMClamp-diode commonCommon cathodes of the eight internal inductive-load diodes.
Connection guidance

Connect to the positive coil supply for inductive loads.

COM is not a logic supply or ground. The driver inputs do not require a separate VCC pin.

O8Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 8.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

O7Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 7.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

O6Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 6.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

O5Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 5.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

O4Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 4.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

O3Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 3.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

O2Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 2.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

O1Open-collector outputCollector of Darlington channel 1.
Connection guidance

Connect to the low side of the load; its other side goes to the positive load rail.

Sinks current only. A HIGH input turns this output on; allow for its saturation voltage and package heating.

PDIP-18 · Top view · Select a pin number to open its interactive pinout.

Input and output pairs

18 physical pins · top view

Manufacturer-referenced values10 parameters

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Channel 1I1 pin 1 → O1 pin 18HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 2I2 pin 2 → O2 pin 17HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 3I3 pin 3 → O3 pin 16HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 4I4 pin 4 → O4 pin 15HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 5I5 pin 5 → O5 pin 14HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 6I6 pin 6 → O6 pin 13HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 7I7 pin 7 → O7 pin 12HIGH input enables the current sink
Channel 8I8 pin 8 → O8 pin 11HIGH input enables the current sink
Ground returnPin 9Controller and load ground
Diode commonPin 10Positive inductive-load supply

Output numbering runs in the opposite direction across the package.

Electrical characteristics

Toshiba ULN2803A · 25°C

Manufacturer-referenced values8 parameters

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ParameterValueConditions / notes
Input resistor2.7 kΩInternal series resistor
Saturation voltage at 100 mA0.9 V typical; 1.1 V maximumInput current 250 µA
Saturation voltage at 200 mA1.1 V typical; 1.3 V maximumInput current 350 µA
Saturation voltage at 350 mA1.3 V typical; 1.6 V maximumInput current 500 µA
Input current at 3.85 V0.93 mA typical; 1.35 mA maximumULN2803APG / AFWG
Input ON voltage2.4 / 2.7 / 3.0 V maximumOutput 200 / 250 / 300 mA; VCE = 2 V
Output leakage50 µA maximum at 25°C; 100 µA at 85°CVCE = 50 V
Clamp diode drop2.0 V maximumForward current 350 mA

These values refer to the selected Toshiba parts; similar names from other manufacturers can have different limits.

Multi-channel operation

Eight active circuits · manufacturer conditions

Manufacturer-referenced values6 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
DIP-18 at 10% duty347 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
DIP-18 at 50% duty123 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
SOP-18 at 10% duty268 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
SOP-18 at 50% duty90 mA per channel maximum25 ms pulse width; eight circuits
DIP power at 85°C0.76 W maximumRecommended operating conditions
SOP power at 85°C0.48 W maximum75 × 114 × 1.6 mm glass-epoxy board; 20% copper

Pulse figures are not DC current guarantees. Use the manufacturer duty-cycle and temperature curves for the actual board.

Relay-bank calculations

12 V supply · 240 Ω per coil

Manufacturer-referenced values7 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
Assumed driver drop0.90 VFixed teaching estimate
Coil voltage11.10 V12 − 0.90
Current per energized coil46.25 mA11.10 / 240
Output loss per channel41.625 mW0.90 × 0.04625
Eight coils energized370 mAEight identical loads
Eight output stages333 mWDoes not include input power or switching loss
Ground and COMPin 9 = GND; pin 10 = +12 VNever swap these two connections

Check relay pickup voltage and supply tolerances. This explorer illustrates steady-state arithmetic, not relay mechanics or temperature.

Absolute maximum ratings

25°C unless otherwise noted

Manufacturer-referenced values7 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
Output sustaining voltage−0.5 to 50 VStress range
Output current500 mA per channelSubject to total dissipation
Input voltage−0.5 to 30 VNormal example uses 5 V logic
Clamp reverse voltage / forward current50 V / 500 mAAbsolute maximum ratings
DIP total power1.47 W25°C; derate at higher ambient temperature
SOP total power0.92 W; 1.31 W on specified boardBoard: 75 × 114 × 1.6 mm; 20% copper
Operating / storage temperature−40–85°C / −55–150°CAmbient operation / unpowered storage

Do not combine independent absolute maxima as an operating point. No automatic overcurrent protection is provided.

Packages and timing

ULN2803APG · PDIP-18

Manufacturer-referenced values6 parameters

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

ParameterValueConditions / notes
DIP body22.86 × 6.40 mm nominal7.62 mm lead rows; 2.54 mm pitch
SOP body11.35–11.68 × 7.37–7.62 mm10.01–10.64 mm outer lead span; 1.27 mm pitch
Selected PCB geometryDIL18 / SO18WWide SOP geometry; not the narrow SOP18 pattern
Typical turn-on / turn-off0.1 / 0.2 µsRL = 125 Ω; VOUT = 50 V; manufacturer test circuit
Pulse test drive3 V HIGH; 50 µs; 10% dutySpecified switching test, not the relay example
Unused pinsInputs held LOW; outputs openCOM connected for any inductive loads

Footprints are reviewed generic package patterns. Confirm hole, land and assembly tolerances against the purchased part.

Read each value with its conditions

Typical values describe the stated test conditions. Absolute maximum ratings are stress limits, not operating targets.

Toshiba · ULN2803APG / AFWG · November 2012
Official PDF datasheet

Unipolar steppers

Sequence coil sinks with the winding common at the positive supply. A bipolar motor needs a different drive arrangement.

Manufacturer application guide

Take it into ProTech

Find ULN2803A in the Components Library to place its schematic symbol and connect its pins.

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