Skip to datasheet
Eight-channel Darlington driver

ULN2803A Reference Tables

Search the ULN2803A pin reference and manufacturer-referenced specification tables.

Package view
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

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

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

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

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

Scroll within the table to see all columns and rows.

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

Component view