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Eight-channel Darlington driver

ULN2803A Specifications

Review ULN2803A electrical specifications, operating conditions and package details.

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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

Component view