Texas Instruments DS3658N

Overview

DS3658N from Texas Instruments is a quad high-current peripheral driver IC with open-collector NPN outputs, designed for relay, solenoid, lamp, and stepping motor driving in industrial control systems. It delivers 600 mA per output (2.4 A total), features 70 V output breakdown voltage, 350 mV typical output ON voltage at 600 mA, and operates from a standard 5 V supply.

For engineers reviewing the DS3658N datasheet, DS3658N pinout, DS3658N application, or DS3658N equivalent, key selection considerations include its TTL-compatible high-impedance inputs (1 µA typical), integrated clamp diodes for inductive flyback protection, fail-safe high-impedance state on open input, and PDIP-16 package with four dedicated ground pins for enhanced thermal performance.

Technical Context

The DS3658N implements four independent saturated NPN transistor drivers with TTL-compatible inputs and built-in clamp diodes rated for 800 mA per channel. Its input circuitry uses NPN-based logic to achieve ultra-low input current while maintaining compatibility with both TTL and CMOS sources.

Each output provides 70 V breakdown rating and supports safe operation up to 35 V with inductive loads when clamped - critical for relay and solenoid switching. Power-up/down glitch-free behavior and automatic high-impedance fail-safe mode on floating inputs ensure robust system-level reliability without external supervision circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS3658N is housed in a 16-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with four dedicated ground pins (pins 4, 5, 12, 13) directly bonded to the die for improved thermal dissipation and reduced ground bounce. The package drawing is TI's NFG0016E.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad high-current peripheral driver applications.

Compared with SN75437N and ULN2803ADWR, the DS3658N offers superior inductive load resilience via its 70 V breakdown and fail-safe open-input behavior - critical for mission-critical industrial actuators where reliability under fault conditions is non-negotiable.

Availability

DS3658N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay drivers, solenoid actuators, and stepping motor control systems requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for DS3658N includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The DS3658N belongs to TI's legacy peripheral driver product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized industrial interface applications demanding high sink current, inductive load tolerance, and fail-safe operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel for the DS3658N?

The DS3658N supports 600 mA continuous sink current per output channel under specified thermal conditions (TA ≤ 70°C, proper PCB grounding). All four channels may conduct simultaneously, provided average power dissipation remains within the 2075 mW limit at 25°C free-air - derated linearly to 1328 mW at 70°C. Exceeding this limit risks thermal shutdown or parametric drift in the DS3658N.

Does the DS3658N require external flyback diodes when driving relays?

No, the DS3658N does not require external flyback diodes when driving relays because it integrates clamp diodes rated for 800 mA per output. These diodes safely dissipate inductive flyback energy during coil de-energization. However, for reliable operation above 35 V, external clamping is recommended to prevent latch-up - a design constraint explicitly defined in the DS3658N datasheet.

Is the DS3658N pin-compatible with other TI peripheral drivers?

Yes, the DS3658N is pin-for-pin compatible with the SN75437, as confirmed in TI's official documentation. Both devices share identical PDIP-16 pinout, electrical specifications, and functional behavior - enabling seamless substitution in existing designs without PCB or firmware changes. This compatibility is explicitly stated in the DS3658N datasheet feature list.

What happens to the DS3658N outputs when an input is left unconnected?

When any input pin of the DS3658N is left unconnected (open), the corresponding output enters a high-impedance (Hi-Z) state due to its built-in fail-safe circuitry. This prevents unintended activation of connected loads such as relays or solenoids during wiring faults, controller resets, or initialization sequences - a safety-critical behavior unique to the DS3658N among comparable drivers.

What is the operating temperature range for the DS3658N?

The DS3658N is specified for operation from 0°C to +70°C ambient temperature, as defined in its Absolute Maximum Ratings and Operating Conditions tables. This commercial-grade temperature range aligns with industrial control panel environments where airflow and board-level heatsinking maintain junction temperatures within safe limits for the DS3658N's 2 W package rating.