My Inquiry
My Account
Texas Instruments ULN2004AIN
- Part No.:
- ULN2004AIN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
ULN2004AIN.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS 7NPN DARL 50V 0.5A 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,447
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
ULN2004AIN from Texas Instruments is a 7-channel high-voltage, high-current Darlington transistor array in a 16-pin PDIP package, rated for 500 mA per channel and 50 V output voltage, with integrated common-cathode clamp diodes and 10.5-kΩ input base resistors-designed for direct TTL/5-V CMOS interfacing in relay, lamp, and display driver circuits.
For engineers reviewing the ULN2004AIN datasheet, ULN2004AIN pinout, ULN2004AIN application, or ULN2004AIN equivalent, this device serves as a robust, discrete-output switching solution for industrial control I/O, solenoid actuation, and LED/gas-discharge panel drivers where inductive load protection and logic-level compatibility are critical.
Technical Context
The ULN2004AIN integrates seven independent NPN Darlington pairs, each with a monolithic 10.5-kΩ series input resistor enabling direct connection to 5-V logic without external biasing. Its internal clamp diodes provide flyback protection across inductive loads up to 50 V.
Each channel delivers 500 mA continuous collector current at ≤1.6 V VCE(sat) (IC = 350 mA, II = 500 µA), operates from −40°C to 105°C, and supports parallel channel operation for increased current capacity while maintaining logic-compatible input thresholds.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channel count | 7 independent Darlington outputs-enables multi-load control from single IC without external transistors. |
| Max collector current per channel | 500 mA-supports driving relays, lamps, and small solenoids directly. |
| Output voltage rating | 50 V-handles inductive kickback from relays, stepper coils, and other 24–48 V industrial loads. |
| VCE(sat) @ 350 mA | 1.2–1.6 V-minimizes power dissipation and heat rise during sustained on-state operation. |
| Input resistor value | 10.5 kΩ-allows direct interface with 5-V TTL/CMOS without external pull-up or current-limiting components. |
| Operating temperature range | −40°C to 105°C-qualified for industrial and automotive under-hood environments. |
| Clamp diode configuration | Common-cathode, shared COM pin-simplifies PCB layout by consolidating flyback path for all 7 channels. |
Pinout & Package
ULN2004AIN uses a 16-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-N) with 0.3-inch body width and standard through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; pin numbering follows counter-clockwise order from top-left when viewed with marking side up.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–7 (B1–B7) | Input bases | Logic-level inputs accepting 0–5 V; internally pulled down, compatible with TTL/CMOS. |
| 8 (E) | Emitter common | Ground reference for all Darlington emitters; must be connected to system GND. |
| 9 (COM) | Clamp diode cathode common | Connects to positive supply of inductive load (e.g., +24 V) to enable flyback energy recirculation. |
| 10–16 (C1–C7) | Collector outputs | Open-collector, high-voltage outputs-sink current to drive loads between COM and Cx pins. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated input resistors | 10.5 kΩ per channel eliminates need for external base resistors-reduces BOM count and layout area. |
| On-chip clamp diodes | Common-cathode configuration simplifies EMI suppression and removes requirement for 7 discrete flyback diodes. |
| High-voltage output capability | 50 V rating enables safe switching of 24 V DC relays and 48 V industrial actuators without external snubbers. |
| Parallel channel support | Multiple outputs can be wired together to deliver >500 mA per load-extends drive capability without redesign. |
| Wide temperature operation | −40°C to 105°C ambient range ensures reliability in factory automation, HVAC, and outdoor control cabinets. |
Applications
| Industrial Relay Control | LED Display Driver |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Controlling 24 VDC electromechanical relays in PLC I/O modules and motor starter panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch driver-sinks relay coil current through collector outputs while clamping inductive kickback via COM pin. Use Value: Eliminates external flyback diodes and base resistors, reducing component count by ≥14 parts per 7-relay bank and improving long-term reliability. |
Use Scenario: Driving multiplexed 7-segment LED displays or large LED signage requiring high segment current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side segment driver-sinks current from common-anode LEDs with fast turn-off (tPHL ≤ 10 µs) to minimize ghosting. Use Value: Delivers 500 mA per segment for bright, uniform illumination at full duty cycle without thermal derating. |
| Printer Hammer Actuation | Gas Discharge Tube Driver |
|
Use Scenario: Energizing solenoid-based print hammers in impact dot-matrix printers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pulse-width-controlled current sink-switches 300–500 mA hammer coils with <1 µs typical propagation delay at 25°C. Use Value: Enables precise timing control for character alignment and reduces mechanical wear via consistent coil energization. |
Use Scenario: Driving neon or Nixie tube segments in instrumentation panels and vintage-style displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage AC/DC load switch-handles 50 V peak anode voltage and provides zero-crossing-safe turn-off via clamp diode. Use Value: Supports direct drive of gas tubes up to 40 V ignition threshold without external HV transistors or isolation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Darlington array applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULN2003A | No internal input resistors-requires external 2.7 kΩ resistors for TTL compatibility. | Suitable only when board space allows discrete base resistors and design tolerates higher component count. | Select ULN2003A only if legacy schematics mandate resistor-based biasing or if lower input sensitivity is required. |
| STPIC6C595 | 8-bit shift-register output driver with open-drain MOSFETs-not Darlington-based; 100 mA per channel, 30 V max. | Better for serial-controlled LED matrices but lacks flyback protection and inductive load handling. | Choose STPIC6C595 for SPI-driven low-power LED arrays; avoid for relay/solenoid loads requiring >100 mA or >30 V. |
Compared with ULN2004AIN, ULN2003A demands additional passive components for logic interfacing and offers no advantage in voltage or current rating, while STPIC6C595 trades robustness for serial controllability and cannot replace ULN2004AIN in high-energy inductive switching roles.
Availability
ULN2004AIN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial relay control, LED signage, printer actuation, and gas discharge display applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for ULN2004AIN 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 power management technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in industrial and automotive electronics.
The ULN2004AIN belongs to TI's legacy Darlington array product line, engineered specifically for rugged, cost-sensitive industrial I/O buffering where simplicity, reliability, and inductive load tolerance are prioritized over digital integration.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current per channel for ULN2004AIN?
The ULN2004AIN is rated for 500 mA continuous collector current per Darlington pair at TA ≤ 25°C with adequate heatsinking. Derating applies above 25°C ambient-e.g., ~350 mA at 70°C per datasheet Figure 11. This rating assumes proper PCB copper area and airflow; exceeding it risks thermal runaway or permanent VCE(sat) degradation in ULN2004AIN.
Does ULN2004AIN require external flyback diodes when driving relays?
No-ULN2004AIN includes integrated common-cathode clamp diodes connected to the COM pin. When COM is tied to the positive supply of the inductive load (e.g., +24 V), these diodes safely recirculate flyback current. External diodes are unnecessary unless operating beyond 50 V or requiring faster decay than the internal diode permits in ULN2004AIN.
Can ULN2004AIN be used with 3.3-V microcontroller GPIOs?
Yes-ULN2004AIN accepts logic-high inputs as low as 2.0 V (VI(on) typ. 1.1 V at IC = 100 mA), making it compatible with 3.3-V MCU outputs. However, ensure the GPIO can source ≥0.35 mA per channel (II at VI = 3.3 V); most modern MCUs meet this. The 10.5-kΩ internal resistor ensures reliable turn-on without level-shifting in ULN2004AIN.
How does ULN2004AIN differ from ULN2004AID in terms of thermal performance?
ULN2004AIN (PDIP) has θJA = 67°C/W, while ULN2004AID (SOIC) is rated at 73°C/W. Thus, the PDIP version dissipates heat more effectively in still-air conditions. For identical power dissipation, ULN2004AIN runs ~6°C cooler-critical in dense layouts or unventilated enclosures. Both share identical electrical specs and pinout, so ULN2004AIN offers better thermal headroom in thermally constrained designs.
Is ULN2004AIN RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes-ULN2004AIN is RoHS-compliant with lead-free (NIPDAU) termination, as confirmed in TI's Package Option Addendum. It meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity Level-1 (unlimited floor life) and supports standard Pb-free reflow profiles. No exemptions apply; full compliance documentation is available via TI's quality portal for ULN2004AIN.
ULN2004AIN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Series:
- ULx200xA
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Switch Type:
- Relay, Solenoid Driver
- Number of Outputs:
- 7
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:1
- Output Configuration:
- Low Side
- Output Type:
- NPN
- Interface:
- Parallel
- Voltage - Load:
- 50V (Max)
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- Not Required
- Current - Output (Max):
- 500mA
- Rds On (Typ):
- -
- Input Type:
- Inverting
- Features:
- -
- Fault Protection:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-PDIP
ULN2004AIN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ULN2004AIN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ULN2004AIN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ULN2004AIN reliable?
The price and inventory of ULN2004AIN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ULN2004AIN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ULN2004AIN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ULN2004AIN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ULN2004AIN?
ULN2004AIN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ULN2004AIN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ULN2004AIN?
For technical support, including ULN2004AIN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ULN2004AIN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ULN2004AIN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ULN2004AIN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ULN2004AIN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ULN2004AIN?
All ULN2004AIN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ULN2004AIN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ULN2004AIN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ULN2004AIN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
ULN2004AIN Tags
-
TPS22919DCKR
Texas Instruments
-
MIC2091-1YM5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC2090-1YM5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
TPS22995RZFR
Texas Instruments
-
TPS22975DSGR
Texas Instruments
-
SIP32510DT-T1-GE3
Vishay Siliconix
-
ULN2003D1013TR
STMicroelectronics
-
MIC2005A-1YM5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC2005A-1YM6-TR
Microchip Technology
-
TPS22916BYFPR
Texas Instruments
-
TPS22917DBVR
Texas Instruments
-
ULN2003APWR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
