ULN2803APGCNHZN - 8ch Darlington Sink Driver 50V/500mA DIP-18 | Toshiba
MPN: ULN2803APGCNHZN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.85 | $18.50 |
| 100 | $1.65 | $165.00 |
| 500 | $1.45 | $725.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.28 | $1,280.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.1 | $3,300.00 |
ULN2803APGCNHZN Overview
A Darlington transistor array is a type of bipolar junction transistor (BJT) driver that pairs two transistors in a Darlington configuration to multiply current gain (hFE), allowing a low-current logic signal (such as a 5 V TTL or 3.3 V CMOS microcontroller output) to switch high-current loads. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the ULN2803 belongs to the power transistor array family, which sits under interface ICs and power management ICs used to bridge low-power digital controllers and high-power actuators. Eight such drivers are integrated into a single package, providing a compact, pin-efficient solution for multi-channel switching.
Key features include 500 mA continuous collector current per channel, 50 V minimum collector-emitter breakdown voltage, integral clamp diodes for inductive load protection, TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs via the 2.7 kOhm base resistor network, and an 18-pin DIP (through-hole) package that simplifies prototyping and breadboard use. The 8-channel parallel architecture allows simultaneous control of multiple loads using a single IC, reducing BOM and PCB area.
The device is fabricated using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) process optimized for high-voltage, high-current switching. The monolithic silicon construction provides matched base resistors per channel, ensuring consistent drive behavior across all eight outputs, while the common-cathode clamp diodes tied to a dedicated COM pin simplify inductive load management.
Typical applications include relay drivers, solenoid drivers, stepper motor unipolar winding drivers, LED matrix row/column drivers, lamp drivers, logic-level translators, and general-purpose high-current sink switching for industrial automation, consumer appliances, and HVAC controls. In microcontroller-based designs, the ULN2803 typically sits between a 5 V GPIO and a 24 V load bus.
When designing with this part, ensure that the sum of all simultaneously-active channel currents does not exceed the package's total power dissipation of approximately 1.47 W, and always connect the COM pin to the positive supply when driving inductive loads so that the internal clamp diodes can recirculate the back-EMF. Avoid exceeding the 50 V VCEO rating, especially with inductive kick.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package and cross-brand alternatives, and practical design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers shortlist a working part quickly.
Drop-in alternatives for ULN2803APGCNHZN — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ULN2803APGCNHZN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Operating Temperature Range, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ULN2803AP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ULN2804APG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ULN2803ADWR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →ULN2803AP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ULN2803ADWR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →ULN2803APGCNHZN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Part Number | ULN2803APGCNHZN |
| Manufacturer | Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage |
| Device Function | 8-Channel Darlington Sink Driver Array |
| Module Configuration | Eight NPN Darlington Pairs (Common Emitter) |
| Transistor Polarity | NPN |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Maximum Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO) | 50 V |
| Maximum Collector Current (Continuous) | 500 mA per channel |
| Peak Load Current | 600 mA per channel |
| Power Dissipation (Pd) | 1.47 W |
| Input Compatibility | TTL / CMOS (via 2.7 kOhm base resistor network) |
| Clamp Diodes | Yes, integral free-wheeling diodes with common COM pin |
| Package | DIP-18 (through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature Range | -20 C to +75 C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -55 C to +150 C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ULN2803APGCNHZN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | 1B — Channel 1 input (base of Darlington pair 1) |
| Pin 2 | 2B — Channel 2 input |
| Pin 3 | 3B — Channel 3 input |
| Pin 4 | 4B — Channel 4 input |
| Pin 5 | 5B — Channel 5 input |
| Pin 6 | 6B — Channel 6 input |
| Pin 7 | 7B — Channel 7 input |
| Pin 8 | 8B — Channel 8 input |
| Pin 9 | GND — Common emitter / ground (pin 9) |
| Pin 10 | COM — Common cathode of clamp diodes; tie to positive supply for inductive loads |
| Pin 11 | 8C — Channel 8 output (collector of Darlington pair 8) |
| Pin 12 | 7C — Channel 7 output |
| Pin 13 | 6C — Channel 6 output |
| Pin 14 | 5C — Channel 5 output |
| Pin 15 | 4C — Channel 4 output |
| Pin 16 | 3C — Channel 3 output |
| Pin 17 | 2C — Channel 2 output |
| Pin 18 | 1C — Channel 1 output |
Typical Applications
ULN2803APGCNHZN is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Relay Driver Array, Unipolar Stepper Motor Driver (Low-Side Sink), Solenoid and Valve Bank Driver, LED Matrix Row/Column Driver, Logic-Level Translator (5 V to High-Voltage Bus), Printer and Appliance Stepper/Solenoid Bank.
Industrial Relay Driver Array
The Toshiba ULN2803APGCNHZN is purpose-built for switching 8 independent industrial relays from low-current logic. Each of its 8 NPN Darlington outputs can sink 500 mA continuously at up to 50 V, and the integrated free-wheeling clamp diodes (with a shared COM pin) safely dissipate the back-EMF generated when a 24 V relay coil de-energizes. A typical application places the COM pin at 24 V, the relay coil negative leads on the 8 collectors, and the microcontroller GPIO outputs (3.3 V or 5 V CMOS/TTL) on the 8 base pins. This topology replaces 8 discrete NPN transistors plus 8 flyback diodes with a single 18-pin DIP, simplifying PCB layout and reducing BOM. The 2.7 kOhm internal base resistor accepts direct TTL-level drive from a PLC, Arduino, or STM32 GPIO without additional signal conditioning.
Recommended
Unipolar Stepper Motor Driver (Low-Side Sink)
A classic use of the ULN2803APGCNHZN is sinking the four (or eight, for 5-phase steppers) low-side windings of a unipolar stepper motor. Each channel sinks up to 500 mA at 50 V, comfortably driving common NEMA 17-size unipolar motors driven from a 12 V to 24 V supply. The COM pin must be tied to the motor supply so the internal clamp diodes recirculate winding current during commutation; this avoids the need for external 1N4007 diodes across each winding. Sequencing inputs 1B-4B in a Gray-code pattern from a microcontroller creates full-step or half-step rotation; alternately, two ULN2803 parts can drive the dual coils of a bipolar stepper when combined with external high-side switches.
Recommended
Solenoid and Valve Bank Driver
Hydraulic and pneumatic solenoid valves in industrial control panels typically draw 200 mA to 400 mA at 24 V, exactly matching the ULN2803APGCNHZN's 500 mA continuous / 50 V envelope. The 8-channel density lets one DIP-18 IC control an 8-valve bank, replacing a relay board and shrinking the panel footprint. The TTL-compatible inputs accept 24 V-to-5 V PLC outputs directly, or 3.3 V microcontroller outputs via the same Darlington input stage. Built-in clamp diodes suppress the inductive kickback that would otherwise require MOV or TVS protection across each solenoid coil.
Recommended
LED Matrix Row/Column Driver
The 8-channel sink capability and 500 mA per-channel drive of the ULN2803APGCNHZN make it an excellent row or column driver for mono-color and RGB LED matrices up to 8 x N pixels. Tie the LED common-anode to VLED (up to 50 V) and sink each row through one channel; pulse-width modulation is then performed by the microcontroller at the input. The Darlington saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) of approximately 0.9 V to 1.2 V at 350 mA generates modest heat per row (under 0.5 W per active channel), enabling matrices brighter than what is achievable with conventional low-side MOSFETs at similar cost.
Recommended
Logic-Level Translator (5 V to High-Voltage Bus)
Beyond its primary role as a relay/solenoid driver, the ULN2803APGCNHZN is widely used as a one-way logic-level translator from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontrollers to 12 V, 24 V, or even 48 V industrial buses. Each input has an internal 2.7 kOhm base resistor that limits input current, so even an unbuffered 3.3 V GPIO can drive the Darlington base into saturation at collector voltages up to 50 V. This eliminates the level-shift MOSFET or buffer in many industrial designs where 8 control lines need to be translated and the load is grounded (low-side switching). The high input impedance also makes the part useful for voltage translation in test fixtures and instrumentation front ends.
Recommended
Printer and Appliance Stepper/Solenoid Bank
In legacy printer, point-of-sale, and home-appliance designs, the ULN2803APGCNHZN drives paper-feed steppers, cutter solenoids, paper-feed rollers, and indicator lamps all from a single logic IC. The 50 V VCEO provides ample headroom for AC-coupled or rectified-DC loads, while the 500 mA per-channel rating covers most small solenoids and high-brightness indicator lamps. Legacy design footprints have used the ULN2803A family for decades; the Toshiba CNHZN variant preserves this proven architecture for current production runs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ULN2803APGCNHZN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ULN2803AP | ULN2804APG | ULN2803A | ULN2803AP | ULN2803A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Toshiba | Toshiba | Toshiba | STMicroelectronics | onsemi | Texas Instruments |
| Package | DIP-18 | DIP-18 - same | DIP-18 - same | DIP-18 - same | DIP-18 - same | DIP-18 - same |
| Channels | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Max VCEO | 50 V | 50 V | 50 V | 50 V | 50 V | 50 V |
| Continuous Collector Current (per channel) | 500 mA | 500 mA | 500 mA | 500 mA | 500 mA | 500 mA |
| Input Logic Compatibility | TTL / 5 V CMOS | TTL / 5 V CMOS | 6-15 V CMOS | TTL / 5 V CMOS | TTL / 5 V CMOS | TTL / 5 V CMOS |
| Integral Clamp Diodes | Yes (with COM pin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -20 C to +75 C | -20 C to +75 C | -20 C to +75 C | -20 C to +85 C | -20 C to +85 C | -20 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in compatible with industry-standard ULN2803A footprint (vs ULN2803A (TI legacy DIP version))
- Wider operating temperature headroom at the high end compared with TI legacy variant (vs TI ULN2803ADWR (wide-body SOIC, EOL))
- Lower input drive requirement thanks to 2.7 kOhm base resistor network (vs Discrete 2N4401 NPN driver)
Design Notes
The Toshiba ULN2803APGCNHZN has a package power dissipation of approximately 1.47 W. With eight channels potentially conducting 500 mA each, a 24 V load would dissipate 12 W - far above the package limit. Derate by limiting total simultaneous current (for example, 4 x 500 mA at 24 V = 8 W still exceeds 1.47 W; reduce to roughly 60 mA per channel continuous across all 8 channels to stay within limits, or pulse-load channels sequentially). For higher continuous currents, choose a SOIC-W (wide-body) ULN2803LW with improved thermal resistance.
Always connect the COM pin (pin 10) to the positive supply rail when switching inductive loads. If COM is left floating, the internal clamp diodes cannot conduct during the flyback phase and inductive kick-back can exceed VCEO, destroying the Darlington output. For non-inductive loads (pure resistive lamps, LEDs with series resistor), COM can typically be left open or tied to VCC.
Place the device so that high-current output tracks are short and away from sensitive analog signals. Although the 2.7 kOhm internal base resistors limit switching speed (rising edges of a few microseconds), large collector currents (500 mA) can produce significant ground-bounce across the shared emitter ground. Use a generous ground pour and consider a star-ground at the ULN2803 emitter pin (pin 9) for multi-channel switching applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed via Toshiba product page and Mouser listing as of 2026-10-14. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data.
