ULN2003D1013TR Discrete Semiconductor Products

The ULN2003D1013TR is an array of NPN Darlington transistors (BJT) and is part of the portfolio of semiconductor products from Texas Instruments. This component is a great choice for applications like driving small to medium current loads, stepper motor drivers, relay drivers and general purpose switching but, as with any component, there needs to be an understanding of what it does and how it does it in order to use it effectively.

Application Field: It’s very straightforward - the ULN2003D1013TR is used for driving small to medium current loads, in this case up to 500 mA. Its relatively low-power operation makes it an ideal choice for low voltage/current applications such as relays and motors. The transistor array is able to switch into different states depending on the settings of the inputs, so it can be used to control stepper motors or relays as drivers. It’s also quite popular in robotics, as it is not only capable of driving motors but also solenoids, lamps and other DC loads.

Working Principle: The ULN2003D1013TR can operate in two different modes – open loop and closed loop. When in open loop mode, the device is simply switching current on and off depending on the input logic state. When in closed-loop mode, an external current-sensing resistor is connected between the output of the ULN2003D1013TR and the ground terminal. This will allow a constant level of current to be maintained, regardless of the input logic state. This is very handy for applications such as stepper motor drivers, as it ensures that the motor will always be driven at the same speed.

The ULN2003D1013TR is a great tool for driving small to medium current loads. It is able to switch current on and off quickly and accurately, and can also be used to maintain a constant current level in closed-loop mode. This makes it an ideal choice for applications such as stepper motor drivers, relay drivers and general purpose switching. It is simple to use, and its low-power operation makes it an attractive choice for low voltage/current applications.