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On Aug 7, 2025


ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors by HTC Korea – High-Voltage, High-Current Driver IC

The Darlington Transistors ULN2004AD by HTC Korea are 7-channel, high-voltage, high-current Darlington driver arrays designed for controlling a wide range of loads such as relays, motors, lamps, and LEDs. With TTL/CMOS compatible inputs and integrated clamp diodes, this IC simplifies the task of switching inductive or resistive loads in embedded and industrial control systems.

In this blog, we’ll cover its technical specifications, top features, application areas, pin configuration, real-world use case, and compatible products from Texas Instruments. Ideal for interfacing logic-level signals with power components, the ULN2004AD remains a go-to solution among designers working with Discrete Semiconductors.


Technical Specifications of ULN2004AD

  • Manufacturer: HTC Korea

  • Part Number: ULN2004AD

  • Type: 7-Channel Darlington Transistor Array

  • Input Logic Compatibility: 6–15V TTL/CMOS

  • Output Voltage: Up to 50V

  • Output Current: Up to 500mA per channel

  • Diode Protection: Integrated flyback diodes

  • Package: SOIC-16

  • Category: Semiconductors, Discrete Semiconductors, Transistors, Darlington Transistors

This IC is optimized for high-side inductive load switching in a compact form factor, commonly used in relay modules and industrial control logic.


Key Features of ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors

  • 7 High-Current Output Channels – Drives multiple relays or inductive loads simultaneously

  • Integrated Clamp Diodes – Protects circuitry from voltage spikes during switching

  • Wide Input Voltage Support – Interfaces with TTL, CMOS, and other logic systems

  • Compact SOIC-16 Package – Saves space in densely packed PCB designs

  • High Voltage and Current Tolerance – Supports up to 50V and 500mA per output

With its robust design, ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors deliver excellent switching performance in compact control applications using Transistors.


Applications of ULN2004AD

Common applications of ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors include:

  • Relay Driver Boards

  • LED and Lamp Drivers

  • Stepper Motor Controllers

  • Home Automation Systems

  • Printer & Scanner Circuits

  • Industrial Control Modules

Thanks to its compact design and versatile features, this IC is widely used in Semiconductors projects that require high-current, high-voltage switching.


Wiring and Pin Configuration Overview

Pin Layout (SOIC-16):

  • Pins 1–7: Inputs from logic controller

  • Pins 10–16: Outputs to relays, motors, etc.

  • Pin 8 (GND): Connect to ground

  • Pin 9 (COM): Connect to load power for diode clamping

This configuration provides safe, effective current control with minimal external components, a key advantage of using Darlington Transistors in embedded systems.


Use Case Scenario: Industrial Relay Interface Module

Scenario: A factory automation engineer needed to interface high-voltage relays with a 12V control logic system.

Problem: Using individual Transistors with external protection diodes increased complexity and occupied more PCB space.

Solution: The ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors by HTC Korea enabled reliable and compact relay control using a single IC with built-in flyback protection.

Result: Reduced board footprint, simplified circuit design, and enhanced load protection—demonstrating the power of smart Discrete Semiconductors integration.


Also Available from Other Manufacturers

If you're looking for alternatives to the ULN2004AD, consider reliable equivalents from:

  • Texas Instruments – Offers high-performance Darlington Transistors with extended temperature range and enhanced protection features.

All variants are available at Xon Electronics for flexible sourcing.


Download Datasheet for ULN2004AD

Need pin diagrams, electrical characteristics, or application notes?

[Download the ULN2004AD Datasheet from Xon Electronics]


Why Buy from Xon Electronics?

Buy ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors by HTC Korea from Xon Electronics and enjoy:

  • 100% Authentic HTC Korea Components
  • Global Shipping – USA, India, Australia, Europe & more
  • Volume Discounts for Manufacturers
  • Technical Support for Product Integration
  • Fast & Secure Online Purchasing

Xon Electronics is your trusted source for Semiconductors, Transistors, and Discrete Semiconductors.


FAQs – ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors

Q1. What is the difference between ULN2003 and ULN2004?
ULN2004 supports higher input voltages (6–15V), making it ideal for non-TTL logic systems.

Q2. Can it drive inductive loads?
Yes, each output includes an internal flyback diode for safe inductive switching.

Q3. How much current can it handle per channel?
Up to 500mA continuous per output.

Q4. Does it support CMOS input?
Yes, the ULN2004AD is compatible with both CMOS and TTL logic levels.

Q5. Is global delivery available?
Yes, available via Xon Electronics across USA, India, Australia, Europe, and other countries.


Conclusion

The ULN2004AD Darlington Transistors by HTC Korea are a compact, reliable solution for driving high-current loads directly from logic-level inputs. Whether you're designing automation control boards or consumer electronics, this IC reduces design complexity while improving performance and protection.

Available now at Xon Electronics — with global shipping to the USA, India, Australia, Europe, and more.


Looking for help? Visit our FAQ's Section to answer to all your questions

 

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