ULN2803C: Datasheet Differences Between ULN2803A and ULN2803C

Shinichi Inoue

Guru 20486 points

Part Number: ULN2803C

Dear Specialists,

My customer is considering changing ULN2803A to ULN2803C and has questions.

I would be grateful if you could advise.

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(1) Input voltage (Vi), junction temperature (Tj) recommended operating conditions for ULN2803CDWR are the same as the discontinued ULN2803ADWR?"

According to the datasheet of ULN2803C, Junction temperature range is not described.

(2) the descriptions are different, Vcc for ULN2803A and Vce for ULN2803C, but are they showing the same collector-emitter voltage?

Recommended Operation Conditions for ULN2803A, Vcc is listed.

Recommended Operation Conditions for ULN2803C, VCE is listed.

(3) When GND or power supply (5V or 12V or 24V) is connected to the NC pin, is there a problem?"

*We are considering whether it can be mounted without changing the board pad, and we would like to check whether there is any impact even if there is a GND or power via directly under the NC pin.

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I appreciate your great help in advance.

Best regards,

Shinichi

over 1 year ago

+1 Elizabeth Higgins over 1 year ago

TI__Genius 15675 points

Hi Shinichi-san,

(1) The ULN2803C has the same specifications as the ULN2803A, but in a different package.

(2) Vcc is still indicating the collector emitter voltage Vce

Information on creating a 20pin footprint to fit a 20pin and 18pin device can be found in this faq:

https://e2e.ti.com/support/power-management-group/power-management/f/power-management-forum/1134115/faq-uln2803c-uln2803adwr-uln2803cdwr-creating-a-common-pcb-footprint-for-18-pin-and-20-pin-8ch-darlington-transistor-arrays-devices?tisearch=e2e-sitesearch&keymatch=faq%3Atrue

For the NC pins, the customer can connect this to ground or preferably leave these pins floating.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth

0 Shinichi Inoue over 1 year ago in reply to Elizabeth Higgins

Guru 20486 points

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you for your reply.

（1）I understand the input voltage (Vi) and junction temperature (Tj) recommended operating conditions for the ULN2803CDWR are the same as those for the ULN2803ADWR, although the datasheet descriptions are different.

(2) I understand Vcc and Vce means the same thing in this case.

(3) Regarding NC pins, it can be connected GND or left open.

I'll share your answer with the customer.

I appreciate your great help and cooperation.

Best regards,

Shinichi

0 Shinichi Inoue over 1 year ago in reply to Shinichi Inoue

Guru 20486 points

HI Elizabeth,

The customer has an additional question, could you please advise.

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Is NC pins possible to connect other power rails(5V, 12V, 24V etc)

They are thinking of changing the device without changingd PCB layout

In this case, there may be VCC or GND directly below the NC pin.

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I appreciate your great help and cooperation.

Best regards,

Shinichi

+1 Elizabeth Higgins over 1 year ago in reply to Shinichi Inoue

TI__Genius 15675 points

Hi Shinichi-san,

I understand the want to maintain the same PCB layout, however we do not recommend connecting the NC pins to any power plane.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth

0 Shinichi Inoue over 1 year ago in reply to Elizabeth Higgins

Guru 20486 points

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you for your reply.

It is not recommended the NC pins to connect with any power rails.

I have the same opinion as you mentioned.

I'll share your answer with the customer.

I appreciate your great help and cooperation.

Best regards,

Shinichi

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ULN2803C: Datasheet Differences Between ULN2803A and ULN2803C