ULN2003ANE4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ULN2003ANE4 is a 7-channel NPN Darlington transistor array power switch/driver manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for relay and solenoid driving applications. Rated for 50V maximum load voltage and 500mA maximum output current per channel, this component operates across the -40°C to 70°C temperature range in a 16-DIP through-hole package.

The ULN2003ANE4 is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs, repairs, and system upgrades.

Substiute Parts

ULN2003ANE4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1166ULN2003ANE4 Datasheet

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ULN2003AN

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 55198ULN2003AN Datasheet

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ULN2001A

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 22800ULN2001A Datasheet

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ULN2002A

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 2363ULN2002A Datasheet

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ULN2003A

UMWIn Stock: 39129ULN2003A Datasheet

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ULN2004A

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 35497ULN2004A Datasheet

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ULQ2001A

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 2131ULQ2001A Datasheet

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ULQ2003A

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 18539ULQ2003A Datasheet

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ULQ2004A

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 2370ULQ2004A Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the ULN2003ANE4 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Number of Outputs: 7 channels
• Output Type: Darlington or NPN configuration
• Voltage - Load (Max): 50V
• Current - Output (Max): 500mA
• Ratio - Input:Output: 1:1
• Output Configuration: Low Side
• Interface: Parallel
• Input Type: Inverting
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: 16-DIP or compatible surface-mount equivalent (16-SOP/16-SOIC)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

1. Direct Pin-Compatible Replacements (16-DIP Through-Hole): Parts maintaining identical package and pinout, suitable for direct board-level substitution.
2. Functional Equivalents with Package Variation (16-SOP/16-SOIC Surface-Mount): Parts meeting all electrical specifications but requiring PCB redesign for surface-mount implementation.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Recommended Primary Substitute: ULN2003AN (Texas Instruments)

The ULN2003AN is the direct equivalent replacement for the ULN2003ANE4. Both are manufactured by Texas Instruments, share identical electrical specifications (7 Darlington outputs, 50V/500mA ratings, 1:1 ratio, low-side configuration, parallel interface, inverting input), and are packaged in 16-DIP through-hole format. The ULN2003AN maintains active product status and ROHS3 compliance, enabling seamless board-level substitution without design modification.

Alternative Substitutes for Extended Temperature Range:

• ULN2001A (STMicroelectronics): Extends operating temperature to -40°C ~ 85°C. Output type is NPN rather than Darlington; electrical performance remains equivalent for relay/solenoid driving applications. 16-DIP through-hole package maintains pin compatibility.
• ULN2002A (STMicroelectronics): Identical specifications to ULN2001A with extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and NPN output type. 16-DIP through-hole package.
• ULN2004A (STMicroelectronics): Extends operating temperature to -40°C ~ 85°C with NPN output type. 16-DIP through-hole package maintains direct substitution capability.

Surface-Mount Alternative:

• ULN2003A (UMW): Provides functional equivalence with Darlington output type and 50V/500mA ratings in 16-SOIC surface-mount package. Requires PCB redesign for implementation. Extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). Interface specification differs (Serial vs. Parallel); evaluate application requirements before selection.

Transistor Array Alternatives (BJT Category):

• ULQ2001A, ULQ2003A, ULQ2004A (STMicroelectronics): Classified as Bipolar (BJT) Transistor Arrays with 7 NPN Darlington configuration. Maintain 50V/500mA electrical specifications and 16-DIP through-hole packaging. Extended operating temperature capability (up to 150°C TJ). Suitable for applications requiring higher thermal performance.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ULN2003AN be used as a direct replacement for ULN2003ANE4?

A: Yes. The ULN2003AN is the direct equivalent. Both components share identical electrical specifications, package format (16-DIP through-hole), and functional characteristics. No design modification is required for board-level substitution.

Q: What is the difference between Darlington and NPN output types in these substitutes?

A: Darlington output types (ULN2003ANE4, ULN2003AN, ULN2003A, ULQ2001A, ULQ2003A, ULQ2004A) provide higher current gain and lower saturation voltage. NPN output types (ULN2001A, ULN2002A, ULN2004A) offer direct transistor switching. Both configurations support the specified 50V/500mA ratings for relay and solenoid driving. Selection depends on application-specific switching requirements.

Q: Why do some substitutes have extended operating temperature ranges?

A: STMicroelectronics and UMW variants extend the upper operating temperature limit to 85°C (or 150°C junction temperature for ULQ series), compared to the original 70°C specification. This provides thermal margin for applications operating in elevated ambient conditions or with higher power dissipation.

Q: Is the ULN2003A (UMW) surface-mount version compatible with through-hole PCB designs?

A: No. The ULN2003A uses 16-SOIC surface-mount packaging, while the original ULN2003ANE4 uses 16-DIP through-hole packaging. PCB redesign is required to accommodate the different footprint and mounting method. Through-hole alternatives (ULN2003AN, ULN2001A, ULN2002A, ULN2004A, ULQ series) maintain direct compatibility.

Q: What does "1:1 Ratio - Input:Output" mean?

A: The 1:1 ratio indicates that each of the 7 input channels drives one corresponding output channel. One input signal controls one output switch. This is standard for relay driver arrays.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with environmental and hazardous substance restrictions.

Q: Which substitute offers the best thermal performance?

A: The ULQ2001A, ULQ2003A, and ULQ2004A (STMicroelectronics Transistor Array series) provide the highest thermal capability with operating temperatures up to 150°C junction temperature, compared to 70°C–85°C for other variants. These are suitable for high-temperature applications.