ULN2004AD Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ULN2004AD is a 7-channel NPN Darlington power switch/driver manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for relay and solenoid driving applications. This device features a 1:1 input-to-output ratio with low-side output configuration, rated for 50V maximum load voltage and 500mA maximum output current per channel in a 16-SOIC surface mount package.

The ULN2004AD is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating discontinued production. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements.

Substiute Parts

ULN2004AD

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 7975ULN2004AD Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ULN2004ADR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 80279ULN2004ADR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ULN2002D1013TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 72112ULN2002D1013TR Datasheet

DirectRFQ

ULN2004AS16-13

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 10380ULN2004AS16-13 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

ULN2001D1013TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 24841ULN2001D1013TR Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

ULN2003D1013TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 1787225ULN2003D1013TR Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

ULN2004D1013TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 54649ULN2004D1013TR Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

ULQ2003D1013TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 51093ULQ2003D1013TR Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

ULQ2004D1013TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 5396ULQ2004D1013TR Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the ULN2004AD is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Number of Outputs: Must be 7 channels
• Output Type: NPN configuration required
• Voltage - Load (Max): Minimum 50V rating
• Current - Output (Max): Minimum 500mA per channel
• Ratio - Input:Output: 1:1 configuration
• Output Configuration: Low side switching
• Package / Case: 16-SOIC form factor
• Mounting Type: Surface mount compatibility
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on manufacturer and product status: MFR Recommended (direct Texas Instruments equivalent), Direct Manufacturer alternatives (functionally equivalent from other manufacturers), and Upgrade options (enhanced specifications or alternative architectures).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MFR Recommended Substitute: ULN2004ADR

ULN2004ADR is the direct Texas Instruments equivalent with identical electrical specifications and 16-SOIC packaging. This part maintains Active product status with significantly higher inventory availability (80,213 units) compared to the Last Time Buy ULN2004AD. Packaging format differs (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel versus Tube), but electrical and mechanical compatibility is complete. This is the preferred substitute for direct replacement applications.

Direct Manufacturer Alternatives

ULN2002D1013TR (STMicroelectronics) and ULN2004D1013TR (STMicroelectronics) provide functionally equivalent NPN output configurations with identical voltage and current ratings. Both maintain Active product status with robust inventory levels. Operating temperature range extends to -40°C ~ 85°C, providing enhanced thermal performance over the original -40°C ~ 70°C specification.

ULN2004AS16-13 (Diodes Incorporated) offers the widest operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 105°C) while maintaining all critical electrical parameters. This part is suitable for applications requiring extended temperature performance.

Upgrade Options

ULN2001D1013TR and ULN2003D1013TR represent alternative architectures within the ULx200xA series. ULN2003D1013TR features Darlington output configuration with enhanced current gain characteristics and extended inventory availability (1,787,200 units).

ULQ2003D1013TR and ULQ2004D1013TR are Darlington-based transistor arrays with maximum operating temperature of 150°C (TJ), suitable for high-temperature applications. These parts are categorized as Transistors, Bipolar (BJT) rather than Power Management ICs but maintain compatible 16-SOIC packaging and electrical specifications.

All substitute parts are ROHS3 Compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the original ULN2004AD compliance profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ULN2004ADR be used as a direct drop-in replacement for ULN2004AD?

A: Yes. ULN2004ADR is electrically and mechanically identical to ULN2004AD with matching 16-SOIC packaging, 7-channel NPN output configuration, 50V/500mA ratings, and -40°C ~ 70°C operating temperature. The only difference is packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel versus Tube). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between NPN and Darlington output types in this series?

A: Both configurations maintain identical voltage and current specifications (50V/500mA). Darlington variants (ULN2003D1013TR, ULQ2003D1013TR, ULQ2004D1013TR) feature higher current gain (hFE minimum 1000 @ 350mA, 2V) and lower saturation voltage (1.6V typical), providing improved switching efficiency. NPN variants offer direct transistor switching characteristics. Selection depends on application-specific switching speed and power dissipation requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts compatible with the original 16-SOIC footprint?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) surface mount packaging, ensuring PCB footprint compatibility. Verify supplier device package designation (16-SOIC or 16-SO) matches your assembly equipment specifications.

Q: Which substitute offers the best inventory availability?

A: ULN2003D1013TR (STMicroelectronics) provides the highest inventory level at 1,787,200 units. ULN2004ADR (Texas Instruments) offers 80,213 units with identical electrical specifications to the original part.

Q: Can I use parts with extended operating temperature ranges as substitutes?

A: Yes, if your application does not require the full extended temperature range. ULN2004AS16-13 (-40°C ~ 105°C) and ULQ2003D1013TR/ULQ2004D1013TR (-40°C ~ 150°C) are backward-compatible with designs specified for -40°C ~ 70°C operation. Extended temperature capability does not degrade performance at standard operating conditions.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to all substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 Compliance, MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, and REACH Unaffected status, matching the original ULN2004AD regulatory profile. ECCN classification is EAR99 for all parts.