DMOS transistor array drives inductive loads while dissipating minimal power

Diodes Incorporated has released a new transistor array. The DIODES ULN62003A comprises seven 500mA-rated open-drain transistors, where all their sources are joined to a common ground pin. This high-current transistor array is targeted at climate control and home appliance designs and is able to drive a wide variety of loads, such as solenoids, relays, DC motors, and LED displays. The product can be used in washing machines, dryers, microwave ovens, and air conditioning units.

Fabricated with DMOSFET output transistors, the device has an output voltage drop of only 0.2V. This is far lower than the bipolar devices with which it is pin-compatible. The resulting power dissipation reduction minimises not only overall power usage but also mitigates thermal issues and improves reliability. It also enables more devices to be controlled while maintaining the desired die temperature.

Also, the device, with its support for input voltages down to -1V, has far greater flexibility and enables the GND pin to be employed for detecting overcurrent situations. This ability further increases system robustness and widens the applications that the device can address. Clamping diodes are incorpororates on each of this transistor array’s outputs for protection and improved reliability when driving inductive loads.