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Uln2003a

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-05-07 09:26 in General Discussion
I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone know
if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of the
outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load that is
about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will supply
a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct to do
this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps without
using a relay?

Thanks,

Chris

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-06 12:55
    Chris, check out this web site for a solution to your questions.

    http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/

    jim

    Original Message
    From: christopher41877 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=wDiJEMJbZc79Ay0SEH-VC_Km6113wGHaIsVLdozNiWt-V0wAZAs1hsDhnvv-qRtZPJQ1JmYYBJbVYD-ClP7P5vz6Lw]CHRIS@R...[/url
    Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 6:49 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] ULN2003A


    I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone know
    if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of the
    outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load that is
    about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will supply
    a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct to do
    this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps without
    using a relay?

    Thanks,

    Chris


    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-06 13:17
    Hi,

    Have a look in the TI ULN2003A datasheet available through Digikey.

    Figure 18 is a "Buffer for Higher Current Loads".

    This would be a much better way to handle higher loads.

    I'm no expert, but hooking all the ULN2003A inputs to a single BS output
    probably isn't wise. Besides, using a power transistor is much more
    elegant.

    Cheers,
    Dave

    Original Message
    From: christopher41877 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=0zIr5BY7xNe_wF6zkV4w99frj9rcXmGlRge44DB8YhK-UXc82AoUO3q5j_iHmwyGE2cfTy90wVhVJ2wGhNWwMqwcw0Bm0g]CHRIS@R...[/url
    Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 6:49 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] ULN2003A

    I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone know
    if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of the
    outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load that is
    about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will supply
    a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct to do
    this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps without
    using a relay?

    Thanks,

    Chris


    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.


    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-06 15:06
    In a message dated 5/6/2003 3:50:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    CHRIS@R... writes:

    > I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone know
    > if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of the
    > outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load that is
    > about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will supply
    > a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct to do
    > this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps without
    > using a relay?
    >
    > Thanks,
    >
    > Chris
    >

    Do you want to switch power or ground? A Mosfet will easily do a nice job of
    switching 10's of amps....


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-06 16:42
    Thanks guys, it looks like a mosfet will be the best idea because of
    the high current. Since I am not as familiar with them as I should
    be, if I get an N-Channel mosfet, does that mean I turn it on with a
    low, or does the output supply ground, or can I configure it any way
    I want. I would like to switch +12V but I know that using ground it
    can supply more.

    Chris



    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
    > In a message dated 5/6/2003 3:50:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > CHRIS@R... writes:
    >
    > > I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone
    know
    > > if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of
    the
    > > outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load that
    is
    > > about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will
    supply
    > > a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct
    to do
    > > this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps
    without
    > > using a relay?
    > >
    > > Thanks,
    > >
    > > Chris
    > >
    >
    > Do you want to switch power or ground? A Mosfet will easily do a
    nice job of
    > switching 10's of amps....
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-06 19:02
    Hi Chris,

    A N-channel MOSFET with logic-level gate voltage would work great. The
    logic-level gate voltage means that it will turn on fully with the 5V output
    of a Stamp or other microcontroller. Standard MOSFETs need more gate
    voltage for full turn on. You would turn on the N-channel MOSFET with a
    "high" from your Stamp pin.

    Using a N-channel MOSFET, you would connect it between your load and ground,
    with the other side of the load connected to B+. (Much like a common NPN
    switching transistor.) The IRL520 by International Rectifier would work
    well for your application -- it's rated for up to 10 amps, and up to 100V B+
    supply. They are .68 each at the link below, with very inexpensive
    shipping. (Yes, I admit it -- that's me ;-) The IRL530 and 540 are also
    nice if you want a device with even lower on resistance and a higher max
    current rating.

    Using a couple resistors connected to the MOSFET gate is a good idea, but
    not absolutely necessary in every situation...

    When your circuit first powers up, it takes the Stamp a moment to begin
    executing your code. During that time the Stamp pin connected to the MOSFET
    is an input, and is "floating" -- which means that electrical "noise" might
    make the MOSFET turn on. Once your Stamp software makes the pin an output,
    this is usually no longer an issue. To prevent the MOSFET from turning on
    during the power up time (if it would be a problem), you can connect a
    "pull-down" resistor between the MOSFET gate and ground. Something in the
    range of 1k to 10k ohms would be fine.

    It is also considered good practice to connect a 50 to 100 ohm resistor
    between the Stamp pin and the MOSFET gate, as close to the gate as possible.
    That helps prevent unwanted oscillation of the MOSFET. You will see some
    circuits that don't show this resistor, but considering the low cost of
    resistors it's a good thing to do. I sometimes don't bother with it when
    "tinkering" on a breadboard, but always include it when building a project
    that I'd like to work reliably.

    Randy

    www.glitchbuster.com



    Original Message
    From: "christopher41877" <CHRIS@R...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 8:42 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: ULN2003A


    > Thanks guys, it looks like a mosfet will be the best idea because of
    > the high current. Since I am not as familiar with them as I should
    > be, if I get an N-Channel mosfet, does that mean I turn it on with a
    > low, or does the output supply ground, or can I configure it any way
    > I want. I would like to switch +12V but I know that using ground it
    > can supply more.
    >
    > Chris
    >
    >
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
    > > In a message dated 5/6/2003 3:50:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > > CHRIS@R... writes:
    > >
    > > > I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone
    > know
    > > > if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of
    > the
    > > > outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load that
    > is
    > > > about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will
    > supply
    > > > a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct
    > to do
    > > > this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps
    > without
    > > > using a relay?
    > > >
    > > > Thanks,
    > > >
    > > > Chris
    > > >
    > >
    > > Do you want to switch power or ground? A Mosfet will easily do a
    > nice job of
    > > switching 10's of amps....
    > >
    > >
    > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-06 23:00
    Thanks Randy,

    You provided some great information. I have just one more question.
    I know how NPN and PNP transistors work, are these the same? I just
    need to know where to connect my load (i.e Drain, source) and where
    to connect my supply ground and I would assume that I connect the
    output of the basic stamp to the gate. So an N-Channel MOSFET simply
    means that it switches just like an NPN transistor, is this correct?



    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Randy Jones" <randyjones@w...>
    wrote:
    > Hi Chris,
    >
    > A N-channel MOSFET with logic-level gate voltage would work great.
    The
    > logic-level gate voltage means that it will turn on fully with the
    5V output
    > of a Stamp or other microcontroller. Standard MOSFETs need more
    gate
    > voltage for full turn on. You would turn on the N-channel MOSFET
    with a
    > "high" from your Stamp pin.
    >
    > Using a N-channel MOSFET, you would connect it between your load
    and ground,
    > with the other side of the load connected to B+. (Much like a
    common NPN
    > switching transistor.) The IRL520 by International Rectifier would
    work
    > well for your application -- it's rated for up to 10 amps, and up
    to 100V B+
    > supply. They are .68 each at the link below, with very inexpensive
    > shipping. (Yes, I admit it -- that's me ;-) The IRL530 and 540
    are also
    > nice if you want a device with even lower on resistance and a
    higher max
    > current rating.
    >
    > Using a couple resistors connected to the MOSFET gate is a good
    idea, but
    > not absolutely necessary in every situation...
    >
    > When your circuit first powers up, it takes the Stamp a moment to
    begin
    > executing your code. During that time the Stamp pin connected to
    the MOSFET
    > is an input, and is "floating" -- which means that
    electrical "noise" might
    > make the MOSFET turn on. Once your Stamp software makes the pin an
    output,
    > this is usually no longer an issue. To prevent the MOSFET from
    turning on
    > during the power up time (if it would be a problem), you can
    connect a
    > "pull-down" resistor between the MOSFET gate and ground. Something
    in the
    > range of 1k to 10k ohms would be fine.
    >
    > It is also considered good practice to connect a 50 to 100 ohm
    resistor
    > between the Stamp pin and the MOSFET gate, as close to the gate as
    possible.
    > That helps prevent unwanted oscillation of the MOSFET. You will
    see some
    > circuits that don't show this resistor, but considering the low
    cost of
    > resistors it's a good thing to do. I sometimes don't bother with
    it when
    > "tinkering" on a breadboard, but always include it when building a
    project
    > that I'd like to work reliably.
    >
    > Randy
    >
    > www.glitchbuster.com
    >
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "christopher41877" <CHRIS@R...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 8:42 AM
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: ULN2003A
    >
    >
    > > Thanks guys, it looks like a mosfet will be the best idea because
    of
    > > the high current. Since I am not as familiar with them as I
    should
    > > be, if I get an N-Channel mosfet, does that mean I turn it on
    with a
    > > low, or does the output supply ground, or can I configure it any
    way
    > > I want. I would like to switch +12V but I know that using ground
    it
    > > can supply more.
    > >
    > > Chris
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
    > > > In a message dated 5/6/2003 3:50:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > > > CHRIS@R... writes:
    > > >
    > > > > I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone
    > > know
    > > > > if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of
    > > the
    > > > > outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load
    that
    > > is
    > > > > about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will
    > > supply
    > > > > a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct
    > > to do
    > > > > this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps
    > > without
    > > > > using a relay?
    > > > >
    > > > > Thanks,
    > > > >
    > > > > Chris
    > > > >
    > > >
    > > > Do you want to switch power or ground? A Mosfet will easily do a
    > > nice job of
    > > > switching 10's of amps....
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-07 09:26
    The N-channel MOSFET connection to your circuit would be similar to an NPN
    saturated switch connected to the ground side of your load. The MOSFET
    source would be connected to ground (like the NPN emitter), and the drain
    would be connected to one side of your load (like the NPN collector). The
    other side of the load would be connected to B+.

    As you mentioned, the gate is connected to the Stamp pin (preferably using
    the two resistors I mentioned previously.

    Randy

    www.glitchbuster.com



    > Thanks Randy,
    >
    > You provided some great information. I have just one more question.
    > I know how NPN and PNP transistors work, are these the same? I just
    > need to know where to connect my load (i.e Drain, source) and where
    > to connect my supply ground and I would assume that I connect the
    > output of the basic stamp to the gate. So an N-Channel MOSFET simply
    > means that it switches just like an NPN transistor, is this correct?
    >
    >
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Randy Jones" <randyjones@w...>
    > wrote:
    > > Hi Chris,
    > >
    > > A N-channel MOSFET with logic-level gate voltage would work great.
    > The
    > > logic-level gate voltage means that it will turn on fully with the
    > 5V output
    > > of a Stamp or other microcontroller. Standard MOSFETs need more
    > gate
    > > voltage for full turn on. You would turn on the N-channel MOSFET
    > with a
    > > "high" from your Stamp pin.
    > >
    > > Using a N-channel MOSFET, you would connect it between your load
    > and ground,
    > > with the other side of the load connected to B+. (Much like a
    > common NPN
    > > switching transistor.) The IRL520 by International Rectifier would
    > work
    > > well for your application -- it's rated for up to 10 amps, and up
    > to 100V B+
    > > supply. They are .68 each at the link below, with very inexpensive
    > > shipping. (Yes, I admit it -- that's me ;-) The IRL530 and 540
    > are also
    > > nice if you want a device with even lower on resistance and a
    > higher max
    > > current rating.
    > >
    > > Using a couple resistors connected to the MOSFET gate is a good
    > idea, but
    > > not absolutely necessary in every situation...
    > >
    > > When your circuit first powers up, it takes the Stamp a moment to
    > begin
    > > executing your code. During that time the Stamp pin connected to
    > the MOSFET
    > > is an input, and is "floating" -- which means that
    > electrical "noise" might
    > > make the MOSFET turn on. Once your Stamp software makes the pin an
    > output,
    > > this is usually no longer an issue. To prevent the MOSFET from
    > turning on
    > > during the power up time (if it would be a problem), you can
    > connect a
    > > "pull-down" resistor between the MOSFET gate and ground. Something
    > in the
    > > range of 1k to 10k ohms would be fine.
    > >
    > > It is also considered good practice to connect a 50 to 100 ohm
    > resistor
    > > between the Stamp pin and the MOSFET gate, as close to the gate as
    > possible.
    > > That helps prevent unwanted oscillation of the MOSFET. You will
    > see some
    > > circuits that don't show this resistor, but considering the low
    > cost of
    > > resistors it's a good thing to do. I sometimes don't bother with
    > it when
    > > "tinkering" on a breadboard, but always include it when building a
    > project
    > > that I'd like to work reliably.
    > >
    > > Randy
    > >
    > > www.glitchbuster.com
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > > From: "christopher41877" <CHRIS@R...>
    > > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > > Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 8:42 AM
    > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: ULN2003A
    > >
    > >
    > > > Thanks guys, it looks like a mosfet will be the best idea because
    > of
    > > > the high current. Since I am not as familiar with them as I
    > should
    > > > be, if I get an N-Channel mosfet, does that mean I turn it on
    > with a
    > > > low, or does the output supply ground, or can I configure it any
    > way
    > > > I want. I would like to switch +12V but I know that using ground
    > it
    > > > can supply more.
    > > >
    > > > Chris
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
    > > > > In a message dated 5/6/2003 3:50:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > > > > CHRIS@R... writes:
    > > > >
    > > > > > I am interfacing the ULN2003A to the basic stamp. Does anyone
    > > > know
    > > > > > if I can connect all of the inputs together and connect all of
    > > > the
    > > > > > outputs together. What I am trying to do is switch a load
    > that
    > > > is
    > > > > > about 2 amps. If the ULN2003A is configured this way it will
    > > > supply
    > > > > > a maximum current of 3.5 amps but I don't know if it's correct
    > > > to do
    > > > > > this. If not, does anyone have any ideas to switch 2 amps
    > > > without
    > > > > > using a relay?
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Thanks,
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Chris
    > > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Do you want to switch power or ground? A Mosfet will easily do a
    > > > nice job of
    > > > > switching 10's of amps....
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > Subject and
    > > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
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