Renesas BCR16CM-12LA#B00

Overview

BCR16CM-12LA#B00 from Renesas Electronics is a non-insulated planar passivated triac rated for 16 A RMS on-state current and 600 V repetitive peak off-state voltage, designed for medium-power AC switching in household appliances and industrial controls. It features gate trigger currents of ≤30 mA across all quadrants (I, II, III), 1.5 V typical on-state voltage at 25 A, and a TO-220 package with T1/T2/Gate terminals for direct heatsink mounting.

For engineers reviewing the BCR16CM-12LA#B00 datasheet, BCR16CM-12LA#B00 pinout, BCR16CM-12LA#B00 application, or BCR16CM-12LA#B00 equivalent, this page delivers verified triac specifications, thermal resistance (1.4 °C/W junction-to-case), critical dv/dt rating (10 V/µs), surge capability (170 A), and real-world use context for light dimmers, motor controllers, and heater regulation circuits.

Technical Context

This triac operates in all four quadrants with symmetric gate trigger characteristics-IFGT I, IRGT I, and IRGT III each ≤30 mA at 25°C under standardized test conditions (VD = 6 V, RL = 6 Ω, RG = 330 Ω). Its planar passivation structure ensures stable blocking performance up to 125°C junction temperature and supports 360° conduction in resistive and inductive loads.

The device exhibits a critical commutating dv/dt of 10 V/µs at 125°C and a thermal resistance of 1.4 °C/W (junction-to-case), enabling reliable operation with standard aluminum heatsinks (e.g., 100 × 100 × 2.3 mm, greased). Its non-insulated TO-220 package requires external isolation when mounted to conductive chassis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BCR16CM-12LA#B00 uses a non-insulated TO-220 package (RENESAS code PRSS0004AA-A, JEITA SC-46), with metal tab serving as T2 terminal and requiring electrical isolation from heatsink unless system ground reference permits direct mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar triac switching applications.

Compared with BCR16CM-12LA#B00, BTB16-600BR adds insulation for safer chassis mounting but increases thermal resistance, while MAC16A8G offers lower gate drive demand and conduction loss at the cost of reduced dv/dt immunity (8 V/µs).

Availability

BCR16CM-12LA#B00 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for light dimmer, small motor control, and electric heater control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term production continuity, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for BCR16CM-12LA#B00 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Renesas Electronics is a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and discrete devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BCR16CM-12LA#B00 belongs to Renesas' medium-power triac product line, engineered for reliable AC mains switching in cost-sensitive, thermally constrained household and industrial equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum junction temperature rating for BCR16CM-12LA#B00?

The BCR16CM-12LA#B00 has a specified junction temperature range of –40°C to +125°C. This allows operation in demanding environments such as enclosed appliance enclosures or near heat-generating components. The device's thermal resistance (Rth(j–c) = 1.4 °C/W) enables effective heat transfer to a heatsink, ensuring the junction stays within limits when case temperature is maintained at or below 100°C per the IT(RMS) rating.

Does BCR16CM-12LA#B00 support all four quadrants of triac triggering?

Yes, BCR16CM-12LA#B00 supports triggering in Quadrants I, II, and III, with documented gate trigger currents (IFGT I, IRGT I, IRGT III) all ≤30 mA at 25°C. While Quadrant IV triggering is not explicitly characterized in the datasheet, the device's symmetrical planar passivation structure and published I/II/III data confirm robust multi-quadrant operation essential for phase-control dimmers and universal motor drives using bipolar gate drive.

What is the gate non-trigger voltage specification for BCR16CM-12LA#B00?

The gate non-trigger voltage (VGD) for BCR16CM-12LA#B00 is specified as ≤0.2 V at Tj = 125°C and VD = ½ VDRM (300 V). This low threshold ensures immunity to false triggering from thermal leakage or noise in high-temperature applications such as enclosed heaters or motor controllers, where ambient temperatures may exceed 85°C and gate drive circuits operate near their noise margins.

Can BCR16CM-12LA#B00 be used in 230 VAC systems with inductive loads?

Yes, BCR16CM-12LA#B00 is qualified for 230 VAC inductive load control, supported by its 600 V VDRM rating (2× peak line voltage), 10 V/µs critical commutating dv/dt at 125°C, and validated performance with di/dt = –8.0 A/ms under inductive switching conditions. Its planar passivation and thermal design allow sustained operation in washing machine motor drivers or solenoid controllers when paired with appropriate snubber networks and heatsinking.

What package type and mounting considerations apply to BCR16CM-12LA#B00?

BCR16CM-12LA#B00 uses a non-insulated TO-220 package (RENESAS code PRSS0004AA-A), where the metal tab is electrically connected to T2. This requires an insulating washer or pad when mounted to a grounded heatsink or chassis. The package mass is 2.0 g, and its outline matches JEITA SC-46 standards. Mounting torque must not exceed 0.5 N·m to avoid damage, and thermal interface material (e.g., grease) is recommended to achieve the rated 1.4 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.