Renesas BCR16CM-16LB#BB0

Overview

BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 from Renesas Electronics is a non-insulated, planar passivated 800 V, 16 A triac designed for medium-power AC phase control in mains-connected circuits. It delivers 16 A RMS on-state current at Tc = 118°C, supports 160 A non-repetitive surge current, and operates up to 150°C junction temperature - enabling robust motor speed control, heater regulation, and power supply AC switching in industrial and appliance applications.

For engineers reviewing the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 datasheet, BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 pinout, BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 application, or BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 800 V repetitive peak off-state voltage, 30 mA gate trigger current across all quadrants, TO-220ABS package thermal resistance of 1.8°C/W (junction-to-case), and critical dv/dt immunity of 10 V/μs at 125°C - essential for reliable commutation in inductive loads.

Technical Context

The BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 is a four-quadrant sensitive-gate triac with symmetrical triggering characteristics: IFGTI, IRGTI, and IRGTIII each rated ≤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 behavior and low IDRM (≤2.0 mA at 150°C).

Thermally, it features a junction-to-case thermal resistance of 1.8°C/W and supports natural convection cooling without heatsinks up to ~4 A RMS; derating curves confirm 16 A operation only when case temperature is maintained at 118°C. Its commutation robustness is defined by (dv/dt)c ≥10 V/μs at 125°C and (di/dt)c = –8 A/ms under inductive load conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 is housed in a TO-220ABS package (Renesas code PRSS0004AG-A), featuring a non-insulated metal tab (T2) for direct heatsink mounting and mechanical stability in high-vibration environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar triac-based AC control applications.

Compared with BCR16CM-16LB#BB0, BTB16-800BWRG adds insulation at the cost of thermal performance and gate sensitivity, while MAC16A8YG trades junction temperature headroom for marginally better thermal resistance - making BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 optimal for thermally demanding, high-reliability 150°C ambient applications with low-drive microcontrollers.

Availability

BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, heater regulation, and AC power supply switching requiring stable component supply throughout product lifecycles - especially critical for industrial OEMs managing long-term BOM continuity.

Supply support for BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 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 global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 belongs to Renesas' high-reliability discrete power portfolio, engineered specifically for robust AC mains switching in industrial controls, white goods, and building automation systems where thermal resilience and consistent triggering are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable case temperature for continuous 16 A RMS operation of the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0?

The BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 supports 16 A RMS continuous conduction only when the case temperature (Tc) is maintained at 118°C, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this temperature requires proportional current derating per the Allowable Case Temperature vs. RMS On-State Current curve on page 4 of the datasheet. Thermal design must ensure Tc ≤118°C under worst-case ambient and airflow conditions to avoid exceeding the 150°C junction limit.

Does the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 require a heatsink for 10 A RMS operation at 25°C ambient?

Yes - even at 10 A RMS and 25°C ambient, the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 dissipates approximately 18 W (based on VTM ≈1.5 V and Rth(j-c) = 1.8°C/W). Without a heatsink, junction temperature would exceed 150°C rapidly. The datasheet's Allowable Ambient Temperature vs. RMS On-State Current graph (page 4) shows that natural convection alone supports only ~4 A RMS at 25°C ambient. A properly sized heatsink is mandatory for 10 A operation.

Is the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 compatible with zero-crossing optocouplers like the MOC3041?

Yes - the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 is fully compatible with zero-crossing optocouplers such as the MOC3041. Its gate trigger current requirement of ≤30 mA at 25°C falls well within the MOC3041's 100 mA peak output capability, and its four-quadrant sensitivity ensures reliable turn-on regardless of AC polarity. This pairing is widely used in solid-state relay designs for noise-free, EMI-minimized AC switching.

What does "#BB0" signify in the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 ordering code?

The "#BB0" suffix in BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 denotes the TO-220ABS package variant with straight lead form and EOL (End-of-Life) announced status, as confirmed in the Ordering Information table on page 8 of the datasheet. It distinguishes this version from the #BH0 variant (TO-220ABA, mass production) and indicates Renesas has issued formal discontinuation notification - making inventory planning and last-time buy decisions critical for ongoing BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 procurement.

Can the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 be used in snubberless applications?

No - the BCR16CM-16LB#BB0 is not rated for snubberless operation. Its critical rate of rise of off-state commutating voltage (dv/dt)c is specified as 10 V/μs at 125°C and only 1 V/μs at 150°C, which is insufficient for reliable commutation in highly inductive loads without external RC snubbers. The datasheet explicitly recommends snubber networks for motor and transformer loads to prevent false triggering during turn-off.