STMicroelectronics BTA16-400BWRG

Overview

BTA16-400BWRG from STMicroelectronics is a 16 A, 400 V RMS insulated triac in TO-220AB Insulated package, designed for snubberless AC phase control and switching in inductive mains-powered loads. It features 50 mA gate trigger current (IGT), 2500 VRMS insulated tab rating, and high commutation capability (dV/dt ≥ 400 V/µs at 125 °C) enabling reliable operation without external snubbers in motor speed controllers and static relays.

For engineers reviewing the BTA16-400BWRG datasheet, BTA16-400BWRG pinout, BTA16-400BWRG application, or BTA16-400BWRG equivalent, key selection criteria include insulated mounting requirement, snubberless inductive load handling, gate sensitivity (50 mA IGT), thermal resistance (Rth(j-c) = 2.1 °C/W), and UL1557 certification (file E81734).

Technical Context

This triac operates in three quadrants (I, III, IV) with Snubberless™ architecture, delivering high critical dV/dt immunity (min. 400 V/µs at Tj = 125 °C) and robust commutation performance under inductive switching stress. Its internal ceramic insulation enables safe mounting to heatsinks without isolation hardware while maintaining 2500 VRMS dielectric withstand.

The device uses standard silicon triac structure with optimized gate geometry for stable triggering across temperature (–40 to +125 °C junction range) and low on-state voltage (VTO ≤ 0.85 V at 125 °C), supporting efficient power delivery in 50/60 Hz AC systems up to 400 V RMS.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TO-220AB Insulated package with three terminals: A1 (MT1), A2 (MT2), and G (Gate). The insulated metal tab (A2) is electrically isolated from the die and rated for 2500 VRMS, allowing direct mechanical attachment to grounded heatsinks without electrical isolation hardware.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTA16-400BWRG, BTA16-400BW trades tab insulation for better thermal conduction, while T1635-400G shifts to SMT with higher dV/dt but no built-in isolation-making the BWRG variant optimal for insulated, through-hole, snubberless inductive switching.

Availability

BTA16-400BWRG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for universal motor speed control, static relay modules, induction cooktop power stages, and magnetic transformer light dimmers requiring stable component supply and certified insulation.

Supply support for BTA16-400BWRG 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in power discrete devices, analog ICs, and microcontrollers for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BTA series belongs to ST's high-reliability power triac product line, engineered specifically for snubberless AC mains switching in safety-critical and thermally demanding applications such as home appliances and industrial controls.

FAQ

What is the maximum case temperature for continuous 16 A RMS operation?

The BTA16-400BWRG supports 16 A RMS continuous current at a case temperature (Tc) of 86 °C, as specified in Table 1. Exceeding this temperature requires derating per Figure 3; at Tc = 75 °C, it sustains ~14.5 A RMS. Thermal design must maintain Tc ≤ 86 °C using appropriate heatsinking and airflow.

Does the insulated tab eliminate the need for an insulating washer?

Yes-the TO-220AB Insulated package integrates a ceramic insulator between the die and metal tab, rated for 2500 VRMS isolation. This permits direct mechanical mounting to grounded heatsinks without additional insulating hardware, provided mounting torque stays within 0.55–0.70 N·m per datasheet Section 2.1.

Can BTA16-400BWRG replace a standard BTA16-400BRG in existing designs?

No-BTA16-400BRG is a non-insulated part (standard TO-220AB), while BTA16-400BWRG has insulated tab construction. Direct substitution requires verifying heatsink isolation, thermal interface, and mechanical mounting compatibility; the insulated version adds ~0.9 °C/W thermal resistance versus the non-insulated variant.

What gate drive circuitry is recommended for reliable triggering?

A gate pulse ≥50 mA (IGT), ≥10 µs duration, and ≥1.3 V (VGT) is required. Optocouplers like MOC3021 (with 33 Ω series resistor) or microcontroller GPIOs driving a BC817 transistor buffer meet this. Avoid capacitive coupling; use DC-coupled, current-limited gate drive referenced to A1 for quadrant I/III operation.