STMicroelectronics BTA16-600CWRG

Overview

BTA16-600CWRG from STMicroelectronics is a 16 A, 600 V RMS insulated triac in TO-220AB Insulated package, designed for snubberless AC phase control and on/off switching in inductive mains-powered loads. It features 35 mA gate trigger current (IGT), 2500 VRMS insulated tab rating, and high commutation capability (dV/dt ≥ 500 V/µs at 125 °C) enabling reliable operation without external snubbers in motor speed controllers and static relays.

For engineers reviewing the BTA16-600CWRG datasheet, BTA16-600CWRG pinout, BTA16-600CWRG application, or BTA16-600CWRG equivalent, key selection criteria include insulated mounting requirement, snubberless inductive load compatibility, gate drive margin at elevated junction temperature, and thermal resistance (Rth(j–c) = 2.1 °C/W) for heatsink-limited designs.

Technical Context

This triac operates in three quadrants (I, III, IV) with logic-compatible gate sensitivity (IGT ≤ 35 mA at 25 °C) and maintains stable latching (IL ≤ 50 mA) and holding (IH ≤ 35 mA) currents across –40 to +125 °C junction range. Its Snubberless™ architecture eliminates need for RC snubbers by sustaining ≥500 V/µs critical dV/dt with 8.5 A/ms critical di/dt at Tj = 125 °C.

The insulated TO-220AB package integrates a ceramic pad rated for 2500 VRMS isolation between tab and die, meeting UL1557 (file E81734). Thermal performance is defined by Rth(j–c) = 2.1 °C/W (AC), enabling 16 A RMS conduction at Tc = 86 °C without derating beyond datasheet limits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TO-220AB Insulated package with electrically isolated metal tab (2500 VRMS), 3-pin through-hole configuration. Mounting torque: 0.55 N·m (recommended), 0.70 N·m (max).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTA16-600BW, the CW variant provides tighter gate drive margin at elevated temperature; versus T1635-600G, it trades superior thermal resistance for mechanical isolation and through-hole assembly compatibility.

Availability

BTA16-600CWRG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for static relays, light dimmers, and appliance motor speed controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for BTA16-600CWRG 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, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

BTA16-600CWRG belongs to ST's Snubberless™ triac product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-component-count AC power control in cost-sensitive and safety-critical mains-connected equipment.

FAQ

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

The BTA16-600CWRG supports 16 A RMS continuous conduction at a maximum case temperature (Tc) of 86 °C, as specified in Absolute Maximum Ratings Table 1. Exceeding this temperature requires current derating per Figure 3 in DS2114 Rev 11. Junction temperature must remain ≤125 °C under all operating conditions.

Can this triac be driven directly by a 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pin?

Yes - with appropriate series resistance. At 25 °C, IGT is guaranteed ≤35 mA. A 3.3 V GPIO driving through a 100 Ω resistor delivers 33 mA, meeting the requirement. For robustness across temperature (–40 to +125 °C), a 68 Ω resistor ensures ≥35 mA minimum at worst-case V_OH and elevated IGT.

Does the insulated tab eliminate the need for thermal interface material?

No - thermal interface material (e.g., thermal grease or pad) remains essential between the insulated tab and heatsink to minimize thermal resistance. The ceramic insulation prevents electrical conduction but adds ~0.5 °C/W thermal penalty; proper mounting pressure and surface finish are critical to achieve Rth(j–c) = 2.1 °C/W.

How does the Snubberless™ feature reduce bill-of-materials cost?

The Snubberless™ design removes the need for external RC snubber networks (typically 100 Ω + 100 nF) traditionally used to suppress dV/dt-induced false triggering in inductive loads. This reduces component count by two parts, PCB area, assembly steps, and associated qualification testing - verified in ST application note AN4329 for motor control designs.