STMicroelectronics BTA16-700CWRG

Overview

BTA16-700CWRG from STMicroelectronics is a 16A, 700V RMS snubberless triac in insulated TO-220AB package with 25mA gate trigger current (IGT), designed for AC phase control and switching in inductive loads such as motor starters and heating regulators. It features 2500V RMS voltage-isolated tab per UL E81734, 50 A/µs dI/dt rating, and 500 V/µs critical dV/dt at 125°C.

For engineers reviewing the BTA16-700CWRG datasheet, BTA16-700CWRG pinout, BTA16-700CWRG application, or BTA16-700CWRG equivalent, key selection criteria include gate sensitivity (25mA IGT), snubberless commutation capability for inductive loads, insulated package safety rating, thermal resistance (Rth(j-c) = 2.1 °C/W), and compatibility with zero-crossing or phase-angle control circuits.

Technical Context

This triac operates in all four quadrants but is optimized for standard (non-logic-level) triggering with guaranteed IGT ≤ 25 mA across QI–QIV. Its snubberless design enables reliable commutation on inductive loads without external RC networks, supported by high dV/dt immunity (≥500 V/µs) and robust (dI/dt)c of 5 V/µs at 125°C.

The insulated TO-220AB package provides galvanic isolation between the heatsink-mounting tab and main terminals (A1/A2/G), enabling safe mounting to grounded chassis. Thermal performance is characterized by Rth(j-c) = 2.1 °C/W and IT(RMS) = 16 A at Tc = 85°C, with VTM ≤ 1.55 V at 22.5 A and dynamic resistance Rd ≤ 25 mΩ at 125°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Insulated TO-220AB (UL E81734 certified). Tab is electrically isolated from terminals and rated for 2500 V RMS. Mounting screw hole center-to-center spacing: 15.8 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTB16-700CWRG, BTA16-700CWRG eliminates mounting isolation complexity via built-in tab insulation; versus BTA16-700BWRG, its 25mA IGT reduces gate drive burden but trades slight sensitivity margin for broader controller compatibility.

Availability

BTA16-700CWRG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, heating regulation, static relay replacement, and lighting dimmer applications requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and UL-certified isolation.

Supply support for BTA16-700CWRG 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 management, analog, MCU, and automotive-grade components.

The BTA/BTB16 series belongs to ST's high-reliability AC power switching portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, snubberless operation in industrial and appliance-grade AC load control where safety, thermal stability, and EMI resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum junction temperature for continuous operation?

The BTA16-700CWRG has an operating junction temperature range of −40°C to +125°C. For continuous RMS current of 16A, the case temperature must not exceed 85°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Derating is required above this temperature, with thermal resistance Rth(j-c) = 2.1 °C/W defining the relationship between power dissipation and allowable temperature rise.

Can this triac replace a mechanical relay in a 230VAC, 10A resistive load application?

Yes - BTA16-700CWRG supports 16A RMS at 85°C case temperature and blocks 700V peak, providing ample margin for 230VAC (325V peak) resistive loads up to 10A. Its snubberless design, 2500V RMS insulated tab, and UL certification make it suitable for solid-state relay implementations without auxiliary protection components.

Is a heatsink required for 16A operation?

Yes - at 16A RMS, power dissipation exceeds 2.5W (based on VTM ≤1.55V and Rd ≤25mΩ). With Rth(j-c) = 2.1 °C/W, even a modest heatsink is necessary to maintain Tc ≤85°C. Without forced air or substantial copper area, junction temperature will exceed 125°C, risking thermal runaway. PCB copper area alone is insufficient per Fig. 2-2.

Does the "C" in BTA16-700CWRG indicate logic-level sensitivity?

No - the "C" denotes 25mA maximum gate trigger current (IGT) in standard (4-quadrant) mode, not logic-level operation. Logic-level variants use "SW" suffix (e.g., BTA16-700SWRG, IGT ≤10mA). This part requires ≥25mA gate current but offers full four-quadrant triggering and snubberless inductive load capability.