STMicroelectronics BTA16-800SWRG

Overview

BTA16-800SWRG from STMicroelectronics is a 16 A, 800 V RMS insulated triac with Snubberless™ 3-quadrant operation, 10 mA gate trigger current (IGT), 2500 VRMS insulated tab, and TO-220AB Insulated package. It serves as a high-commutation AC power switch for inductive load control in mains-powered appliances, enabling reliable phase-angle dimming and motor speed regulation without external snubbers.

For engineers reviewing the BTA16-800SWRG datasheet, BTA16-800SWRG pinout, BTA16-800SWRG application, or BTA16-800SWRG equivalent, key selection criteria include insulated tab voltage rating, dV/dt immunity (40 V/µs min at 125 °C), commutation robustness on inductive loads, and thermal resistance (Rth(j-c) = 2.1 °C/W) for heatsink-limited designs.

Technical Context

This triac operates in three quadrants (I, II, III) with logic-level gate sensitivity (IGT ≤ 10 mA), enabling direct drive from microcontrollers or optocouplers without buffer stages. Its Snubberless™ architecture eliminates need for RC snubber networks when switching inductive loads like universal motors or solenoids.

The insulated TO-220AB package provides 2500 VRMS isolation between the metal tab and internal die, satisfying UL1557 (file E81734) and enabling safe mounting to grounded heat sinks. Thermal performance is defined by Rth(j-c) = 2.1 °C/W and maximum junction temperature of +125 °C under continuous conduction.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220AB Insulated - epoxy-encapsulated 3-pin through-hole package with electrically isolated metal tab rated at 2500 VRMS. Mounting torque: 0.55 N·m (recommended), 0.70 N·m (maximum). Dimensions per DS2114 Rev 11 Table 6.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTA16-800CW, the BTA16-800SWRG offers lower gate drive burden and better compatibility with low-power controllers; compared with T1610-800G, it provides certified 2500 VRMS isolation essential for grounded-chassis appliances but requires through-hole assembly and larger heatsink footprint.

Availability

BTA16-800SWRG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for induction motor control, light dimming, static relay replacement, and heating element regulation requiring stable component supply across industrial appliance and consumer electronics production programs.

Supply support for BTA16-800SWRG 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, MEMS, and microcontroller technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BTA series targets cost-sensitive, safety-critical AC power control applications in white goods and industrial equipment, emphasizing robust commutation, certified insulation, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable case temperature for continuous operation?

The BTA16-800SWRG is rated for continuous operation at a maximum case temperature (Tc) of 86 °C, as specified in Table 1 of DS2114 Rev 11. Exceeding this limit risks exceeding the 125 °C maximum junction temperature, potentially causing thermal runaway or premature failure. Heatsink design must ensure Tc ≤ 86 °C at 16 A RMS load.

Can this triac be used with zero-crossing optocouplers like the MOC3041?

Yes - the BTA16-800SWRG's 10 mA maximum IGT is fully compatible with standard zero-crossing optocouplers such as the MOC3041 (rated for 15 mA peak output). The device operates in 3-quadrant mode, so gate triggering occurs only when MT2 is positive relative to MT1, matching the MOC3041's output polarity and timing behavior.

Is the insulated tab rated for functional or reinforced insulation?

The insulated tab is rated for reinforced insulation per UL1557 (file E81734), providing 2500 VRMS withstand voltage between the metal tab and internal semiconductor die. This permits direct mounting to a grounded metal chassis without additional insulation barriers, satisfying Class I appliance safety requirements.

Does the "SW" suffix indicate snubberless operation in all four quadrants?

No - the "SW" suffix denotes Snubberless™ operation in three quadrants (I, II, III) only. Unlike standard 4Q triacs, it does not trigger reliably in Quadrant IV (MT2 negative, gate positive), which is intentional to improve noise immunity and commutation robustness on inductive loads.