STMicroelectronics BTB16-700BWRG

Overview

BTB16-700BWRG from STMicroelectronics is a snubberless, standard-sensitivity (50 mA gate trigger), 16 A RMS, 700 V blocking voltage triac in TO-220AB package, designed for AC mains switching in inductive load applications such as motor starters and heating controls. It features 50 A/µs critical dI/dt, 1000 V/µs commutation dV/dt at 125°C, and 160 A non-repetitive surge rating for 20 ms at 50 Hz.

For engineers reviewing the BTB16-700BWRG datasheet, BTB16-700BWRG pinout, BTB16-700BWRG application, or BTB16-700BWRG equivalent, key selection criteria include snubberless operation on inductive loads, 50 mA gate sensitivity, TO-220AB mechanical compatibility, and UL-rated insulation performance without external snubbers.

Technical Context

This triac operates in all four quadrants with standard gate sensitivity (IGT ≤ 50 mA), enabling reliable triggering from microcontroller GPIOs or discrete driver stages. Its snubberless architecture eliminates external RC networks by sustaining high commutation robustness-verified at 1000 V/µs dV/dt and 8.5 A/ms (dI/dt)c under worst-case inductive turn-off conditions.

The device uses a monolithic silicon structure with internal ceramic pad for insulated tab (2500 V RMS isolation), supporting direct heatsink mounting without additional insulation. Thermal resistance from junction to case is 1.2 °C/W, allowing 16 A RMS conduction at Tc = 100°C in TO-220AB configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BTB16-700BWRG is housed in TO-220AB package with insulated tab (UL E81734 certified, 2500 V RMS isolation). The three terminals are arranged vertically with A2 (main terminal 2) at top, A1 (main terminal 1) at bottom, and G (gate) centered on the right side of the body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTB16-700BWRG, BTA16-700BWRG adds certified insulation for grounded heatsink use, while BTB16-700CWRG lowers gate drive demand at the cost of slightly reduced noise immunity-both retain snubberless inductive-load capability.

Availability

BTB16-700BWRG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor starter circuits, heating regulation systems, and static relay designs requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for BTB16-700BWRG 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, designing and manufacturing analog, power, MCU, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BTA/BTB16 series belongs to ST's high-reliability power switching portfolio, engineered specifically for robust AC mains control in harsh industrial environments with inductive loads and variable thermal conditions.

FAQ

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

BTB16-700BWRG supports 16 A RMS continuous conduction at a case temperature (Tc) of 100°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation above this requires derating per Fig. 2-1 in the datasheet, and thermal design must ensure junction temperature remains ≤125°C under worst-case ambient and airflow conditions.

Does BTB16-700BWRG require a heatsink in all applications?

Yes - a heatsink is mandatory for any application drawing ≥2 A RMS continuously. At 16 A RMS, thermal resistance from junction to case is 1.2 °C/W; without heatsinking, junction temperature would exceed 125°C even at room ambient. Mounting to a minimum 25 cm² aluminum heatsink is recommended for full-rated operation.

Can BTB16-700BWRG replace a BTA16-700BWRG in an existing design?

No - BTB16-700BWRG has a non-insulated tab, whereas BTA16-700BWRG provides 2500 V RMS isolation. Substitution is only safe if the original design already uses insulating hardware (e.g., mica washer, silicone pad) between the tab and heatsink; otherwise, risk of electrical shock or ground loop exists.

What gate drive circuit is recommended for reliable triggering?

A zero-crossing optocoupler (e.g., MOC3041) driving a 33 Ω series resistor into the gate is validated per datasheet test conditions. For phase-control, a pulse transformer or discrete transistor stage delivering ≥100 mA peak for ≥1 µs ensures robust triggering across all quadrants and temperature extremes.