STMicroelectronics TN5015H-8T

Overview

TN5015H-8T from STMicroelectronics is a high-temperature, 800 V VDRM/VRRM, 50 A RMS silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) in TO-220AB package, optimized for inrush current limiting and AC line switching in industrial power converters. It delivers 200 A/μs critical dI/dt, 1000 V/μs dV/dt immunity at 150 °C junction temperature, and 15 mA gate trigger current for robust gate drive design.

For engineers reviewing the TN5015H-8T datasheet, TN5015H-8T pinout, TN5015H-8T application, or TN5015H-8T equivalent, key selection criteria include thermal performance at Tj = 150 °C, trade-off between low IGT and high static noise immunity, and compatibility with compact crowbar protection and motor control circuits requiring stable turn-on dynamics.

Technical Context

This SCR operates as a latching bidirectional switch in AC phase-control and overvoltage protection topologies. Its 150 °C maximum junction temperature enables sustained 50 A RMS conduction at elevated ambient conditions when mounted on heatsinks with Rth(c-a) ≤ 25 °C/W, while its 8 mΩ dynamic resistance and 0.85 V threshold voltage minimize conduction losses at full load.

The device features tightly specified gate triggering behavior: IGT ≤ 15 mA at 12 V with 33 Ω load, VGT ≤ 1.3 V, and guaranteed latching (IL ≤ 70 mA) and holding (IH ≤ 50 mA) currents across –40 to +150 °C. Its 900 V non-repetitive surge rating supports transient overvoltage clamping in crowbar circuits without external snubbers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TO-220AB package with isolated mounting tab (A), cathode (K), and gate (G) terminals. Standard three-terminal configuration with metal tab electrically connected to anode (A); requires insulating washer if mounting to grounded heatsink.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SCR-based AC switching applications.

Compared with BT139-800R and TYN612, the TN5015H-8T provides 25 °C higher junction temperature margin and 57% lower gate drive requirement-enabling smaller, more reliable control circuitry in thermally demanding AC/DC converters and industrial motor starters.

Availability

TN5015H-8T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for inrush current limiting, solid-state relay replacement, and overvoltage crowbar protection requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for TN5015H-8T 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, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and power applications.

TN5015H-8T belongs to ST's high-temperature SCR family engineered specifically for ruggedized AC power control in industrial automation, energy-efficient power supplies, and safety-critical overvoltage protection systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable case temperature for continuous 50 A RMS operation?

The datasheet specifies IT(RMS) = 50 A at Tc = 122 °C with 180° conduction angle. Operation at this current requires thermal design ensuring case temperature does not exceed 122 °C-typically achieved using a heatsink with Rth(c-a) ≤ 25 °C/W and adequate airflow or forced convection.

Can TN5015H-8T be used without a heatsink in low-duty-cycle applications?

Yes, for intermittent operation (e.g., single-shot crowbar or infrequent motor start), the device can operate without a heatsink. Rth(j-a) = 60 °C/W allows ~0.83 W dissipation at ΔT = 50 °C ambient rise-but sustained conduction above 5 A RMS requires heatsinking per Figure 2 and Figure 12.

Is the TO-220AB package electrically isolated between tab and leads?

No-the metal tab is internally connected to the anode (A) terminal. Electrical isolation from the heatsink requires a mica or polymer insulator plus shoulder washers. Failure to isolate may cause short-circuit if heatsink is grounded or shares reference with cathode circuitry.

What gate drive circuit is recommended to ensure reliable triggering at 150 °C?

A 12 V pulse with ≥20 mA peak current into a 33 Ω series resistor meets IGT spec across temperature. Use a fast-rise gate driver (e.g., TCMT1119 optocoupler) with <100 ns tr, and add a 100 Ω/100 pF RC snubber directly at gate-cathode to suppress dV/dt-induced false triggering at high junction temperature.