BTA16-600BWRG - 600V 16A Snubberless TRIAC | STMicroelectronics
MPN: BTA16-600BWRG β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.46 | $14.60 |
| 100 | $1.19 | $119.00 |
| 500 | $0.98 | $490.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
BTA16-600BWRG Overview
A TRIAC is a three-terminal bidirectional thyristor that conducts current in either direction once triggered by a small gate current, making it the core switching element in AC power control. Within the power semiconductor hierarchy, the TRIAC sits alongside SCRs and AC switches as a member of the thyristor family, and the BTA16-600BWRG targets medium-current AC switching in the 16 A class.
Key features include the Snubberless (3Q) commutation capability, which provides very high dI/dt commutation performance without requiring an external RC snubber network, and low thermal resistance achieved through clip bonding technology. The insulated BTA construction uses a low thermal resistance ceramic pad to electrically isolate the tab from the silicon, allowing direct mounting to a grounded heatsink. The BTA series is UL1557 certified.
Architecturally, the Snubberless BWRG grade is engineered for applications with demanding commutation conditions, such as inductive loads and motor control, where standard 4Q TRIACs would require snubber networks to prevent false re-triggering. Clip bonding reduces thermal resistance between the die and the package, improving current handling and junction temperature margins compared to wire-bonded alternatives.
Typical applications include AC motor speed control, resistive and inductive heater regulation, solid-state relays, light dimmers for inductive loads, and home appliance power switching on 110/230 VAC mains. The 600 V rating provides ample margin for 230 VAC lines with transient excursions.
Design-wise, choose an adequate heatsink based on on-state power dissipation (approximately 1.55 V x IT average), and respect the 50 mA gate trigger current requirement when sizing the gate drive. Estimate junction temperature using the TO-220 thermal resistance with the ceramic isolation accounted for.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the BTA16 family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for BTA16-600BWRG β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with BTA16-600BWRG (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Device Type, Mounting Type, Package, Typical Applications.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
BTA16-800BWRG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BTA16-600BRG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BTA16-600CWRG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BTA16-600SWRG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BTA16-800BRG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BTA12-600BWRG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BTA16-600BWRG Specifications
| Device Type | TRIAC (Alternistor, Snubberless) |
| Repetitive Peak Off-State Voltage (VDRM) | 600 V |
| On-State RMS Current (IT(RMS)) | 16 A |
| Gate Trigger Current (IGT) | 50 mA max |
| Gate Trigger Voltage (VGT) | 1.5 V |
| Maximum Gate Power Dissipation (PGM) | 1 W |
| Commutation Capability | 3Q (Snubberless, very high commutation) |
| Package | TO-220AB, 3-pin, insulated tab |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Pin Count | 3 |
| Tab Isolation | Ceramic insulated (BTA series) |
| Certification | UL1557 certified (BTA series) |
| Bonding Technology | Clip bonding, low thermal resistance |
| Typical Applications | General purpose mains AC switching |
BTA16-600BWRG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | A1 (MT1) β Main Terminal 1 - gate reference terminal |
| Pin 2 | A2 (MT2) β Main Terminal 2 - connected to insulated mounting tab, carries load current |
| Pin 3 | G β Gate - trigger input referenced to A1 (IGT max 50 mA, VGT 1.5 V) |
On-State Characteristics / Safe Operating Area (TO-220AB)
Typical Applications
BTA16-600BWRG is suitable for 6 applications: AC Motor Speed Control, Solid-State Relay (SSR), Resistive Heater Power Regulation, Home Appliance AC Switching, Light Dimmers for Inductive Loads, Industrial AC Power Control Panels.
AC Motor Speed Control
The BTA16-600BWRG fits phase-angle and burst-fire AC motor controllers because its Snubberless 3Q commutation tolerates the inductive zero-cross conditions that motors produce. In a typical topology, two back-to-back control paths or a single TRIAC in series with the motor are triggered via an optotriac driver at 50 mA gate current, adjusting RMS voltage to the winding. With a 16 A RMS rating on a 600 V device, it covers most single-phase fractional and integral horsepower motors on 230 VAC mains. The insulated tab allows direct chassis mounting without an insulating kit, and clip-bond construction keeps junction temperature low during repetitive motor stall and acceleration transients, where current can briefly exceed rated RMS values.
Recommended
Solid-State Relay (SSR)
In solid-state relays, the BTA16-600BWRG serves as the output switching element replacing electromechanical contacts. A DC or AC input stage (LED optocoupler such as an MOC-series driver) sources the 50 mA gate trigger current, switching 230 VAC loads up to 16 A with no contact wear or arcing. The Snubberless 3Q grade is valuable here because SSR loads are frequently inductive (contactors, solenoids, transformers) and would otherwise force the designer to add an RC snubber network across the output. The ceramic-isolated TO-220AB tab can be bonded to the SSR aluminum housing for heat spreading, and the 600 V VDRM gives adequate off-state margin for utility-line transients per typical mains environments.
Recommended
Resistive Heater Power Regulation
For heater banks, soldering stations, and industrial process heating, the BTA16-600BWRG switches resistive loads of several kilowatts on 230 VAC (16 A x 230 VAC is roughly 3.7 kW single-phase). Resistive loads present unity power factor and benign commutation, so the B-grade Snubberless device operates with wide margins and long service life. Burst-fire (zero-cross) switching at the mains zero crossing minimizes EMI, while phase control allows fine temperature adjustment. Thermal design is the primary consideration: Estimated conduction dissipation at full 16 A load is about 25 W, requiring a properly sized extruded heatsink with the ceramic-isolated tab mounted directly, and the 600 V rating comfortably covers 230 VAC line transients.
Recommended
Home Appliance AC Switching
Washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners use TRIACs like the BTA16-600BWRG to switch pump motors, fan motors, and heater elements directly from the mains. The Snubberless 3Q commutation capability is essential in appliances because motor windings and long wiring runs create inductive commutation stress that would falsely re-trigger a standard 4Q TRIAC. The insulated tab simplifies compliance-oriented assembly by allowing direct mounting to the grounded appliance chassis, and UL1557 certification of the BTA series supports appliance safety submissions. The 16 A class covers main heater circuits while smaller-family TRIACs handle auxiliary loads, enabling one common footprint across the appliance control board.
Recommended
Light Dimmers for Inductive Loads
Dimmers driving halogen transformers, low-voltage lighting, or inductive ballasts require the very high commutation capability that the BTA16-600BWRG Snubberless grade provides, because current and voltage phase displacement at the zero-cross causes high dV/dt and dI/dt stress. The 16 A rating supports multi-fixture dimming circuits on 230 VAC residential circuits, well above the 2 to 3 A of typical wall dimmers, enabling commercial and theatrical dimming racks. Phase-angle control is implemented by triggering the gate (50 mA, 1.5 V) through an optotriac at a variable delay from the zero crossing. Because conduction angles vary, worst-case dissipation occurs at approximately half conduction; design heatsinking accordingly using datasheet dissipation-versus-conduction-angle curves.
Recommended
Industrial AC Power Control Panels
Industrial control panels use BTA16-600BWRG TRIACs for AC solenoid valves, contactor coil switching, and static transfer switches on 110 to 230 VAC control circuits. The clip-bonded, ceramic-isolated TO-220AB construction provides the ruggedness and isolation needed in panel environments where DIN-rail heatsinks are shared across multiple devices. Its 600 V VDRM handles line transients per industrial mains conditions, and the Snubberless 3Q grade eliminates snubber networks across solenoid and coil loads, reducing panel component count and failure points. When paralleling or scaling to higher current, the same-family 16 A footprint allows common drilling patterns. Pair with optotriac drivers for galvanic isolation from PLC outputs and add MOV protection for surge-prone installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for BTA16-600BWRG β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | BTA16-800BWRG | BTA16-600BRG | BTA16-600CWRG | BTA12-600BWRG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TO-220AB insulated | TO-220AB insulated - same | TO-220AB insulated - same | TO-220AB insulated - same | TO-220AB insulated - same |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| VDRM | 600 V | 800 V | 600 V | 600 V | 600 V |
| IT(RMS) | 16 A | 16 A | 16 A | 16 A | 12 A |
| Commutation Grade | Snubberless 3Q (B grade) | Snubberless 3Q (B grade) | Standard 4Q | Snubberless 3Q (C grade) | Snubberless 3Q (B grade) |
| Gate Trigger Current (IGT) | 50 mA max | 50 mA max | 50 mA max | 35 mA max | 50 mA max |
| Insulated Tab | Yes (ceramic) | Yes (ceramic) | Yes (ceramic) | Yes (ceramic) | Yes (ceramic) |
| Snubber Required for Inductive Loads | No | No | Yes (typically) | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Snubberless 3Q commutation eliminates RC snubber networks (vs BTA16-600BRG)
- 600 V rating optimized for cost on 230 VAC mains (vs BTA16-800BWRG)
- Insulated ceramic tab enables grounded heatsink mounting (vs BTA16-600BW (non-RG insulated variants differ by packing/certification))
Design Notes
Thermal design dominates TRIAC reliability. Estimated: at full 16 A RMS load with a typical on-state voltage near 1.55 V, conduction losses approach 25 W, so the heatsink must be sized using the datasheet Rth(j-c) plus interface resistance to keep the junction within rated limits at your maximum ambient. The ceramic-isolated tab has higher thermal resistance than non-isulated parts, so never assume bare-TO-220 figures. For loads under 8 A, a 5 to 10 C/W extruded heatsink is typically adequate. Verify with the on-state dissipation versus RMS current curves in the manufacturer datasheet.
The B-grade Snubberless device is designed for 3-quadrant operation: avoid triggering it in the fourth quadrant (A2 negative, gate positive relative to A1 is acceptable; do not rely on quadrant combinations outside the 3Q specification). Gate drive must deliver at least 50 mA at 1.5 V across temperature - MOC-series optotriac drivers generally meet this, but weak RC-coupled gate circuits may cause failure to latch at cold temperature. Never substitute the standard 4Q BTA16-600BRG into an inductive snubberless design without adding an RC snubber, as false re-triggering at zero-cross will occur.
Route load current through pin 2 (A2) and the tab with wide copper or bus-bar connections; the 16 A RMS rating requires low-resistance PCB tracks of at least 4 to 6 mm on 2 oz copper or direct wire attachment. Keep the gate trace short and away from load loops to prevent dV/dt-induced false triggering. Add an MOV across the mains input upstream of the TRIAC for surge immunity, and respect creepage/clearance between mains tracks and the insulated tab mounting hole. UL1557 certification of the BTA series supports panel-level safety submissions.
Compliance Information
BTA series is UL1557 certified per STMicroelectronics product data. RoHS/REACH status not stated in provided verified data - confirm on the official ST product page.
