BT136-600D 4A 600V TRIAC TO-220

BT136-600D 4A 600V TRIAC TO-220 is a highly reliable, sensitive gate Triac designed for general purpose AC switching applications where efficient and cost-effective control of medium-power loads is essential. As a bidirectional triode thyristor, this device effectively switches AC current in both halves of the alternating cycle when a small current pulse triggers the gate terminal. The “600D” designation confirms a 600V repetitive peak off-state voltage rating, offering robust performance and excellent immunity against typical mains voltage transients. Therefore, you can confidently use the BT136-600D to drive everything from motor speed controllers to domestic lighting systems. Furthermore, its popular TO-220 package simplifies mounting to a heat sink, ensuring superior thermal management for continuous operation at 4A RMS current.

Key Features:

• High Blocking Voltage: Features a repetitive peak off-state voltage (V_DRM) of 600 V, providing a necessary safety margin for 120 V_AC and 230 V_AC line voltages.
• Sensitive Gate: Requires a low gate trigger current (I_GT) to switch the main current, making it highly compatible with low-power driving circuits like optocouplers and microcontrollers.
• High Commutation dv/dt: Offers excellent immunity to false triggering when switching inductive loads, ensuring reliable operation in harsh electrical environments.
• High Surge Capability: Handles significant non-repetitive surge current (I_TSM) up to 25 A, which protects the device during initial load connection or short transient events.
• Insulated Package: The TO-220 plastic package allows for direct mounting to a common heat sink without needing an additional insulating washer (for most versions), simplifying assembly.

Technical Specifications:

• On-State RMS Current (I_T(RMS)): 4 A (T_mb ≤ 100°C)
• Repetitive Peak Off-State Voltage (V_DRM): 600 V
• Gate Trigger Current (I_GT): Maximum 5 mA (The low current required to switch the Triac on)
• Non-Repetitive Peak On-State Current (I_TSM): 25 A (t = 20 ms)
• Holding Current (I_H): Maximum 15 mA
• Critical Rise of Off-State Voltage (dv/dt): Minimum 50 V/µs
• Operating Junction Temperature (T_j): −40°C to +125°C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Style: TO-220 (Through-Hole)
• Mounting: Requires mounting screw or clamp; suitable for heat sink use.
• Pin Count: 3 leads (Main Terminal 1, Main Terminal 2, Gate)
• Weight: ≈ 2.0 g

Dimensions:

• Body Height (excluding leads): ≈ 15.0 mm
• Body Width: ≈ 10.0 mm
• Lead Pitch: 2.54 mm (0.1 inch standard)
• Mounting Hole Diameter: ≈ 3.8 mm
• Lead Material: Tinned Copper

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (MT1 – Main Terminal 1): Connect to the reference side of the AC supply (neutral or ground) and one side of the load.
• Pin 2 (MT2 – Main Terminal 2): Connect to the other side of the AC supply (live) via the load. This terminal is usually connected to the mounting tab.
• Pin 3 (G – Gate): Apply the trigger current pulse here (via a Triac driver/optocoupler like the MOC3041) to switch the Triac into the ON state.
• Wiring Tip: Crucially, always use a current-limiting resistor between the gate driver and the Gate terminal (G) to protect the low-power driver circuit.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download Nexperia BT136-600D Series Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• General Purpose Switching: Acting as a non-mechanical relay for switching AC power in various industrial and consumer applications.
• Motor Speed Controls: Used in phase-angle control circuits for small AC fan motors and universal motors.
• Solid State Relays (SSRs): Serving as the main switching element in discrete solid-state relay assemblies.
• Dimming Circuits: Providing the main power control stage in basic light dimmers.

Applications:

• Heating Element Control: Precisely managing power to resistive loads like heaters and soldering irons.
• Lamp and Lighting Switches: Providing on/off control for fluorescent lamps, incandescent bulbs, and LED drivers.
• Small Appliance Control: Specifically, controlling the power for devices like blenders, hair dryers, and small pumps.
• Temperature Regulation: Integrating into PID temperature controllers to manage power flow to thermal systems.

Equivalent Models:

• BTA16-600B: A common, higher current alternative (16A) but often used as a direct replacement where higher capacity is needed.
• BT137-600E: A similar 8A Triac in the same series, offering double the current handling capacity while retaining similar voltage ratings.
• T405-600B: A 4A, 600V Triac from STMicroelectronics (T4 series), providing a functional replacement for the BT136-600D.

Package Includes:

• 1 x BT136-600D 4A 600V TRIAC in TO-220 Package