CQ220-12N Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CQ220-12N is an internally triggered TRIAC manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, rated for 800 V off-state voltage and 12 A on-state current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The internally triggered configuration distinguishes this part from standard TRIAC designs, which affects substitution compatibility.

Substiute Parts

CQ220-12N
Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 1005CQ220-12N Datasheet
CQ220-12N
Current Part
BTA08-800CRG
STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 3640BTA08-800CRG Datasheet
BTA08-800CRG
MFR Recommended
MAC12NG
Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1786MAC12NG Datasheet
MAC12NG
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter CQ220-12N
Voltage - Off State 800 V
Current - On State (It (RMS)) (Max) 12 A
Voltage - Gate Trigger (Vgt) (Max) 2.5 V
Current - Gate Trigger (Igt) (Max) 50 mA
Current - Hold (Ih) (Max) 25 mA
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case TO-220-3
Triac Type Internally Triggered

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the CQ220-12N is determined by the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

  • Voltage - Off State: 800 V (exact match required)
  • Current - On State: 12 A minimum (equal or greater acceptable)
  • Package / Case: TO-220-3 (mechanical compatibility)
  • Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 125°C (thermal compatibility)
  • Mounting Type: Through Hole (assembly compatibility)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

  • Gate Trigger Voltage (Vgt): Lower values indicate easier triggering; values up to 2.5 V are acceptable
  • Gate Trigger Current (Igt): Lower values reduce gate drive requirements; values up to 50 mA are acceptable
  • Hold Current (Ih): Values up to 25 mA are acceptable

The substitute parts listed below meet or exceed these electrical and mechanical requirements within the specified tolerances.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter CQ220-12N BTA08-800CRG MAC12NG
Manufacturer Central Semiconductor Corp STMicroelectronics Littelfuse Inc.
Voltage - Off State 800 V 800 V 800 V
Current - On State (It (RMS)) (Max) 12 A 8 A 12 A
Voltage - Gate Trigger (Vgt) (Max) 2.5 V 1.3 V 1.5 V
Current - Gate Trigger (Igt) (Max) 50 mA 25 mA 35 mA
Current - Hold (Ih) (Max) 25 mA 25 mA 40 mA
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 125°C -40°C ~ 125°C -40°C ~ 125°C
Package / Case TO-220-3 TO-220-3 TO-220-3
Triac Type Internally Triggered Standard Standard
Product Status Obsolete Active Active
RoHS Status Not specified ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MAC12NG (Littelfuse Inc.) is the primary substitute for the CQ220-12N. This part matches the on-state current rating (12 A), maintains the 800 V voltage specification, and operates within the same temperature range. The MAC12NG is actively manufactured and ROHS3 compliant, providing long-term availability and regulatory compliance. The lower gate trigger voltage (1.5 V vs. 2.5 V) and reduced gate trigger current (35 mA vs. 50 mA) represent improved performance characteristics. The hold current specification (40 mA) is slightly elevated but remains within acceptable operational margins.

BTA08-800CRG (STMicroelectronics) is a secondary substitute suitable for applications where the 12 A current rating is not a hard requirement. This part is actively manufactured and ROHS3 compliant. The reduced on-state current rating (8 A vs. 12 A) limits its use to lower-current applications. The superior gate trigger characteristics (1.3 V, 25 mA) provide easier triggering and reduced gate drive complexity.

Both substitute parts are actively produced, ensuring supply chain continuity and regulatory compliance advantages over the obsolete CQ220-12N.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BTA08-800CRG replace the CQ220-12N in all applications?

A: The BTA08-800CRG is suitable only for applications where the load current does not exceed 8 A. The CQ220-12N is rated for 12 A on-state current, so the BTA08-800CRG cannot be used in circuits requiring the full 12 A capacity. Verify your circuit's maximum current requirement before selecting this substitute.

Q: What is the difference between internally triggered and standard TRIAC types?

A: The CQ220-12N is internally triggered, meaning it has integrated gate triggering circuitry. The substitute parts (BTA08-800CRG and MAC12NG) are standard TRIACs, requiring external gate drive signals. Circuit redesign may be necessary to accommodate this functional difference.

Q: Are the substitute parts pin-compatible with the CQ220-12N?

A: Yes. Both the BTA08-800CRG and MAC12NG use the TO-220-3 package with identical pin assignments (Gate, MT1, MT2), ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility at the board level.

Q: What are the compliance advantages of the substitute parts?

A: Both MAC12NG and BTA08-800CRG are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status. The CQ220-12N is obsolete and lacks current compliance certifications, making the substitutes preferable for new designs and regulatory requirements.

Q: How do the gate trigger specifications affect circuit design?

A: The substitute parts have lower gate trigger voltages (1.3–1.5 V vs. 2.5 V) and reduced gate trigger currents (25–35 mA vs. 50 mA). These improvements reduce gate drive circuit complexity and power consumption. Existing gate drive circuits designed for the CQ220-12N will function with the substitutes but may operate with reduced margin.

Q: Is the MAC12NG the recommended choice for direct replacement?

A: Yes. The MAC12NG matches the 12 A current rating and maintains all critical electrical specifications. It is actively manufactured, ROHS3 compliant, and provides the closest functional equivalence to the CQ220-12N.

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