Microchip Technology MDA3KP20CAE3
- Part No.:
- MDA3KP20CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- 16-SMD, Gull Wing
- Datasheet:
-
MDA3KP20CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- BI-DIRECTIONAL TVS_16L DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,436
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Product details
Overview
MDA3KP20CAE3 from Microsemi (now Microchip Technology) is a bidirectional 3000 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) array in a surface-mount DO-214AB package, designed for high-reliability secondary lightning and ESD protection. It features a 20 V standoff voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown range (V(BR)), 32.4 V max clamping voltage at 92.6 A peak pulse current, and operates from −55 °C to +150 °C.
For engineers reviewing the MDA3KP20CAE3 datasheet, MDA3KP20CAE3 pinout, MDA3KP20CAE3 application, or MDA3KP20CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–4 compliance with 42 Ω/12 Ω/2 Ω source impedances, bidirectional polarity, RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, and 100 ps response time - critical for telecom infrastructure, industrial power supplies, and automotive ECUs requiring robust surge immunity.
Technical Context
The MDA3KP20CAE3 implements a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast clamping under high-energy transients. Its bidirectional configuration enables symmetrical protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity constraints, and its 10/1000 μs waveform rating supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge testing with 42 Ω source impedance.
It delivers sub-100 ps response time and maintains stable clamping performance across −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, validated by 3σ lot norm screening on standby current (ID) and 100% surge testing per production lot. The device meets MIL-PRF-19500 optional upscreening requirements when specified.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 20 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping begins; matches 18–20 V DC rails in PoE injectors and industrial sensors. |
| V(BR) min–max | 22.2–24.5 V - guaranteed avalanche onset range at 1 mA; ensures predictable turn-on margin above VWM. |
| VC @ IPP | 32.4 V at 92.6 A - clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream IC stress to safe levels. |
| PPP | 3000 W - peak pulse power handling capability; sustains IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surges (4 kV, 42 Ω). |
| ID @ VWM | 2 μA - ultra-low leakage at rated standoff; prevents battery drain in always-on monitoring systems. |
| TJ / TSTG | −55 to +150 °C - extended thermal range enables use in under-hood automotive and outdoor base stations. |
Pinout & Package
MDA3KP20CAE3 uses a DO-214AB (SMC) surface-mount package with two terminals: Pin 1 (cathode) and Pin 2 (anode), configured as a bidirectional pair sharing common cathode-anode symmetry. Polarity is marked by a dot on the package top indicating Pin 1.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Cathode (Bidirectional) | Shared cathode terminal; connects to protected line in dual-directional clamp configuration. |
| Pin 2 | Anode (Bidirectional) | Shared anode terminal; completes symmetrical clamping path for both positive and negative transients. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional construction | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, RS-485 buses, or Ethernet PHY lines without polarity concerns. |
| 3000 W 10/1000 μs rating | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 surge immunity (4 kV, 42 Ω source) in compact SMC footprint. |
| RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating | Ensures reliable solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 and eliminates lead-based assembly constraints. |
| Moisture sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and bake-out prior to reflow, reducing manufacturing overhead. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drives | Telecom Power Feeds |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 24 V DC control inputs against switching transients from contactor coils and relay bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS array clamping both polarities of induced surges before they reach PLC I/O ASICs. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in microcontrollers by limiting transient voltage to ≤32.4 V at 92.6 A. | Use Scenario: Surge suppression on 48 V PoE injector outputs exposed to lightning-induced coupling on outdoor cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary front-end transient protector on power delivery path, placed before DC-DC converters. Use Value: Absorbs 3000 W pulses per IEC 61000-4-5 Ed. 3, enabling compliance with EN 61000-4-5 Class 4 requirements. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | RS-485 Data Lines |
Use Scenario: Protecting LIN bus and sensor supply lines in engine bay modules subject to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-temperature-rated TVS suppressing coupled transients on 12 V auxiliary rails. Use Value: Operates reliably at +150 °C junction temperature while maintaining <2 μA leakage at 20 V standoff. | Use Scenario: Bidirectional clamping of differential RS-485 transceiver pins (A/B) against ESD and EFT events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Symmetrical protection element placed across data lines with no polarity dependency. Use Value: Sub-100 ps response ensures clamping initiates before ESD pulse peak (IEC 61000-4-2), preserving signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | 600 W PPP rating (vs. 3000 W); same VWM and DO-214AA package; lower clamping voltage (32.4 V vs. 34.0 V). | Not suitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4; limited to Class 2/3 or low-energy ESD/EFT-only designs. | Select only when surge energy is ≤600 W and board space requires smaller SMB package. |
| 1.5KE20CA | 3000 W PPP but axial-leaded DO-15 package; higher thermal resistance; no RoHS-compliant e3 marking by default. | Requires through-hole assembly; unsuitable for high-density SMT layouts or automated reflow processes. | Choose only for legacy through-hole designs where SMT compatibility is not required. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and 1.5KE20CA, the MDA3KP20CAE3 uniquely combines 3000 W surge capability, bidirectional SMT DO-214AB packaging, RoHS-compliant matte-tin terminations, and −55 °C to +150 °C operation - making it the only option qualified for high-reliability industrial and automotive surge protection where space, thermal, and compliance constraints coexist.
Availability
MDA3KP20CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power feeds, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical applications.
Supply support for MDA3KP20CAE3 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
Microsemi Corporation (acquired by Microchip Technology in 2018) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, RF, and radiation-hardened components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MDA series was developed specifically for mission-critical surge protection in harsh environments, emphasizing MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening readiness, full lot traceability, and validated performance under extreme thermal and electrical stress.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MDA3KP20CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MDA3KP20CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 92.6 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 2 in the official datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The clamping performance remains stable across the full operating temperature range of −55 °C to +150 °C.
Is MDA3KP20CAE3 suitable for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge testing?
Yes, MDA3KP20CAE3 is rated for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity when tested with a 42 Ω source impedance, delivering full 3000 W peak pulse power handling. It also supports Level 3 with 12 Ω and Level 2 with 2 Ω source impedances per the manufacturer's classification table. Its bidirectional architecture ensures symmetrical protection for both polarities of the surge waveform, which is essential for compliance validation.
What does the "C" and "E3" suffix mean in MDA3KP20CAE3?
In MDA3KP20CAE3, the "C" denotes bidirectional polarity, confirming symmetrical clamping behavior for AC or differential signals. The "E3" indicates RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per JEDEC J-STD-020B, ensuring lead-free solderability and eliminating dry-pack requirements. These suffixes are defined in the part nomenclature section of the RF01243 datasheet and directly map to mechanical and environmental specifications.
Does MDA3KP20CAE3 require derating at elevated temperatures?
Yes, MDA3KP20CAE3 requires thermal derating above 25 °C ambient, as shown in Figure 3 of the datasheet. At +125 °C case temperature, its peak pulse power rating drops to approximately 50% of the 25 °C value (1500 W). Designers must apply this derating curve when sizing heatsinking or estimating sustained surge capability in high-temperature enclosures such as automotive engine compartments or industrial drive cabinets.
How is polarity identified on the MDA3KP20CAE3 package?
Polarity on the MDA3KP20CAE3 is indicated by a molded dot on the top surface of the DO-214AB package, marking Pin 1 (cathode). Per the datasheet, odd-numbered pins are cathodes - so Pin 1 is cathode and Pin 2 is anode in this bidirectional configuration. This marking aligns with industry-standard SMC package orientation and enables correct placement during automated optical inspection (AOI) and pick-and-place assembly.
MDA3KP20CAE3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 16-SMD, Gull Wing
- Series:
- MDA
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 8
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 92.6A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 3000W (3kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
MDA3KP20CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MDA3KP20CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MDA3KP20CAE3 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MDA3KP20CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MDA3KP20CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MDA3KP20CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MDA3KP20CAE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MDA3KP20CAE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MDA3KP20CAE3?
MDA3KP20CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MDA3KP20CAE3 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MDA3KP20CAE3?
For technical support, including MDA3KP20CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MDA3KP20CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MDA3KP20CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MDA3KP20CAE3 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MDA3KP20CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MDA3KP20CAE3?
All MDA3KP20CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MDA3KP20CAE3, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MDA3KP20CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MDA3KP20CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MDA3KP20CAE3 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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