Microchip Technology MDA3KP30CA

Overview

MDA3KP30CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional 3000 W transient voltage suppressor (TVS) array in a surface-mount package, designed for high-reliability surge protection of DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 30 V standoff voltage (VWM), 33.3–36.8 V breakdown range (V(BR)), 48.4 V maximum clamping voltage at 62 A peak pulse current, and operates from –55 °C to +150 °C. It is used in industrial power supplies and telecom interfaces requiring IEC61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection with 42 Ω source impedance.

For engineers reviewing the MDA3KP30CA datasheet, MDA3KP30CA pinout, MDA3KP30CA application, or MDA3KP30CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 3000 W 10/1000 µs surge rating, clamping performance under 62 A IPP, RoHS-compliant e3 marking, and compatibility with MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening for aerospace-grade reliability validation.

Technical Context

The MDA3KP30CA is a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS array optimized for fast transient suppression with sub-nanosecond response time (<5 ns for bidirectional configuration). Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping on both polarities without external polarity management, supporting AC-coupled or floating bus protection.

It delivers 3000 W peak pulse power per IEC61000-4-5 waveform (10/1000 µs) at 25 °C, with thermal derating above 25 °C per Figure 3. Standby leakage is ≤2 µA at 30 V VWM, ensuring minimal impact on low-power circuits during normal operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MDA3KP30CA uses a 2-pin surface-mount DO-214AB (SMC) package with void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body, tin-lead or matte-tin plating, and polarity defined by a dot marking indicating Pin 1 as cathode (per bidirectional dual-anode/dual-cathode internal structure).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ33CA and 1.5KE33CA, the MDA3KP30CA provides double the peak pulse power of the SMBJ variant and twice the surge rating of the 1.5KE series, while maintaining surface-mount compatibility and bidirectional symmetry-critical for modern high-density, high-reliability power rail protection.

Availability

MDA3KP30CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply protection, telecom line interface hardening, and automotive body control module designs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MDA3KP30CA 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 (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog and mixed-signal ICs, RF solutions, and discrete protection devices.

The MDA3KP series was developed for mission-critical surge protection in aerospace, defense, and industrial systems where failure tolerance, MIL-spec compliance, and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MDA3KP30CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MDA3KP30CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 48.4 V at 62 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured under the standardized 10/1000 µs waveform. This value ensures downstream components see voltage limited to this level during surge events, directly supporting IEC61000-4-5 Class 4 immunity requirements. The MDA3KP30CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range when derated per Figure 3 of the datasheet.

Is MDA3KP30CA suitable for bidirectional AC signal line protection?

Yes, MDA3KP30CA is explicitly designed as a bidirectional TVS, indicated by the "C" suffix in its nomenclature. Its symmetrical avalanche structure clamps equally on both polarities, making it appropriate for AC-coupled interfaces such as RS-485, CAN FD, or audio lines. Unlike unidirectional variants, the MDA3KP30CA requires no external polarity alignment and delivers matched clamping behavior regardless of voltage polarity swing.

Does MDA3KP30CA meet RoHS requirements?

Yes, MDA3KP30CA is RoHS-compliant and marked with the "e3" suffix per Microsemi's part numbering convention, confirming lead-free matte-tin termination. It satisfies EU Directive 2011/65/EU and is compatible with standard Pb-free reflow profiles. The device also meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B moisture sensitivity Level 1, eliminating the need for dry packing or baking prior to assembly.

Can MDA3KP30CA be used for IEC61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection?

Yes, MDA3KP30CA is rated for secondary lightning protection per IEC61000-4-5 with 42 Ω source impedance across Class 1–4, and with 12 Ω and 2 Ω sources for lower classes. Its 3000 W peak pulse power rating and 48.4 V clamping voltage enable compliance when applied with proper PCB layout (short traces, low-inductance grounding) and coordinated with upstream filtering. The MDA3KP30CA is listed explicitly in the application table on page 1 of RF01243 Rev B for this use case.

What is the standoff voltage rating of MDA3KP30CA and how does it relate to system design?

The MDA3KP30CA has a rated working standoff voltage (VWM) of 30 V, meaning it remains non-conductive up to this DC or peak AC voltage under normal operation. System designers must ensure the maximum continuous operating voltage-including ripple, tolerance, and transients-does not exceed 30 V to prevent premature conduction. For a 24 V nominal rail, the MDA3KP30CA provides adequate margin; for 36 V systems, a higher-VWM variant like MDA3KP36CA would be appropriate. This VWM selection directly impacts reliability and leakage in the MDA3KP30CA application.