Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP120A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP120A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP120A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,024
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP120A from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial power systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps transients to ≤193 V at 187 A, and operates with 120 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), meeting RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP120A datasheet, MPLAD36KP120A pinout, MPLAD36KP120A application, or MPLAD36KP120A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 120 V VWM rating, 133–147 V breakdown range, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, low-profile PLAD package, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 (Class 3, 42 Ω source) and RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche technology to provide fast-response clamping of high-energy transients. Its unidirectional polarity enables precise DC-biased protection with cathode on the metal base, and it is rated for operation from –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.
The device is characterized for 10/1000 μs impulse waveforms and supports secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 across multiple source impedances (2 Ω, 12 Ω, 42 Ω), with validated performance up to Class 4 at 120 V VWM. It also meets ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) immunity standards.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage the device blocks without conduction. |
| V(BR) min/max | 133–147 V @ 5 mA - Confirmed breakdown voltage range ensures reliable turn-on above operating voltage. |
| VC @ IPP | 193 V @ 187 A - Clamping voltage under full 36 kW surge defines maximum stress on protected circuitry. |
| PPP | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - Peak pulse power rating validates suitability for aircraft load dump and lightning strike events. |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - Low junction-to-case thermal resistance enables effective heat transfer to heatsink or PCB copper. |
| ID @ VWM | 10 μA max - Ultra-low leakage preserves system efficiency in high-impedance bias networks. |
| TJ Range | –55 to +150 °C - Extended temperature capability supports engine bay, avionics, and industrial control environments. |
Pinout & Package
The MPLAD36KP120A uses the PLAD surface-mount package: void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body (12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm), tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin terminals, and cathode marked on the metal base (underside).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top side) | Transient current entry point during reverse-biased surge | Connected to line/pin being protected; carries full surge current into device. |
| Cathode (metal base) | Transient current return path and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for thermal management and low-inductance grounding. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 36 kW peak pulse power | Validated for multi-stroke lightning (RTCA DO-160 Sec. 22) and automotive load dump without degradation. |
| 1.0 °C/W RθJC | Enables >70 W steady-state dissipation when mounted on 100 °C heatsink, supporting hybrid surge + bias protection. |
| Level 4 pin injection (DO-160F Waveform 4) | Withstands 6.4/69 μs transients up to 120 V VWM without failure-critical for avionics signal line hardening. |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω source) | Clamps 4 kV surges to ≤193 V, protecting downstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers in industrial PLCs. |
| MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening option | Supports high-reliability programs requiring lot traceability, 3σ ID screening, and conformance inspection. |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Input | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC power inputs in flight control computers subjected to DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient clamp on main power rail; cathode tied to chassis ground via thermal pad. Use Value: Limits transient overshoot to ≤193 V, preventing latch-up or damage to 32-bit ARM-based MCUs and isolated CAN transceivers. | Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V battery-fed ECU power rails during alternator field decay events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between battery input and upstream fuse; responds in <5 ns. Use Value: Absorbs 36 kW pulses without degradation, maintaining ISO 7637-2 compliance and avoiding brownout resets. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on 120 V DC bus feeding IGBT gate drivers in variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-clamping TVS across bus rails to limit switching-induced voltage spikes. Use Value: Clamps 120 V bus transients to 193 V within nanoseconds, preventing false triggering of overvoltage protection circuits. | Use Scenario: Surge protection on 120 V DC signaling lines connecting interlocking systems in grade-crossing controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant not used; unidirectional MPLAD36KP120A deployed with polarity-aligned DC bias. Use Value: Meets EN 50121-4 Class 4 immunity for 42 Ω source impedance surges, ensuring fail-safe operation during lightning proximity events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ120A | 600 W PPP rating, SMB package, 1.5x higher RθJA (15 °C/W), no DO-160F validation | Limited to consumer-grade or non-safety-critical 120 V circuits; unsuitable for aviation or Class 4 IEC 61000-4-5 | Select only for cost-sensitive, low-energy applications where 36 kW surge capacity is unnecessary. |
| SMCJ120A | 1500 W PPP, SMC package, RθJC ≈ 3.5 °C/W, no MIL-PRF-19500 screening path | Acceptable for automotive load dump but lacks RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 certification and thermal performance for sustained duty cycles | Use where board space allows larger SMC footprint and aerospace qualification is not required. |
Compared with SMBJ120A and SMCJ120A, the MPLAD36KP120A provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, 3.5× and 3.5× lower junction-to-case thermal resistance, and formal DO-160F/IEC 61000-4-5 certification-making it the sole choice for certified aerospace and high-reliability industrial surge protection.
Availability
MPLAD36KP120A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power systems, industrial motor drive DC buses, and railway signaling interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP120A 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) designs high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP120A belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load dump protection in safety-critical platforms where thermal robustness and standards compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP120A under full-rated surge current?
The MPLAD36KP120A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at its peak pulse current (IPP) of 187 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured and guaranteed per the RF01216 Rev B datasheet, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transients.
Is the MPLAD36KP120A suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No-the MPLAD36KP120A is a unidirectional TVS diode, with cathode on the metal base and anode on the top surface. For bidirectional protection at 120 V, the correct variant is MPLAD36KP120CA. Using MPLAD36KP120A on AC or bipolar signals risks forward conduction and failure.
Does the MPLAD36KP120A require a heatsink for reliable operation?
Yes-its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance requires direct thermal coupling to a heatsink or ≥2 in² of 2-oz copper on the PCB. Without adequate heat spreading, junction temperature exceeds 150 °C during repeated surges, risking parametric shift or catastrophic failure.
What certifications does the MPLAD36KP120A meet for aviation applications?
The MPLAD36KP120A is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning (Waveform 4 Level 4, 6.4/69 μs) and meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 with 42 Ω source impedance. These certifications are documented in Microsemi's RF01216 Rev B specification report and supported by lot-level surge testing.
Can the MPLAD36KP120A replace older PLAD-series TVS devices with different suffixes?
Only if the replacement target shares identical VWM (120 V), unidirectional polarity (no "CA" suffix), and PLAD package. MPLAD36KP120A is not a drop-in replacement for variants like MPLAD36KP120CA (bidirectional) or MPLAD36KP110A (110 V VWM), as differences in clamping behavior and breakdown range affect system margin.
MPLAD36KP120A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 120V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 133V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 193V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 187A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 36000W (36kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Military
- Qualification:
- MIL-PRF-19500
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- PLAD
MPLAD36KP120A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP120A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP120A 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 MPLAD36KP120A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP120A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP120A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP120A?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP120A?
MPLAD36KP120A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP120A 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 MPLAD36KP120A?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP120A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP120A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP120A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP120A 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 MPLAD36KP120A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP120A?
All MPLAD36KP120A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP120A, 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 MPLAD36KP120A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP120A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP120A Tags

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