Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP15CA

Overview

MPLAD36KP15CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 15 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤25.8 V at 1396 A peak pulse current, and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements in aircraft power distribution.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP15CA datasheet, MPLAD36KP15CA pinout, MPLAD36KP15CA application, or MPLAD36KP15CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance with 42 Ω source impedance, and RoHS-compliant e3 plating - all critical for high-reliability avionics and load-dump hardened ECUs.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, activating when transient voltage exceeds its 15.6–17.2 V breakdown range (V(BR) @ 5 mA). Its low RθJC (1.0 °C/W) enables efficient heat transfer to the PCB copper pad or heatsink, supporting repetitive surge handling under ≤0.05% duty cycle per Figure 2.

It satisfies secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 across multiple source impedances (2 Ω, 12 Ω, 42 Ω) and provides pin-injection immunity per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4 up to 400 V) and Waveform 5A (Level 4 up to 78 V), with temperature derating guidance in MicroNote 132.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode (bidirectional symmetry eliminates polarity marking). Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ~1.85 g. Requires recommended FR4 pad layout (A = 11.94 mm, B = 5.85 mm) for optimal thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ15CA and SMCJ15CA, MPLAD36KP15CA delivers 60× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, with certified DO-160 compliance and 1.0 °C/W thermal resistance - making it the sole option for mission-critical aerospace lightning hardening where single-event survivability is non-negotiable.

Availability

MPLAD36KP15CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, automotive engine control units, industrial motor drive inputs, and railway signaling interface applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP15CA 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, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in safety-critical platforms where DO-160, AEC-Q101, and MIL-PRF-19500 screening compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP15CA under rated surge conditions?

The MPLAD36KP15CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.8 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1396 A at the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and ensures downstream 24 V logic and power circuits remain within safe operating limits during high-energy transients.

Does MPLAD36KP15CA require special PCB layout considerations for thermal management?

Yes - MPLAD36KP15CA relies on its metal base for thermal conduction, so the PCB must use a minimum 11.94 mm × 5.85 mm copper pad (per datasheet PAD LAYOUT) directly beneath the device, connected to internal ground planes via ≥8 thermal vias. Failure to implement this results in junction temperature exceeding 150°C during repetitive surges, degrading long-term reliability.

Is MPLAD36KP15CA certified for automotive applications?

Yes, MPLAD36KP15CA is AEC-Q101 qualified and tested per the requirements for discrete semiconductors in automotive environments. It meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b (load dump) and IEC 61000-4-2 ESD (±15 kV air) standards, making it suitable for under-hood engine control modules and battery management systems.

Can MPLAD36KP15CA be used in place of unidirectional TVS diodes like MPLAD36KP15A?

No - MPLAD36KP15CA is bidirectional and symmetric, while MPLAD36KP15A is unidirectional with cathode on the metal base. Substituting them requires verifying circuit topology: bidirectional use is mandatory for AC-coupled or floating lines, whereas unidirectional devices are needed for DC rails with defined polarity and ground reference.

What screening options are available for MPLAD36KP15CA in high-reliability programs?

MPLAD36KP15CA supports MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels M, MA, MX, and MXL per the Hirel Non-Hermetic Product Portfolio brochure. These include lot traceability, 3σ standby current screening, and extended environmental testing - enabling use in military avionics and satellite power systems where zero-defect reliability is mandated.