Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR.pdf
- Description:
- SURFACE MOUNT 36,000 WATT, TVS,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,330
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR from Microsemi (now Microchip) is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) rated for 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, with 160 V working standoff voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 259 V clamping voltage (VC) at 139 A peak impulse current - designed for secondary lightning protection in aerospace avionics per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR datasheet, MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR pinout, MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR application, or MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, IEC 61000-4-5 compliance at 42 Ω source impedance (Class 1–5), RTCA DO-160G Waveform 4/5A pin injection capability, and thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamped avalanche diode, triggered when transient voltage exceeds VBR, entering low-differential-resistance conduction to shunt surge energy to ground. Its bidirectional CA construction enables symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints.
Thermal design is critical: RθJC = 1.0 °C/W enables high-power dissipation when mounted on a heatsink, while RθJA = 50 °C/W reflects performance on FR4 with recommended pad layout. It meets AEC-Q101 qualification and supports moisture sensitivity Level 1 (no dry pack required).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V DC - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| VBR @ IBR | 178–197 V at 5 mA - ensures reliable turn-on margin above system nominal voltage |
| VC @ IPP | 259 V at 139 A - limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 μs transients |
| PPP | 36,000 W - defines maximum single-event surge energy handling capability |
| IPP | 139 A - peak non-repetitive surge current supported under standard waveform |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - enables effective heatsinking for sustained thermal management |
| TJ Range | –55 to +150 °C - supports operation in extended industrial and aerospace environments |
Pinout & Package
The MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR uses the PLAD package: a low-profile, void-free transfer-molded thermosetting epoxy case (UL94V-0) with metal base acting as cathode for unidirectional variants; for bidirectional CA parts like this one, both terminals are symmetrical and non-polarized - the metal base serves as common thermal path, not electrically designated anode/cathode.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (Top-side marked side) | Anode/Cathode (bidirectional) | Electrically interchangeable; no polarity marking required for CA devices |
| Terminal 2 (Metal base) | Common thermal interface / electrical terminal | Provides primary heat conduction path to PCB/heatsink; forms one half of bidirectional conduction path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional construction (CA suffix) | Enables symmetric transient suppression on AC, differential, or floating bus lines without orientation dependency |
| 36 kW peak pulse rating at 10/1000 μs | Meets RTCA DO-160G Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements for aircraft systems |
| RθJC = 1.0 °C/W | Allows direct mounting to heatsink for high-duty-cycle surge environments without thermal runaway |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates bake-out requirement prior to reflow, reducing manufacturing overhead and risk of damage |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Protection | Automotive Power Distribution |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data buses and sensor inputs in commercial aircraft against lightning-induced surges per RTCA DO-160G Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS diode providing low-impedance shunt path during transients, preserving signal integrity without DC bias constraints. Use Value: Enables Level 4/5 pin-injection protection up to 300 V standoff, verified for multi-stroke events in flight-critical systems. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECUs (e.g., body control modules) from load dump transients (ISO 16750-2) and coupled EFT noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy clamping device placed at power entry point to limit bus voltage excursion during 100 ms, 12 V–35 V surges. Use Value: Withstands 36,000 W pulses and maintains VC ≤ 259 V, preventing latch-up or overvoltage damage to downstream regulators and microcontrollers. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O | Renewable Energy Inverter Control |
Use Scenario: Shielding encoder feedback lines and analog sensor inputs in servo drives from switching-induced RFI and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response (≤5 ns response time) bidirectional clamp suppressing sub-μs transients on isolated or differential interfaces. Use Value: Low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.62) minimizes voltage overshoot while supporting IEC 61000-4-4 EFT immunity up to 4 kV. | Use Scenario: Protecting communication ports (RS-485, CAN) and auxiliary power rails in solar string inverters exposed to lightning-induced surges on long cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge protector deployed after primary MOV/GDT stages to handle residual fast-rising edges and ensure precise clamping. Use Value: Validated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 (42 Ω source) at 160 V level, enabling compact, high-reliability coordination with upstream protectors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | Lower peak power (600 W), smaller SMB package, higher RθJA (≥110 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Targeted at cost-sensitive consumer/industrial boards where full aerospace/automotive certification is unnecessary | Select SMBJ160CA only for low-energy transients (<100 A IPP) and non-safety-critical layouts without thermal management provisions |
| SMCJ160CA | Higher peak power (1500 W), SMC package, RθJC ≈ 2.5 °C/W, AEC-Q101 qualified but not DO-160 tested | Suitable for automotive ECU front-end protection where DO-160 compliance is not required but ISO 7637-2/16750-2 must be met | Choose SMCJ160CA when footprint and thermal budget allow larger SMC outline but DO-160 multi-stroke validation is not mandatory |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and SMCJ160CA, the MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR delivers 24× and 24× higher peak power respectively, with certified DO-160G Waveform 4/5A performance and superior thermal coupling - making it the only option for certified aerospace avionics and high-reliability industrial systems requiring multi-stroke survivability.
Availability
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive power distribution, industrial motor drive I/O, and renewable energy inverter control requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR 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 - now part of Microchip Technology - is a provider of high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial markets, with expertise in radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and discrete protection components.
The MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical systems where thermal robustness and multi-stroke endurance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the polarity configuration of MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR?
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix in its part number. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD36KP160A), it provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without requiring orientation-specific placement on the PCB. This makes it ideal for AC-coupled interfaces, differential buses, and floating grounds where polarity cannot be guaranteed.
Does MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR meet RTCA DO-160G Section 22 requirements?
Yes, MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160G Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) pin injection. Per the datasheet, it supports Level 4 (up to 300 V standoff) and Level 5 (up to 300 V standoff for Waveform 4, up to 38 V for Waveform 5A), confirming its suitability for certified aircraft avionics applications.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact heatsinking for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR?
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W, meaning each watt of dissipated surge energy raises the junction temperature by 1 °C above the case temperature. This low value requires direct thermal coupling - typically via soldering the metal base to a large copper pour or external heatsink - to prevent thermal runaway during repeated surges. The datasheet specifies pad layout and mounting guidelines to achieve this performance.
Is MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR RoHS-compliant and what does the "e3" suffix indicate?
Yes, MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR is RoHS-compliant, as confirmed by the "e3" suffix in its part number per Microsemi's nomenclature. This denotes annealed matte-tin plating compliant with Directive 2011/65/EU, with lead content below 1000 ppm. The device also meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D.1 moisture sensitivity Level 1, eliminating the need for dry-packaging or pre-reflow baking.
How does MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR compare to standard SMCJ or SMBJ series TVS diodes?
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR delivers 36,000 W peak pulse power - 24× higher than SMCJ160CA (1500 W) and 60× higher than SMBJ160CA (600 W). It features lower RθJC (1.0 vs. ~2.5 or >110 °C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification, and certified DO-160G compliance - capabilities absent in standard SMCJ/SMBJ families. These distinctions make MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR uniquely suited for mission-critical, high-energy surge environments.
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 139A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 36000W (36kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Military
- Qualification:
- MIL-PRF-19500
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- PLAD
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR 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 MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR?
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR 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 MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR 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 MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR?
All MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR, 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 MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP160CAE3/TR Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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