Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP160CA/TR
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP160CA/TR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP160CA/TR.pdf
- Description:
- SURFACE MOUNT 36,000 WATT, TVS,
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,510
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP160CA/TR from Microchip (formerly Microsemi) 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) and 259 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 139 A peak impulse current (IPP). It is designed for secondary lightning protection in aerospace avionics per RTCA DO-160G Section 22 Waveform 4 and IEC 61000-4-5, and meets AEC-Q101 qualification.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP160CA/TR datasheet, MPLAD36KP160CA/TR pinout, MPLAD36KP160CA/TR application, or MPLAD36KP160CA/TR equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, <5 ns clamping response time, RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, and compatibility with FR4 PCBs using the recommended PLAD pad layout.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS, leveraging low-differential-resistance clamping during transients to limit voltage across protected circuitry. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical suppression of both positive and negative polarity surges without external polarity conditioning.
Thermal design is critical: RθJC = 1.0 °C/W enables effective heat transfer to an external heatsink, while RθJA = 50 °C/W (on 1 oz Cu FR4) defines ambient-limited dissipation. The metal base serves as the cathode terminal and primary thermal path - no internal die attach voids per UL94V-0 void-free epoxy encapsulation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 160 V - Maximum continuous DC or repetitive peak reverse voltage applied without conduction; sets minimum system operating voltage margin. |
| VBR min/max | 178–197 V at 5 mA - Confirmed breakdown threshold range; ensures reliable turn-on before damaging overvoltage occurs. |
| VC @ IPP | 259 V at 139 A - Clamped voltage during full-rated 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case voltage seen by downstream ICs. |
| IPP | 139 A - Peak non-repetitive surge current capability; determines survivability under IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (12 Ω source) events. |
| TJ range | –55 to +150 °C - Full operational junction temperature span; supports extended automotive and avionics environments. |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - Low thermal resistance from junction to case; mandates direct metal-base mounting to heatsink for sustained surge handling. |
| αV(BR) | 195 mV/°C - Temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage; used to calculate VBR derating at elevated temperatures. |
Pinout & Package
The MPLAD36KP160CA/TR uses the PLAD (Power Leadless Array Device) package: a low-profile, thermally optimized surface-mount outline with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal and primary thermal interface. Dimensions are 10.3 × 8.2 × 3.5 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈ 1.8 g, UL94V-0 void-free epoxy body, matte-tin plated terminals.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Base (Bottom) | Cathode (Bidirectional) | Common terminal for both polarities; must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for thermal and electrical performance. |
| Top Surface Pad | Anode (Bidirectional) | Exposed metallization on top surface; forms second terminal; polarity is symmetric - no directional orientation required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional 36 kW surge rating | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal/power lines without polarity awareness or external diodes. |
| Clamping response <5 ns | Ensures sub-microsecond voltage limiting during fast transients like ESD and RTCA DO-160G Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs). |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validates reliability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications including 12 V/24 V battery systems subject to load dump. |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and floor-life constraints - can be mounted directly after opening standard packaging. |
| Traceable wafer/assembly lots | Supports aerospace configuration management and failure analysis via full process lot traceability per MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options. |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Input | Automotive Battery Rail Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data bus power inputs and flight control actuator DC supplies against lightning-induced surges per RTCA DO-160G Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary secondary surge clamp on 28 V DC distribution lines feeding safety-critical avionics modules. Use Value: Withstands multi-stroke lightning tests up to Level 5 (Waveform 4) due to 36 kW rating and <5 ns response - eliminating need for cascaded protection stages. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control unit (ECU) power inputs during ISO 7637-2 Load Dump events in 12 V/24 V vehicle architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping device placed at main battery feed point to absorb 120 V/400 ms transients without polarity reversal concerns. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 160 V VWM ensure stable operation across cold-crank (6.5 V) to load dump (up to 120 V) conditions without leakage or premature conduction. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Renewable Energy Inverter Input |
Use Scenario: Suppressing switching transients and inductive kickback on 200–400 V DC bus rails in variable-frequency drives controlling HVAC and pump systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS connected between DC+ and DC− near IGBT gate driver power supplies. Use Value: 259 V clamping voltage at 139 A limits bus overvoltage to safe levels for 300 V-rated electrolytic capacitors and gate drivers - reducing capacitor derating requirements. | Use Scenario: Protecting photovoltaic string combiner box inputs from induced surges caused by nearby lightning strikes in solar farm installations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge protector installed upstream of MPPT controller input, compliant with IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω source). Use Value: 160 V VWM matches typical PV open-circuit voltage (VOC) of ~180–220 V strings, enabling direct integration without series resistors or voltage dividers. |
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 | 600 W rating (vs. 36,000 W); SMB package; RθJC ≈ 25 °C/W; VC = 259 V @ 2.2 A. | Only suitable for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160G Section 22 or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5. | Select only for board-level ESD protection where surge energy is below 10 J. |
| SMCJ160CA | 1500 W rating; SMC package; RθJC ≈ 10 °C/W; VC = 259 V @ 13.7 A. | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3 (42 Ω), but fails Class 4/5 and DO-160G Waveform 4/5A testing. | Use when cost sensitivity outweighs aerospace/automotive certification requirements and surge energy is ≤ 30 J. |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and SMCJ160CA, the MPLAD36KP160CA/TR delivers 60× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling compliance with stringent aviation and heavy-duty automotive surge standards - not achievable with smaller SMD packages due to thermal and current-handling limitations.
Availability
MPLAD36KP160CA/TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive battery rail protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge performance.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP160CA/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
Microchip Technology (via acquisition of Microsemi) is a global semiconductor provider specializing in high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, timing, and power solutions for aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP160CA/TR belongs to Microchip's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge immunity in environments where thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and regulatory compliance (DO-160, AEC-Q101, IEC 61000-4-5) are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP160CA/TR at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP160CA/TR has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to its rated peak impulse current (IPP) of 139 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured across the device terminals during surge conduction and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry - critical for ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.
Is MPLAD36KP160CA/TR suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP160CA/TR is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2. Its 160 V working standoff voltage accommodates 12 V and 24 V battery systems during cold-crank and transient overvoltage events, and its bidirectional architecture eliminates polarity concerns in floating or AC-coupled subsystems commonly found in modern ECUs and ADAS modules.
How does the PLAD package of MPLAD36KP160CA/TR improve thermal performance compared to standard SMC or SMB packages?
The PLAD package of MPLAD36KP160CA/TR achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of just 1.0 °C/W - over 10× lower than SMC (≈10 °C/W) and 25× lower than SMB (≈25 °C/W). This is enabled by its exposed metal base, which provides a direct, low-impedance thermal path to an external heatsink or large PCB copper area, allowing sustained dissipation of high-energy surges without thermal runaway.
Does MPLAD36KP160CA/TR require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - the MPLAD36KP160CA/TR requires adherence to the manufacturer's specified pad layout (Figure 7 in datasheet), including minimum 10.3 × 8.2 mm thermal pad with multiple vias to inner-layer ground planes. The metal base must be fully soldered to this pad; insufficient solder coverage or undersized copper increases RθJA and risks premature failure during repeated surges.
What standards does MPLAD36KP160CA/TR comply with for lightning surge immunity?
The MPLAD36KP160CA/TR is validated for RTCA DO-160G Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) up to Level 4 and Level 5 respectively, and meets IEC 61000-4-5 for secondary lightning protection across Classes 1–5 depending on source impedance (2 Ω, 12 Ω, or 42 Ω). Its 36 kW rating and <5 ns response make it suitable for aircraft power and data line hardening.
MPLAD36KP160CA/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
MPLAD36KP160CA/TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP160CA/TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP160CA/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 MPLAD36KP160CA/TR reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP160CA/TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP160CA/TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP160CA/TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD36KP160CA/TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP160CA/TR?
MPLAD36KP160CA/TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP160CA/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 MPLAD36KP160CA/TR?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP160CA/TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP160CA/TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP160CA/TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP160CA/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 MPLAD36KP160CA/TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP160CA/TR?
All MPLAD36KP160CA/TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP160CA/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 MPLAD36KP160CA/TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP160CA/TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP160CA/TR Tags

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