Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP16A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP16A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP16A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 27.2VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,120
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP16A 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, features a 16 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤27.2 V at 1324 A peak pulse current (IPP), and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature. It is widely deployed in aircraft lightning protection per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP16A datasheet, MPLAD36KP16A pinout, MPLAD36KP16A application, or MPLAD36KP16A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability secondary lightning protection, load dump suppression, and ESD/EFT hardening where low thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant packaging, and AEC-Q101 qualification are required.
Technical Context
The MPLAD36KP16A uses an avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<100 ps turn-on) and low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.53). Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, achieving RθJC = 1.0°C/W and supporting multi-stroke surge endurance under RTCA DO-160 Waveform 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 test conditions.
It is rated for bidirectional variants (suffix CA), but MPLAD36KP16A is unidirectional with cathode on the metal base. Standby leakage (ID) is ≤5 μA at 16 V, and breakdown occurs at 17.8–19.7 V (IBR = 5 mA), ensuring robust margin above operating rail.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 36,000 W - sustains full-rated lightning surge energy without failure in single or multi-stroke events |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 16 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| Clamping Voltage (VC @ IPP) | 27.2 V max @ 1324 A - limits downstream circuit voltage during worst-case surge, protecting 24 V systems |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 17.8–19.7 V @ 5 mA - ensures reliable avalanche initiation with ≥1.8 V design margin over VWM |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pour or external heatsink, critical for repetitive surges |
| Operating Temperature Range | –55°C to +150°C - qualified for engine bay, avionics bay, and industrial control environments |
| Surge Standards Compliance | IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5, RTCA DO-160F Sections 22 & 25 - certified for ESD, EFT, and lightning injection testing |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) - void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with metal base cathode terminal; dimensions 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight ~1.85 g; polarity marked on top for unidirectional versions.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top Surface Pads) | Current entry point during forward conduction | Two solderable tin-plated copper pads (0.470″ × 0.230″ recommended pad layout) provide low-inductance connection to protected line |
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Current exit point; common reference node | Entire bottom metal surface serves as low-impedance thermal and electrical return path to ground plane or heatsink |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 36 kW Peak Pulse Power Rating | Enables single-device protection against severe lightning transients (DO-160 Level 5, 6.4/69 μs) without cascaded TVS staging |
| Low Thermal Resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W) | Allows >95% of surge energy to dissipate into PCB copper or heatsink, minimizing junction temperature rise during multi-pulse events |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Validated for automotive powertrain and chassis applications requiring zero defects and extended lifetime under thermal cycling stress |
| RoHS Compliant (e3 marking) | Meets global environmental compliance requirements without compromising surge performance or thermal reliability |
| Traceable Wafer & Assembly Lots | Supports high-reliability programs (e.g., aerospace, defense) requiring full material pedigree and process control documentation |
Applications
| Aircraft Lightning Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting avionics power inputs (28 V DC) against induced lightning currents per RTCA DO-160 Section 22, Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed at board-level entry point to limit transient voltage to <30 V. Use Value: MPLAD36KP16A clamps at 27.2 V while absorbing 36 kW, meeting Level 5 lightning immunity without derating or parallel devices. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control units (ECUs) during alternator load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, 12 V system). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS shunting surge energy away from downstream DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: With VWM = 16 V and VC = 27.2 V, it protects 12 V rails while allowing normal operation up to 15.5 V battery transients. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O Protection | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Shielding PLC analog input modules from inductive kickback and EFT noise in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Board-edge TVS on 24 V sensor supply lines, coordinated with series impedance for IEC 61000-4-4 compliance. Use Value: 1324 A IPP rating handles repeated 4 kV EFT bursts; low standby leakage (≤5 μA) avoids signal offset errors. |
Use Scenario: Hardening 72 V DC trackside signaling interfaces against lightning-induced surges per EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage following gas discharge tube (GDT), clamping residual transients to safe levels. Use Value: At 72 V system level, MPLAD36KP16A is not applicable-however, its family scaling (e.g., MPLAD36KP70A) supports 72 V rails with VC = 113 V, enabling compact two-stage designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ16A | Lower PPP rating (400 W), smaller SMC package, VC = 26.0 V @ 12.3 A | Suitable only for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160 lightning or load dump requirements | Select when cost and board space constrain use cases below 1 kW surge duty. |
| Vishay VMM160 | 36 kW rating, DO-160 qualified, but TO-277 package with higher RθJA (50°C/W vs. 1.0°C/W) and no metal-base thermal path | Requires external heatsink for multi-stroke events; less effective on FR4 without thermal vias | Choose when legacy TO-277 footprint compatibility is mandatory and thermal management infrastructure exists. |
Compared with SMAJ16A and VMM160, the MPLAD36KP16A uniquely combines aircraft-grade lightning capability, ultra-low thermal resistance via metal-base mounting, and AEC-Q101 qualification-making it the only option for space-constrained, high-reliability 24 V systems demanding both performance and thermal robustness.
Availability
MPLAD36KP16A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace lightning protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial motor drive I/O hardening requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP16A 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP16A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge protection where thermal performance, multi-stroke endurance, and certification readiness are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP16A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP16A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.2 V at its rated peak pulse current of 1324 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and ensures downstream 24 V electronics remain within safe operating limits during surge events. The MPLAD36KP16A achieves this with minimal voltage overshoot due to its low-inductance metal-base construction.
Is the MPLAD36KP16A suitable for automotive applications per AEC-Q101?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP16A is explicitly tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. It undergoes stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and surge endurance, making it appropriate for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units and ADAS power supplies. The MPLAD36KP16A's qualification report is available upon request from Microchip/Microsemi.
How does the metal-base package of the MPLAD36KP16A improve thermal performance?
The MPLAD36KP16A's metal base serves as both the cathode terminal and primary thermal conduction path, delivering a junction-to-case thermal resistance of just 1.0°C/W. This allows >90% of surge energy to transfer directly into PCB copper pours or heatsinks-unlike plastic-body TVS diodes with RθJC > 10°C/W. In practice, this enables the MPLAD36KP16A to survive repeated DO-160 lightning strikes without thermal runaway.
Can the MPLAD36KP16A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No-the MPLAD36KP16A is a unidirectional TVS. Bidirectional variants carry the "CA" suffix (e.g., MPLAD36KP16CA). The MPLAD36KP16A's cathode is the metal base, and its anode consists of two top-side pads; reversing polarity will cause catastrophic failure. For AC-line or differential-signal protection, select the CA version or pair unidirectional devices back-to-back.
What certifications does the MPLAD36KP16A meet for aviation use?
The MPLAD36KP16A meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 (lightning-induced transient susceptibility) and Section 25 (pin injection) for Levels 4 and 5 under Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs). It also complies with IEC 61000-4-5 (surge), -4-2 (ESD), and -4-4 (EFT), making it suitable for FAA-certified avionics power entry designs. Certification data is documented in Microsemi Application Note AN-132.
MPLAD36KP16A 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):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1324A (1.324kA)
- 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
MPLAD36KP16A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP16A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP16A 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 MPLAD36KP16A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP16A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP16A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP16A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD36KP16A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP16A?
MPLAD36KP16A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP16A 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 MPLAD36KP16A?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP16A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP16A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP16A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP16A 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 MPLAD36KP16A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP16A?
All MPLAD36KP16A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP16A, 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 MPLAD36KP16A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP16A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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