Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP170AE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP170AE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP170AE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,014
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP170AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive power systems. It delivers 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps transients to ≤275 V at 131 A, and features a 170 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 189–209 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP170AE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP170AE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP170AE3 application, or MPLAD36KP170AE3 equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), pin-injection immunity per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 and 5A, and high-reliability industrial or avionics power rail protection where low thermal resistance and RoHS-compliant packaging are required.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with sensitive electronics, activating above its 170 V standoff threshold to divert surge current away from downstream circuitry. Its silicon avalanche structure enables sub-100 ps response time and stable clamping under repetitive 0.05% duty-cycle impulses.
Thermal design is enabled by direct metal-base mounting - the cathode is the exposed metal base - yielding 1.0 °C/W RθJC and enabling effective heat sinking on FR4 PCBs with recommended pad layout. It supports both standard and upscreened reliability levels (e.g., MIL-PRF-19500) and passes 100% surge testing per production lot.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft lightning-induced surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 170 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 189–209 V @ 5 mA - precise avalanche onset ensures predictable turn-on margin |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 275 V @ 131 A - limits voltage seen by protected ICs during worst-case surge |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or copper plane |
| Steady-State Power Dissipation | 71 W @ TC = 100°C - supports continuous thermal management in high-ambient environments |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | Level 1 per J-STD-020B - no dry pack or bake required prior to reflow |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) - void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with exposed metal cathode base for thermal and electrical grounding. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈ 1.7–2.0 g. Cathode is the metal base; anode is top-side metallization.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top-side metallization) | Surge current entry point for unidirectional operation | Connected to protected line (e.g., 28 V aircraft bus); current flows anode→cathode during overvoltage |
| Cathode (exposed metal base) | Surge current return path and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink; serves as primary thermal conduction path and ground reference |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile surface-mount construction | Enables integration into space-constrained avionics modules without height penalty (max height 5.33 mm) |
| RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating (e3) | Ensures reliable solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 and compatibility with lead-free reflow profiles |
| Full lot surge testing | Every production lot validated to 1000 A impulse (equipment-limited), guaranteeing robustness across batches |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive power systems including load dump and jump-start events |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A compliance | Meets Level 4/5 pin-injection immunity for critical flight control and navigation subsystems |
Applications
| Aircraft Power Distribution | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC distribution buses in commercial aircraft against lightning-induced transients per DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed directly at bus entry points to shunt multi-kA surges before reaching downstream regulators and FPGAs. Use Value: Withstands ≥100 multi-stroke lightning events while maintaining <10 μA standby leakage at 170 V, ensuring long-term system integrity. |
Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V/24 V engine control harnesses during alternator disconnection events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting parallel TVS that clamps voltage spikes within nanoseconds to prevent MCU reset or gate driver latch-up. Use Value: Delivers 36 kW pulse handling at 170 V standoff-higher than standard 24 V systems require-enabling margin for future voltage upgrades. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Power Supply |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on 300–400 V DC intermediate bus lines feeding IGBT gate drivers and isolation amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy clamping device positioned after upstream MOVs to absorb residual energy and limit let-through voltage. Use Value: 275 V clamping at 131 A prevents overvoltage stress on 600 V-rated IGBTs during 42 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 surges. |
Use Scenario: Protection of 110 V DC signaling power supplies in trackside cabinets exposed to induced surges from nearby traction currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS mounted on input filter stage to clamp fast-rising transients from electromagnetic coupling. Use Value: Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3 (2 Ω source) with 130 V clamping headroom, preserving 110 V supply stability during rail switching 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ170A | Lower PPP rating (600 W), smaller SMB package, higher RθJA (50 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Suitable only for consumer-grade or non-safety-critical industrial use; insufficient for aviation lightning standards | Select only for cost-sensitive, low-energy applications where full aerospace compliance is not required |
| SMCJ170A | Higher PPP (1500 W) than SMBJ but still far below 36 kW; SMC package; lacks upscreening options and DO-160 validation data | Acceptable for basic automotive load dump if derated, but cannot meet RTCA DO-160F Level 4/5 pin injection or multi-stroke endurance | Use when footprint constraints preclude PLAD, but verify clamping performance and thermal margin in final layout |
Compared with SMBJ170A and SMCJ170A, the MPLAD36KP170AE3 provides >24× higher peak power handling, certified aerospace qualification, and a thermally optimized metal-base package-making it the sole option for mission-critical lightning and load dump protection where single-event survivability and multi-stroke endurance are mandatory.
Availability
MPLAD36KP170AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP170AE3 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, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP170AE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and high-energy automotive transients where thermal robustness and qualification rigor are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP170AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP170AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V at 131 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures downstream 300 V-rated components remain within safe operating limits during surge events. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and validated per production lot.
Is the MPLAD36KP170AE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP170AE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive power systems including engine control units and battery management interfaces. It withstands load dump pulses and jump-start transients, and its 170 V standoff voltage provides margin above nominal 24 V and 42 V vehicle architectures.
How is thermal management implemented for the MPLAD36KP170AE3?
The MPLAD36KP170AE3 uses its exposed metal cathode base as the primary thermal interface - it must be soldered directly to a large copper pour or external heatsink. With a junction-to-case thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W, effective heat dissipation requires minimum pad dimensions of 11.94 × 5.85 mm (as specified in the datasheet) and adequate board copper thickness.
Does the MPLAD36KP170AE3 meet RTCA DO-160 lightning standards?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP170AE3 is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. It satisfies Level 4 and Level 5 pin-injection immunity per Waveforms 4 (6.4/69 μs) and 5A (40/120 μs), and supports long-distance and short-distance configurations per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances.
What does the "E3" suffix indicate in MPLAD36KP170AE3?
"E3" denotes RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per JEDEC J-STD-020B, ensuring lead-free solderability and environmental compliance. This finish meets MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 for solderability and supports standard Pb-free reflow profiles without dewetting or grain growth issues. Non-RoHS versions omit the "E3" suffix.
MPLAD36KP170AE3 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):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 275V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 131A
- 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
MPLAD36KP170AE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP170AE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP170AE3 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 MPLAD36KP170AE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP170AE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP170AE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP170AE3?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP170AE3?
MPLAD36KP170AE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP170AE3 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 MPLAD36KP170AE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP170AE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP170AE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP170AE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP170AE3 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 MPLAD36KP170AE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP170AE3?
All MPLAD36KP170AE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP170AE3, 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 MPLAD36KP170AE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP170AE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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