Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP170CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP170CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP170CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,237
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP170CAE3 from Microsemi is a bidirectional 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 170 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤275 V at 131 A peak impulse current, and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP170CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP170CAE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP170CAE3 application, or MPLAD36KP170CAE3 equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, 2 Ω source impedances), pin-injection immunity per RTCA/DO-160F Waveforms 4 & 5A, and ESD/EFT compliance per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 - critical for avionics power bus and DC traction interfaces.
Technical Context
This TVS operates as a silicon avalanche diode with bidirectional clamping symmetry, optimized for low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W) and fast response (<5 ns clamping time). Its void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package enables direct mounting on FR4 PCBs with recommended thermal pad layout for sustained 2.5 W steady-state dissipation at 25°C ambient.
It supports multi-level IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 protection across multiple source impedances (42 Ω, 12 Ω, 2 Ω) and satisfies RTCA/DO-160F Level 4/5 pin injection for both Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs), with temperature derating guidance provided in MicroNote 132 and 134.
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 DC or peak AC voltage before clamping initiates |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 275 V max @ IPP = 131 A - limits downstream circuit voltage during surge events |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 189–209 V @ 5 mA - defines precise avalanche onset threshold for bidirectional conduction |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJC) | 1.0 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or copper plane for repeated surge duty |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | Level 1 per J-STD-020B - no dry pack required; supports standard SMT reflow |
| RoHS Compliance | e3 suffix - lead-free matte tin plating, compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode/Cathode Dual-side) - surface-mount, metal-base thermally enhanced package with void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; dimensions 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈1.85 g; polarity marked on unidirectional variants only (cathode on metal base).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top Surface Pad) | Positive terminal for bidirectional clamping | Connects to protected line; forms symmetrical avalanche path with cathode |
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Negative terminal / thermal interface | Serves as primary heat sink interface; must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Enables protection of AC-coupled or floating DC lines without polarity constraints |
| RTCA DO-160 Section 22 compliance | Validated for multi-stroke lightning transients in aircraft power distribution systems |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified for automotive underhood and powertrain applications per stress test requirements |
| 42 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 support | Meets highest severity secondary lightning immunity for long-distance wiring harnesses |
| Low-profile thermal design | RθJC = 1.0 °C/W enables >90% of surge energy dissipation via metal base into PCB |
Applications
| Avionics Power Bus Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 28 V DC main bus in commercial aircraft, exposed to lightning-induced transients per DO-160F Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary bidirectional TVS clamp placed upstream of DC-DC converters and avionics controllers. Use Value: Limits bus voltage to ≤275 V during 36 kW surges, preserving MIL-STD-704F compliance and preventing latch-up in downstream FPGAs. |
Use Scenario: 12 V/24 V alternator output in heavy-duty trucks experiencing ISO 7637-2 Load Dump pulses up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge protector mounted at ECU input, after primary TVS and fuse. Use Value: Absorbs residual 10/1000 μs energy exceeding primary clamp capability, reducing stress on LDOs and CAN transceivers. |
| Industrial DC Traction Interface | Railway Signaling Power Input |
Use Scenario: 750 V DC third-rail interface in metro train propulsion control cabinets, subject to switching transients and induced RFI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS across DC link inputs to gate drivers and isolation amplifiers. Use Value: Clamps fast-rising transients (<5 ns response) while maintaining 170 V working margin, avoiding false triggering of overvoltage protection. |
Use Scenario: 110 V DC signaling power supply in European railway interlocking systems, requiring EN 50121-3-2 Class 3 immunity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage surge suppression before redundant power modules and safety PLCs. Use Value: Delivers Class 3 immunity at 2 Ω source impedance (IEC 61000-4-5), ensuring fail-safe operation during track-side lightning coupling 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ170CA | 600 W PPP rating, SMA package, RθJA = 40 °C/W, no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Only suitable for non-safety-critical consumer/industrial boards; lacks aviation-grade surge endurance | Select when cost and board space constrain use of high-power TVS, and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2 |
| Vishay SM8S170CA | 6600 W PPP, DO-218AB package, RθJC = 2.5 °C/W, qualified to AEC-Q101 but not DO-160 | Applicable for automotive ECUs needing higher reliability than SMAJ but insufficient for aircraft lightning standards | Choose for Tier-1 automotive power modules where 36 kW capability is unnecessary but AEC-Q101 traceability is mandatory |
Compared with SMAJ170CA and SM8S170CA, the MPLAD36KP170CAE3 provides 5.5× and 5.4× higher peak pulse power respectively, full DO-160F Level 5 validation, and 2.5× lower junction-to-case thermal resistance - making it the only option for certified avionics and high-reliability rail traction systems.
Availability
MPLAD36KP170CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power bus protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial DC traction interface designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP170CAE3 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 ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP170CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning survivability and mission-critical surge immunity in safety-certified platforms.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP170CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP170CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V at its peak impulse current (IPP) of 131 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured across the device terminals during standardized surge testing and ensures downstream components remain within safe operating voltage limits during transient events.
Is MPLAD36KP170CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP170CAE3 is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. Its construction, wafer lot traceability, and surge testing protocol meet automotive underhood reliability requirements, supporting use in engine control units, battery management systems, and ADAS power supplies.
Does MPLAD36KP170CAE3 require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - the MPLAD36KP170CAE3 requires a dedicated thermal pad layout per Microsemi's recommended footprint (Ref. A = 11.94 mm, B = 5.85 mm). The metal base must be soldered to ≥250 mm² of 2 oz copper with thermal vias to internal planes to maintain RθJC ≤1.0 °C/W and prevent thermal runaway during repetitive surges.
What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in MPLAD36KP170CAE3?
The 'CA' suffix in MPLAD36KP170CAE3 denotes bidirectional construction - meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD36KP170AE3), it has no polarity marking and protects AC-coupled or floating DC lines without orientation dependency.
Can MPLAD36KP170CAE3 be used for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 testing?
Yes - the MPLAD36KP170CAE3 is explicitly rated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 with 42 Ω source impedance (short distance) and 12 Ω source impedance (Class 3), as confirmed in the RF01216 datasheet. Its 36 kW PPP rating and low clamping voltage ensure compliance when implemented with proper PCB grounding and decoupling.
MPLAD36KP170CAE3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
MPLAD36KP170CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP170CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP170CAE3 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 MPLAD36KP170CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP170CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP170CAE3 is usually 5 days.
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MPLAD36KP170CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP170CAE3 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 MPLAD36KP170CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP170CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP170CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP170CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP170CAE3 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 MPLAD36KP170CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP170CAE3?
All MPLAD36KP170CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP170CAE3, 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 MPLAD36KP170CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP170CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP170CAE3 Tags

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