Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP17CAE3

Overview

MPLAD36KP17CAE3 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 17 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤28.8 V at 1250 A peak pulse current (IPP), and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP17CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP17CAE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP17CAE3 application, or MPLAD36KP17CAE3 equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (with 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances), pin-injection immunity per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A, and ESD/EFT compliance per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4.

Technical Context

This TVS operates as a silicon avalanche diode with bidirectional clamping action, enabling symmetric suppression of positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Its low R_θJC of 1.0 °C/W and void-free thermosetting epoxy package support high thermal cycling reliability under repeated surge stress.

Designed for mounting on FR4 PCBs with specified pad layout, it achieves full 36 kW rating only at ≤0.05% duty factor and requires case temperature control per derating curves. Clamping response time is <5 ns, ensuring fast protection against fast-rising transients like ESD and inductive switching spikes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode Down) - surface-mount, low-profile, metal-base thermal path. Cathode terminal is the exposed metal base (bottom side); anode is top-side metallization. RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating (e3 suffix).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with MPLAD36KP17CAE3, SMAJ17CA offers compact footprint but cannot sustain multi-stroke lightning events, while V26MLA0603NH provides higher capacitance and slower response, making it unsuitable for fast-edge signal lines - MPLAD36KP17CAE3 uniquely balances 36 kW robustness, <5 ns speed, and certified reliability for mission-critical platforms.

Availability

MPLAD36KP17CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive ECU power protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge performance.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP17CAE3 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 MPLAD36KP series belongs to Microsemi's high-power surface-mount TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and surge protection in safety-critical systems where failure is not an option.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP17CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP17CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 28.8 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1250 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per the datasheet's electrical characteristics table and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during worst-case surge events. The MPLAD36KP17CAE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range when mounted per recommended pad layout.

Is MPLAD36KP17CAE3 compliant with automotive reliability standards?

Yes, MPLAD36KP17CAE3 is qualified to AEC-Q101 for discrete semiconductors, covering stress tests including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and surge current endurance. It also supports optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening for enhanced lot traceability and screening - making MPLAD36KP17CAE3 suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units and battery management systems where sustained reliability is mandatory.

Does MPLAD36KP17CAE3 require a heatsink for full 36 kW rating?

No, MPLAD36KP17CAE3 does not require an external heatsink to achieve its 36 kW peak pulse power rating, but it does require proper PCB thermal design: mounting on a minimum 1.0 in² copper area (2 oz Cu) with thermal vias to inner layers, per the recommended pad layout. Its R_θJC of 1.0 °C/W enables effective heat dissipation into the board; however, steady-state power dissipation remains limited to 2.5 W at 25°C ambient - the 36 kW rating applies only to short-duration impulses (≤1000 μs) with ≤0.05% duty cycle.

How does the CA suffix in MPLAD36KP17CAE3 indicate device functionality?

The "CA" suffix in MPLAD36KP17CAE3 explicitly denotes bidirectional construction - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD36KP17AE3), which behave like a Zener diode with defined anode/cathode polarity, the CA version uses a back-to-back diode configuration. This makes MPLAD36KP17CAE3 ideal for protecting AC-coupled lines, floating DC buses, or differential interfaces where polarity reversal may occur.

Can MPLAD36KP17CAE3 be used for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 lightning protection?

Yes, MPLAD36KP17CAE3 is rated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection when configured with 42 Ω source impedance over short-distance coupling paths. Per the datasheet, Class 5 compliance extends up to MPLAD36KP300CA; thus MPLAD36KP17CAE3 falls within that validated range. Its 28.8 V clamping voltage ensures protected circuits remain well below typical 36 V absolute maximum ratings of downstream ICs - a critical requirement for Class 5 system-level immunity validation.