Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP20A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP20A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP20A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 34VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,880
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP20A 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 20 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤34.0 V at 1059 A peak pulse current (IPP), and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP20A datasheet, MPLAD36KP20A pinout, MPLAD36KP20A application, or MPLAD36KP20A equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning compliance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 secondary lightning capability with 42 Ω source impedance, and low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W) enabling robust thermal management on FR4 PCBs.
Technical Context
The MPLAD36KP20A uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp transients above its 20 V working voltage, with a minimum breakdown voltage of 22.2 V at 5 mA test current. Its clamping performance is specified at 34.0 V maximum under 1059 A IPP (10/1000 μs waveform), ensuring predictable overvoltage limiting during load dump or lightning-induced surges.
It supports both standalone surge suppression and coordinated protection schemes-its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance and metal-base cathode construction enable direct heatsinking, while its 50 °C/W junction-to-ambient rating assumes standard FR4 mounting per recommended pad layout. Standby leakage remains ≤45 μA at 20 V, minimizing system power loss.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft-grade lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 20 V - matches nominal 12–24 V DC bus systems without false triggering |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤34.0 V @ 1059 A - limits downstream IC voltage stress below 36 V absolute max |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 22.2–24.5 V @ 5 mA - ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - enables direct thermal coupling to heatsink or copper pour for sustained duty |
| Operating Temperature Range | –55°C to +150°C - qualified for under-hood automotive and avionics environments |
| Standby Leakage Current | ≤45 μA @ 20 V - negligible quiescent drain in always-on power rails |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode Down) - void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with metal base cathode; dimensions 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L×W×H); weight ~1.7–2.0 g; RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top Surface Pad) | Transient current entry path | Connected to protected line; accepts surge energy before clamping |
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Transient current return path | Must be soldered to large copper area or heatsink for thermal and electrical integrity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| DO-160 Section 22 Multi-Stroke Lightning Compliance | Validated for ≥1000 surges at full 36 kW rating - critical for aircraft power distribution units |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 Secondary Protection (42 Ω) | Rated for 4 kV surge immunity up to 260 V VWM devices - covers long-distance wiring scenarios |
| Low RθJC = 1.0 °C/W | Enables >70% higher steady-state power dissipation vs. standard SMD TVS - reduces need for external heatsinks |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Passed stress tests for automotive under-hood reliability - including temperature cycling and HTRB |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | No dry-pack or bake-out required before reflow - simplifies manufacturing and lowers cost of ownership |
Applications
| Aircraft Power Distribution Units | Automotive Engine Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC bus in commercial aircraft against lightning-induced transients per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge shunt device placed at bus input, clamping transients before they reach upstream converters and avionics controllers. Use Value: Withstands ≥1000 multi-stroke events at full 36 kW rating - eliminates field failures in flight-critical systems. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V power rail in engine control unit (ECU) against load dump spikes up to 40 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response voltage clamp located adjacent to main power connector, absorbing energy within nanoseconds. Use Value: Clamps to ≤34.0 V at 1059 A - keeps microcontroller supply within safe operating range during ISO 16750-2 load dump events. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Links | Railway Signaling Power Supplies |
Use Scenario: Suppressing switching transients on 24–48 V DC link of variable-frequency drives exposed to EFT and RFI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across DC bus capacitors, diverting high-dI/dt noise away from gate drivers and sensors. Use Value: 45 μA max standby leakage avoids capacitor discharge issues - maintains stable bus voltage during idle operation. | Use Scenario: Providing secondary lightning protection for 72 V signaling power supplies in trackside cabinets per EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage protector downstream of MOV-based primary stage, handling residual fast-rising surges. Use Value: 1.0 °C/W thermal resistance allows direct mounting to chassis - achieves Class 4 immunity without additional thermal interface material. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20A | 600 W PPP rating, 32.4 V clamping @ 19.1 A IPP - 60× lower energy capacity | Only suitable for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160 lightning requirements | Select only for consumer electronics with sub-1 kA surge exposure |
| SMCJ20A | 1500 W PPP rating, 32.4 V clamping @ 46.1 A IPP - 24× lower peak power than MPLAD36KP20A | Lacks DO-160 multi-stroke validation and AEC-Q101 qualification | Acceptable for non-safety-critical industrial controls where full lightning immunity is not mandated |
Compared with SMBJ20A and SMCJ20A, the MPLAD36KP20A provides 60× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated multi-stroke endurance, and AEC-Q101/DO-160 compliance - making it the sole choice for aviation, automotive, and railway safety-critical surge protection.
Availability
MPLAD36KP20A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, automotive engine control modules, and industrial motor drive DC links requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP20A 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) designs high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP20A belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load dump protection in mission-critical systems where single-event survivability is insufficient.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP20A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP20A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 34.0 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1059 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at 25°C and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe voltage limits during high-energy transients such as automotive load dump or lightning-induced surges.
Is the MPLAD36KP20A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP20A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive engine control module (ECM) use, including protection against ISO 16750-2 load dump events. Its –55°C to +150°C operating range, low leakage (<45 μA), and validated thermal performance on FR4 make it suitable for under-hood deployment.
Does the MPLAD36KP20A meet RTCA DO-160 lightning standards?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP20A is certified for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs). It achieves Level 4 immunity up to 300 V VWM and Level 5 up to 200 V VWM, confirming suitability for commercial aircraft power systems.
How should the cathode terminal of the MPLAD36KP20A be mounted for optimal thermal performance?
The cathode of the MPLAD36KP20A is the metal base (underside) of the package and must be soldered directly to a large copper area or external heatsink. Per the datasheet, this achieves the specified 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance; inadequate copper coverage increases thermal impedance and risks thermal runaway during repeated surges.
What is the moisture sensitivity level (MSL) of the MPLAD36KP20A?
The MPLAD36KP20A is rated MSL Level 1 per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it has unlimited floor life and requires no dry-packaging or baking prior to reflow soldering. This simplifies manufacturing logistics and eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk during assembly.
MPLAD36KP20A 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):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 34V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1059A (1.059kA)
- 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
MPLAD36KP20A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP20A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP20A 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 MPLAD36KP20A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP20A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP20A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP20A?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP20A?
MPLAD36KP20A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP20A 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 MPLAD36KP20A?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP20A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP20A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP20A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP20A 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 MPLAD36KP20A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP20A?
All MPLAD36KP20A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP20A, 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 MPLAD36KP20A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP20A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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