Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP260A

Overview

MPLAD36KP260A from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤419 V under 86 A peak impulse current, and features a 260 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 289–320 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-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3 (42 Ω source) requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP260A datasheet, MPLAD36KP260A pinout, MPLAD36KP260A application, or MPLAD36KP260A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 260 V VWM rating, 419 V max clamping voltage at 86 A, low-profile PLAD package with metal-base cathode, AEC-Q101 qualification, and compliance with aircraft lightning standards including DO-160F Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5 secondary protection.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with sensitive circuitry, triggering into avalanche conduction when transient voltage exceeds its 289–320 V breakdown range. Its metal-base thermal path enables 1.0 °C/W RθJC, supporting high-repetition surges when mounted on FR4 with recommended pad layout.

It is specified for unidirectional operation only (no CA suffix), with polarity defined by cathode on the metal base underside. Standby leakage is ≤10 μA at 260 V, and it passes full-surge testing per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 and RTCA DO-160F Waveforms 4 and 5A under temperature-derated conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPLAD36KP260A uses the PLAD surface-mount package: void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body (12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm), matte-tin-plated terminals, and cathode identified by the exposed metal base (underside). Mounting requires the specified pad layout (11.94 × 5.85 mm) for thermal and mechanical reliability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ260A and SMCJ260A, the MPLAD36KP260A uniquely combines 36 kW surge capacity, AEC-Q101 + DO-160F dual qualification, and 1.0 °C/W thermal performance-enabling single-device compliance in aerospace power entry and automotive high-power module protection where legacy TVS arrays would otherwise be needed.

Availability

MPLAD36KP260A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive engine control units, industrial motor drive DC buses, and railway signaling interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP260A 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) designs high-reliability semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing solutions, and ruggedized discrete components.

The MPLAD36KP260A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection in safety-critical platforms where DO-160F Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP260A at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP260A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 419 V at 86 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event. The MPLAD36KP260A maintains this clamping performance due to its low dynamic impedance and optimized silicon geometry.

Is the MPLAD36KP260A suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?

No, the MPLAD36KP260A is unidirectional only, as indicated by the absence of the "CA" suffix. Its cathode is the metal base, and it conducts surge current only from anode to cathode. For bidirectional AC or data-line protection, the MPLAD36KP260CA variant must be used instead. Using the MPLAD36KP260A on bidirectional lines risks reverse-bias breakdown and permanent damage.

Does the MPLAD36KP260A require special PCB layout considerations?

Yes - the MPLAD36KP260A requires adherence to the specified pad layout (11.94 × 5.85 mm) and mounting on a minimum 1 oz copper plane tied to internal ground layers via multiple vias. Its metal-base cathode must be soldered directly to this thermal plane to achieve the 1.0 °C/W RθJC rating. Deviation from the recommended layout degrades thermal performance and may cause premature failure under repeated surges.

What certifications does the MPLAD36KP260A hold for automotive use?

The MPLAD36KP260A is qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. It is validated for automotive load-dump protection per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b and supports design-in for engine control units, battery management systems, and ADAS power modules. The MPLAD36KP260A is not ISO 26262 ASIL-certified, but its AEC-Q101 qualification confirms baseline reliability for automotive environments.

Can the MPLAD36KP260A be used in place of older PLAD-series parts like MPLAD36KP220A?

Yes - the MPLAD36KP260A is a direct drop-in replacement for other PLAD-package TVS diodes sharing the same footprint and thermal pad layout, including MPLAD36KP220A. Its higher VWM (260 V vs. 220 V) provides greater operating margin in 230–250 V nominal systems, while retaining identical 36 kW PPP rating, 1.0 °C/W RθJC, and DO-160F compliance. No PCB changes are required when upgrading within the PLAD family.