Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP280CA

Overview

MPLAD36KP280CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional 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 ≤451 V under 80 A peak pulse current, and features a 280 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), meeting RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP280CA datasheet, MPLAD36KP280CA pinout, MPLAD36KP280CA application, or MPLAD36KP280CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 2 Ω/12 Ω/42 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 compliance up to 280 V, DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 capability, and thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case - critical for high-reliability avionics and load-dump protection designs.

Technical Context

This device operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS, activated when transient voltage exceeds its 311–345 V breakdown range (V(BR) @ 5 mA). Its low 1.0 °C/W RθJC enables efficient heat transfer to a heatsink, supporting sustained surge handling under ≤0.05% duty cycle per Figure 2.

It meets secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 12 Ω source impedance (Class 4 up to 280 V), and pin injection immunity per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 - validated across -55°C to +150°C operating range with full lot traceability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PLAD - low-profile, void-free thermosetting epoxy case (UL94V-0), metal base cathode contact, RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L×W×H), weight ~1.7–2.0 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ280CA and SMCJ280CA, the MPLAD36KP280CA provides 60× higher peak power handling, certified aerospace qualification, and integrated thermal path - making it irreplaceable for mission-critical lightning protection where multi-event survivability and lot traceability are mandatory.

Availability

MPLAD36KP280CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics subsystems, automotive battery management units, industrial motor drive I/O modules, and railway signaling interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP280CA 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 semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and surge protection components.

The MPLAD36KP280CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning resilience and automotive load-dump immunity in safety-critical platforms.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP280CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP280CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 451 V at 80 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during worst-case transients. The MPLAD36KP280CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55°C to +150°C) when properly mounted to a heatsink.

Does MPLAD36KP280CA meet automotive qualification standards?

Yes, the MPLAD36KP280CA is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing of discrete semiconductors. It supports automotive applications including load-dump protection in 24 V systems, with validated performance across temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock tests. The MPLAD36KP280CA also complies with IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (12 Ω source) and ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b requirements when implemented with appropriate PCB layout and thermal management.

How does the PLAD package of MPLAD36KP280CA improve thermal performance over standard SMC or SMB packages?

The PLAD package of MPLAD36KP280CA features a metal base that serves as both the cathode terminal and primary thermal interface, achieving a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of just 1.0 °C/W. In contrast, standard SMC packages typically exhibit RθJC > 3.0 °C/W. This enables the MPLAD36KP280CA to dissipate 36 kW surges without thermal runaway when mounted on a heatsink - a capability essential for DO-160 multi-stroke lightning testing where cumulative heating must be minimized.

Can MPLAD36KP280CA be used for bidirectional signal line protection?

Yes, the 'CA' suffix in MPLAD36KP280CA explicitly denotes bidirectional construction, enabling symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating differential pairs such as RS-485, CAN FD, or MIL-STD-1553 buses. Its 280 V VWM and 451 V VC provide headroom for common-mode transients while preserving signal integrity. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, the MPLAD36KP280CA does not require polarity-aware placement, simplifying layout in noise-prone communication interfaces.

What is the moisture sensitivity level (MSL) of MPLAD36KP280CA and how does it affect assembly?

The MPLAD36KP280CA is rated Moisture Sensitivity 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 eliminates moisture-related popcorning risks and streamlines high-reliability manufacturing - especially valuable for aerospace and defense programs where process control and traceability are critical. The MPLAD36KP280CA achieves MSL-1 through void-free transfer-molded epoxy encapsulation and robust terminal plating.