Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP40AE3

Overview

MPLAD36KP40AE3 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 40 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps transients to ≤64.5 V at 559 A peak current, and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP40AE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP40AE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP40AE3 application, or MPLAD36KP40AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.0°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 matte-tin plating, DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4/5 pin-injection capability, and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection with 42 Ω source impedance.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp fast-rising transients, with breakdown voltage V(BR) specified at 44.4–49.1 V under 5 mA test current. Its low 1.0°C/W RθJC enables direct mounting to metal-core PCBs or heatsinks for sustained multi-stroke surge handling per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.

The device meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and supports both unidirectional operation (cathode on metal base) and optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening. Clamping response time is <100 ps, and it provides ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 (±30 kV contact) and EFT protection per IEC 61000-4-4 (±4 kV).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode terminal and molded thermosetting epoxy body (UL94V-0). 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 suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ40A and SMCJ40A, MPLAD36KP40AE3 delivers 24× higher peak power handling, 2.5× lower thermal resistance, and certified DO-160F Waveform 4/5 performance-enabling single-device protection in mission-critical aerospace platforms where redundancy and qualification traceability are mandatory.

Availability

MPLAD36KP40AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, automotive load dump protection, railway traction control, and industrial UPS input stage applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP40AE3 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 markets, with expertise in radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and power protection components.

The MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in safety-critical platforms requiring DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-5 compliance-targeting aircraft avionics, next-generation EV powertrains, and rail signaling systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP40AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP40AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 64.5 V at its rated peak pulse current of 559 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe voltage limits during severe transients such as automotive load dump or aircraft lightning induction.

Does MPLAD36KP40AE3 meet AEC-Q101 reliability standards?

Yes, MPLAD36KP40AE3 is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. This includes stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity bias, high-temperature operating life, and ESD robustness-making it suitable for automotive under-hood applications like engine control units and battery management systems where long-term reliability is critical.

How does the thermal design of MPLAD36KP40AE3 support high-repetition surge events?

MPLAD36KP40AE3 achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance of 1.0°C/W by using a metal-base construction that conducts heat directly into the PCB copper pour or external heatsink. This allows dissipation of cumulative heating from repeated 36 kW surges at ≤0.05% duty factor, enabling compliance with RTCA DO-160 multi-stroke lightning testing without thermal runaway.

Is MPLAD36KP40AE3 compatible with lead-free reflow soldering processes?

Yes, MPLAD36KP40AE3 features RoHS-compliant e3 matte-tin plating and is rated for solder temperatures up to 260°C for 10 seconds, fully compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B. Its moisture sensitivity level is Level 1, eliminating the need for dry-packaging or baking prior to assembly.

What DO-160F lightning injection waveforms does MPLAD36KP40AE3 support?

MPLAD36KP40AE3 is validated for DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) up to Level 5 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) up to Level 4. These ratings apply across its full VWM range including 40 V, confirming suitability for pin-injection protection in commercial aircraft data and power interfaces where transient immunity must exceed 30 kV.