Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP40CA

Overview

MPLAD36KP40CA 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 40 V reverse standoff voltage (V_WM), clamps to ≤64.5 V at 559 A peak current, and operates across –55°C to +150°C - enabling robust secondary lightning protection per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP40CA datasheet, MPLAD36KP40CA pinout, MPLAD36KP40CA application, or MPLAD36KP40CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 1.0°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, UL94V-0 void-free epoxy package, and verified compliance with AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening options.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp transients within nanoseconds, with <100 ps response time for unidirectional variants and <5 ns for bidirectional types like MPLAD36KP40CA. Its metal-base cathode construction enables low thermal resistance (R_θJC = 1.0°C/W) and efficient heat dissipation when mounted on FR4 with recommended pad layout.

The device meets multi-stroke lightning immunity per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4 up to 400 V_WM) and Waveform 5A (Level 4 up to 78 V_WM), and provides secondary surge protection per IEC 61000-4-5 across 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances - supporting Class 1–5 ratings depending on V_WM and distance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PLAD - surface-mount, void-free thermosetting epoxy case (UL94V-0), metal base cathode, RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating (e3), weight ≈1.7–2.0 g. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ40CA and SMCJ40CA, the MPLAD36KP40CA delivers 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, with superior thermal performance (1.0 vs. 11°C/W), full DO-160F and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 validation, and a scalable upscreening path - making it the only choice for mission-critical aerospace and heavy-duty automotive bus protection.

Availability

MPLAD36KP40CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution units, automotive DC-DC converter inputs, and industrial motor drive control boards requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP40CA 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) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD series was engineered specifically for high-energy, surface-mount transient suppression in safety-critical platforms - emphasizing thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and compliance with RTCA DO-160, AEC-Q101, and MIL-PRF-19500 standards.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP40CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP40CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 64.5 V at 559 A peak pulse current (I_PP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream circuitry remains below safe voltage thresholds during lightning or load-dump events. The MPLAD36KP40CA achieves this with sub-5 ns response time in bidirectional mode.

Is MPLAD36KP40CA qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the MPLAD36KP40CA is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use. It undergoes rigorous stress testing including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and mechanical shock - validating reliability in engine bay and chassis electronics. Its 40 V V_WM and 64.5 V clamping align with 12 V/24 V system requirements, and its metal-base thermal design supports under-hood thermal management. MPLAD36KP40CA is explicitly referenced in Microsemi's AEC-Q101 documentation.

Does MPLAD36KP40CA meet RTCA DO-160 lightning protection requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD36KP40CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient protection. It meets Level 4 for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) pin injection testing up to 400 V_WM, and supports multi-stroke compliance essential for aircraft power distribution. The MPLAD36KP40CA's 36 kW rating and low thermal resistance enable repeated surge absorption without parameter drift.

What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact PCB layout for MPLAD36KP40CA?

The MPLAD36KP40CA has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (R_θJC) of 1.0°C/W, achieved via its metal-base construction. This requires direct thermal coupling to a large copper pour or heatsink on the PCB bottom layer - using the recommended pad layout (A = 11.94 mm, B = 5.85 mm). Without adequate copper area, steady-state power derating applies; the MPLAD36KP40CA's 71 W rating at T_C = 100°C assumes optimal thermal interface.

Can MPLAD36KP40CA be used in bidirectional AC signal lines?

Yes, the 'CA' suffix confirms MPLAD36KP40CA is a bidirectional TVS, making it suitable for AC-coupled data lines, transformer-isolated interfaces, or dual-polarity power rails. Its symmetrical clamping behavior ensures equal protection for both positive and negative transients, with identical V_BR (44.4–49.1 V) and V_C (64.5 V) in either direction. Unlike unidirectional devices, the MPLAD36KP40CA does not require polarity-aware placement.