Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP40CAE3

Overview

MPLAD36KP40CAE3 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, features a 40 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤64.5 V at 559 A peak current, and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP40CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP40CAE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP40CAE3 application, or MPLAD36KP40CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection (42 Ω source), and RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 pin injection capability.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping-type protector with symmetrical breakdown behavior in both polarities due to its bidirectional construction. Its low R_θJC of 1.0 °C/W enables effective heat transfer to a heatsink, supporting sustained surge handling under ≤0.05% duty cycle conditions per Figure 2.

It is characterized at 25 °C with I_PP = 559 A, V_C ≤ 64.5 V, and V_WM = 40 V, meeting IEC 61000-4-2 ESD (±15 kV air/±8 kV contact), IEC 61000-4-4 EFT (40 A), and IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity standards across multiple source impedances (2 Ω, 12 Ω, 42 Ω).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode (bidirectional symmetry eliminates anode/cathode distinction). Dimensions: 12.32–12.57 mm × 10.54–10.80 mm × 3.68–3.94 mm (L×W×H); weight ≈1.7–2.0 g. Mounting pad layout per RF01216 Rev B page 6.

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 MPLAD36KP40CAE3 delivers 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, achieves 15× and 3.5× lower thermal resistance, and is the only option qualified to RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 - making it mandatory for certified avionics and high-reliability transportation systems.

Availability

MPLAD36KP40CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive load dump protection, industrial motor drive inputs, and railway signaling interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP40CAE3 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 MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in mission-critical platforms where DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-x compliance are mandatory - targeting avionics, rail, and heavy-duty automotive applications.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage specification for MPLAD36KP40CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP40CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 64.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (I_PP) of 559 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01216 Rev B and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe operating voltage limits during high-energy transients.

Is MPLAD36KP40CAE3 qualified for automotive applications per AEC-Q101?

Yes, MPLAD36KP40CAE3 is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. It undergoes stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and humidity bias, confirming suitability for under-hood automotive environments where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is critical.

Does MPLAD36KP40CAE3 require moisture-sensitive handling per J-STD-020?

No, MPLAD36KP40CAE3 is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it does not require dry pack storage or floor-life controls. The device can be processed directly from reel using standard SMT reflow profiles without baking.

How does the thermal performance of MPLAD36KP40CAE3 compare to standard SMB/SMC TVS diodes?

MPLAD36KP40CAE3 achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (R_θJC) of 1.0 °C/W - over 15× lower than SMBJ40CA (15 °C/W) and nearly 4× lower than SMCJ40CA (3.5 °C/W). This enables direct heatsink coupling and sustained operation under repetitive surge conditions where conventional packages would thermally saturate.

Can MPLAD36KP40CAE3 be used for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning protection?

Yes, MPLAD36KP40CAE3 is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Its 36 kW peak pulse power rating, sub-100 ps response time, and bidirectional symmetry meet Level 4 requirements for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and support full compliance when mounted per recommended pad layout in RF01216 Rev B.