Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP45CAE3

Overview

MPLAD36KP45CAE3 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, clamps at ≤72.7 V under 496 A peak impulse current, and features a 45 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (50.0–55.3 V). Its metal-base thermal design achieves 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, enabling robust multi-stroke lightning protection per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP45CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP45CAE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP45CAE3 application, or MPLAD36KP45CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 45 V working voltage rating, 72.7 V maximum clamping voltage at 496 A, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 secondary lightning compliance, and RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device triggered by avalanche breakdown, with symmetrical bidirectional conduction enabled by its CA-suffixed construction. Its low-profile PLAD package integrates a void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body and metal baseplate for direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks.

It meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 5 up to 300 V VWM and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 5 up to 38 V VWM - confirming MPLAD36KP45CAE3's suitability for aircraft pin-injection protection where fast-rising transients demand sub-100 ps response latency and stable clamping under repeated stress.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PLAD package: surface-mount, low-profile thermoset epoxy body with exposed metal baseplate acting as cathode terminal (bidirectional symmetry eliminates anode/cathode distinction; both terminals function identically). Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ~1.85 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ45CA and SMCJ45CA, MPLAD36KP45CAE3 provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated thermal performance for sustained surge duty, and full RTCA DO-160F compliance - making it the sole option for certified aerospace and high-reliability industrial deployments demanding multi-kiloampere transient handling.

Availability

MPLAD36KP45CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive 48 V power systems, industrial PLC backplanes, and railway signaling interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP45CAE3 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 (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD series was engineered specifically for mission-critical surge protection where thermal stability, multi-stroke endurance, and aviation-grade certification are mandatory - targeting systems vulnerable to lightning, load dump, and EFT events.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP45CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP45CAE3 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 72.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 496 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and process variation, ensuring downstream 48 V system components remain within safe operating voltage limits during surge events.

Is MPLAD36KP45CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MPLAD36KP45CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its reliability for automotive under-hood and chassis-mounted applications. It meets temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and surge stress requirements defined in the AEC-Q101 standard, supporting use in 48 V battery systems and ADAS power supplies.

Does MPLAD36KP45CAE3 require special PCB layout for thermal management?

Yes, optimal thermal performance requires soldering the metal baseplate (Terminal 2) to a minimum 250 mm² copper pour on inner or outer layers, with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to internal ground planes. This achieves the specified 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case resistance and prevents thermal runaway during repetitive surges.

How does the CA suffix in MPLAD36KP45CAE3 affect its electrical behavior?

The CA suffix denotes bidirectional construction, meaning MPLAD36KP45CAE3 provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients - unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD36KP45AE3) that conduct only in reverse bias. This eliminates polarity concerns in AC-coupled or floating DC applications such as Ethernet or CAN bus protection.

Can MPLAD36KP45CAE3 be used for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance?

Yes, MPLAD36KP45CAE3 supports IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection when tested with 42 Ω source impedance, as confirmed in the datasheet for VWM ≤ 300 V devices. Its 45 V rating falls well within the validated range, delivering robust clamping at 72.7 V even under worst-case Class 5 test conditions.