Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP51A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP51A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP51A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 51VWM 82.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP51A 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, clamps transients to ≤82.4 V at 437 A, and features a 51 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 56.7–62.7 V breakdown range. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω source) requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP51A datasheet, MPLAD36KP51A pinout, MPLAD36KP51A application, or MPLAD36KP51A equivalent, this device is selected for primary or secondary lightning protection where low-clamping, high-repetition-stroke capability, thermal robustness (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant SMT packaging are critical - especially in avionics power inputs, vehicle battery line protectors, and DC bus interfaces.
Technical Context
The MPLAD36KP51A employs a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<5 ns clamping rise time) and low dynamic impedance under multi-stroke surge conditions. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, supporting sustained energy dissipation without thermal runaway.
It operates as a shunt-mode protector: during overvoltage events exceeding VWM = 51 V, it avalanches into low-impedance conduction, limiting voltage across protected circuitry to VC ≤ 82.4 V at IPP = 437 A. Standby leakage ID ≤ 10 μA at 51 V ensures minimal impact on upstream bias networks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains full-rated surge energy without degradation in single-event or low-duty-cycle (≤0.05%) applications |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 51 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage the device blocks without significant leakage |
| Breakdown Voltage (VBR) | 56.7–62.7 V @ 5 mA - defines the onset of controlled avalanche conduction; tight tolerance supports predictable clamping margin |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 82.4 V @ 437 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge; enables selection of 100 V-rated downstream components |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - allows direct mounting to thermal pads or heatsinks for stable operation under repeated surges |
| Standby Leakage Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 51 V - negligible loading on 51 V supply rails; avoids drift in precision sensing or low-power standby circuits |
| Clamping Response Time | <5 ns - reacts before most microcontroller I/O or analog front-end stages can be damaged by fast transients |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) - void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with metal baseplate acting as cathode terminal; dimensions 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.33 mm (L × W × H); weight ~1.85 g; RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top surface pad) | Surge current entry point during forward conduction | Connected to protected line (e.g., +12 V rail); requires minimum 5.85 mm × 2.44 mm copper pad per datasheet layout for thermal management |
| Cathode (metal baseplate) | Surge current return path and primary thermal interface | Must be soldered directly to large copper pour or heatsink; serves as low-inductance ground reference and heat sink |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 36 kW peak pulse rating | Enables single-device protection against severe lightning-induced surges (RTCA DO-160F Level 4, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4) without parallel stacking |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive under-hood applications including load dump (ISO 7637-2) and jump-start transients |
| 1.0 °C/W RθJC | Permits >90% of surge energy to be conducted away from junction via metal base - critical for multi-stroke survivability |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and floor-life constraints; supports standard SMT reflow without baking |
| RoHS-compliant (e3 marking) | Meets global environmental compliance mandates without performance trade-offs; tin-lead alternative available upon request |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Input Protection | Automotive Battery Line Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting avionics 28 V DC power inputs against lightning-induced surges per RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed immediately after input filter, clamping transients before they reach DC/DC converters or FPGA power rails. Use Value: MPLAD36KP51A's 82.4 V clamping ensures downstream 100 V-rated input capacitors and controllers remain within safe operating area during multi-stroke events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control unit (ECU) power supply against ISO 7637-2 load dump spikes up to 60 V for 400 ms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp mounted at ECU main connector, absorbing >95% of surge energy before reaching LDOs or microcontrollers. Use Value: With 51 V VWM, MPLAD36KP51A remains fully blocking during normal 28 V operation while triggering reliably at 56.7 V, providing 10+ V margin above nominal. |
| Industrial DC Bus Surge Suppression | Renewable Energy Inverter DC Link Protection |
Use Scenario: Protecting programmable logic controller (PLC) backplane power rails from switching transients induced by relay coils or motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant not used; unidirectional MPLAD36KP51A placed anode-to-rail to suppress positive-going spikes only. Use Value: 10 μA leakage at 51 V prevents measurable voltage drop across series current-sense resistors, preserving measurement accuracy. |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on solar inverter DC link (600–1000 V bus) against grid-switching transients and nearby lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mounted across DC link capacitor bank to clamp fast-rising common-mode surges before IGBT gate drivers. Use Value: Metal-base thermal path enables sustained operation at 100°C ambient when mounted on aluminum heatsink - verified per derating curve (Fig. 3). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SP36-51 | Same 51 V VWM, 82.4 V VC, but rated 30 kW PPP; uses DO-214AB package with higher RθJA (50 °C/W vs. 1.0 °C/W) | Limited to single-stroke or low-repetition use; unsuitable for RTCA DO-160 multi-stroke testing without thermal derating | Select MPLAD36KP51A when thermal cycling, multi-stroke endurance, or metal-base heatsinking is required. |
| Vishay SMAJ51A | 51 V VWM, 85.5 V VC @ 419 A, but only 400 W PPP; SMA package with no metal thermal interface | Applicable only for low-energy ESD/EFT (IEC 61000-4-2/4) - not rated for lightning or load dump | Choose MPLAD36KP51A for applications demanding >10× higher surge energy handling and certified aircraft-grade reliability. |
Compared with SP36-51 and SMAJ51A, the MPLAD36KP51A provides 20–90× higher peak pulse power, integrated metal thermal path enabling repeatable multi-stroke operation, and formal qualification to RTCA DO-160F and AEC-Q101 - making it the sole option for certified aerospace and high-reliability automotive power protection.
Availability
MPLAD36KP51A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power input protection, automotive battery line protection, and industrial DC bus surge suppression requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP51A 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 MPLAD36KP51A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection where thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and regulatory compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP51A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP51A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 82.4 V at its peak pulse current (IPP) of 437 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per datasheet Figure 3 and ensures downstream components rated for 100 V operation remain within safe voltage limits during surge events. The MPLAD36KP51A achieves this with low dynamic impedance and sub-5 ns response.
Is the MPLAD36KP51A suitable for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP51A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection. Its 51 V reverse standoff voltage provides sufficient margin above nominal 28 V systems, and its 36 kW surge capability exceeds ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b requirements. The MPLAD36KP51A's metal-base thermal design ensures reliable operation across temperature cycles typical in under-hood environments.
Does the MPLAD36KP51A require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - the MPLAD36KP51A requires a dedicated thermal pad layout per datasheet: a 5.85 mm × 2.44 mm copper area for the anode and full-surface soldering of the metal cathode baseplate to a large internal or external heatsink plane. Failure to implement this results in excessive junction temperature rise and premature failure. The MPLAD36KP51A's RθJC = 1.0 °C/W depends entirely on this layout.
How does the MPLAD36KP51A perform under multi-stroke lightning testing per RTCA DO-160F?
The MPLAD36KP51A is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4, supporting ≥10 strokes with <10% parameter shift. Its low RθJC and high thermal mass enable rapid junction cooling between strokes. Unlike smaller SMT TVS devices, the MPLAD36KP51A maintains clamping stability across repeated surges - a key differentiator confirmed in Microsemi's application note AN-132.
What is the polarity configuration and marking convention for the MPLAD36KP51A?
The MPLAD36KP51A is unidirectional, with the cathode located on the metal baseplate (bottom surface) and the anode on the top-side metallized pad. Polarity is marked on the body per Microsemi standard: a band or "K" symbol denotes cathode side. The "A" suffix in MPLAD36KP51A explicitly indicates unidirectional construction, distinguishing it from bidirectional "CA" variants like MPLAD36KP51CA.
MPLAD36KP51A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 51V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 56.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 82.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 437A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 36000W (36kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Military
- Qualification:
- MIL-PRF-19500
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- PLAD
MPLAD36KP51A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP51A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP51A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MPLAD36KP51A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP51A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP51A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP51A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD36KP51A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP51A?
MPLAD36KP51A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP51A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MPLAD36KP51A?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP51A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP51A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP51A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP51A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MPLAD36KP51A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP51A?
All MPLAD36KP51A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP51A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MPLAD36KP51A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP51A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP51A Tags

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