Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP51CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP51CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP51CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 51VWM 82.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP51CA 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 51 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤82.4 V at 437 A peak pulse current (IPP), and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP51CA datasheet, MPLAD36KP51CA pinout, MPLAD36KP51CA application, or MPLAD36KP51CA equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, 2 Ω source), RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A pin injection compliance, and multi-stroke lightning resilience in avionics and vehicle ECUs.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche technology with low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W) and a void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package optimized for PCB heat dissipation on FR4 with recommended pad layout. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal/power lines without polarity constraints.
It meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options (M, MA, MX, MXL). Standby current ID is ≤10 μA at VWM, and breakdown voltage V(BR) is specified at 56.7–62.7 V with ±5 mV/°C temperature coefficient - critical for stable clamping under thermal cycling in engine bay or avionics bays.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains multi-stroke lightning surges without degradation in aircraft DO-160 Section 22 testing. |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 51 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping; matches 48 V nominal DC bus systems in telecom and commercial vehicles. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤82.4 V @ IPP = 437 A - limits downstream IC voltage stress during transients, enabling robust interface protection for CAN, LIN, or sensor inputs. |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 56.7–62.7 V @ 5 mA - defines precise avalanche onset; tight 5.9 V window ensures predictable turn-on across production lots. |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or copper pour, supporting >1000 surge cycles with <0.05% duty factor. |
| Operating Temperature Range | –55°C to +150°C - qualified for under-hood automotive and avionics environments where thermal extremes impact reliability. |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | Level 1 per J-STD-020B - no dry pack or baking required prior to reflow, simplifying SMT assembly logistics. |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down Device) - surface-mount, metal-base thermally enhanced package with cathode on bottom metal surface. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ~1.7–2.0 g. RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top Surface) | Positive terminal for unidirectional mode; symmetric terminal for bidirectional operation | Connected to PCB trace; no polarity marking required for MPLAD36KP51CA due to bidirectional symmetry. |
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Common reference terminal / thermal path | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for RθJC = 1.0 °C/W performance; electrically tied to system ground or return plane. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping architecture | Enables protection of AC-coupled data lines (e.g., RS-485, Ethernet PHY) or floating power rails without polarity-sensitive layout. |
| DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A compliance | Validated for Level 4 (Waveform 4) and Level 5 (Waveform 5A) pin injection in aircraft systems - eliminates need for external filtering stages. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms reliability for automotive ECU applications including engine control, ADAS sensors, and battery management interfaces. |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 support (42 Ω source) | Meets highest secondary lightning immunity for long-distance wiring harnesses in industrial control cabinets and rail electronics. |
| Low-profile thermally optimized package | Reduces board space vs. through-hole alternatives while maintaining 36 kW surge capability - ideal for dense power module layouts. |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data receivers and sensor excitation circuits from induced transients during lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient shunt element placed at connector entry point to clamp energy before reaching ASIC-level interface protection. Use Value: Enables compliance with RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning test without derating or parallel devices. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 48 V DC-DC converters and body control modules against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power crowbar device absorbing >36 kW surge energy within 1000 μs, preventing overvoltage damage to MOSFET drivers and microcontrollers. Use Value: Eliminates need for series resistors or Zener stacks, reducing BOM count and improving response time vs. discrete TVS arrays. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O Protection | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding encoder feedback lines and analog current loops in servo drives from switching noise and ground bounce. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on differential pairs to suppress common-mode transients while preserving signal integrity. Use Value: Maintains <100 ps response time and <5 ns clamping delay, ensuring real-time position feedback remains unaffected during EFT bursts. |
Use Scenario: Securing track circuit detection inputs in European ERTMS/ETCS Level 2 signaling cabinets against traction current surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge protector installed after primary gas discharge tube (GDT), handling residual energy per IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (2 Ω source). Use Value: Achieves coordinated protection staging with <130 V clamping ceiling, keeping downstream optocouplers and isolators within safe operating area. |
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 SMAJ51CA | Lower PPP (400 W), smaller SMA package, higher RθJA (65 °C/W), VWM = 51 V, VC = 87.1 V @ 4.6 A | Targeted at low-energy ESD/EFT only; unsuitable for DO-160 lightning or load dump | Select when cost and board space constrain requirements to sub-1 kW surges and ambient temperatures remain <85°C. |
| Vishay V270LA20AP | Varistor-based, 270 VAC RMS rating, 10 kA 8/20 μs rating, no specified 10/1000 μs PPP, VWM not defined | Designed for AC mains input stages, not DC bus or signal line protection; slower response (>50 ns) | Choose only for AC front-end surge suppression where bidirectional clamping and fast response are non-critical. |
Compared with SMAJ51CA and V270LA20AP, the MPLAD36KP51CA uniquely delivers 36 kW pulse handling in a surface-mount form with DO-160F and AEC-Q101 validation - making it the sole option for certified high-reliability DC power rail protection in aviation and automotive safety-critical systems.
Availability
MPLAD36KP51CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU design, and industrial motor drive applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical deployments.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP51CA 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 components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD36KP51CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning resilience and automotive load dump immunity in mission-critical power and signal interfaces.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP51CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP51CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 82.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 437 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured at the device terminals with proper PCB thermal management and confirms the device's ability to limit transient overvoltage to a safe level for downstream 60 V-rated components. The MPLAD36KP51CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the MPLAD36KP51CA suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP51CA is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, TCT, and surge. It is explicitly listed in Microsemi's documentation as AEC-Q101 compliant, making it appropriate for automotive electronic control units, battery management systems, and ADAS sensor interfaces where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory. The MPLAD36KP51CA also supports optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening for extended screening levels.
How does the bidirectional construction of the MPLAD36KP51CA affect its PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?
The MPLAD36KP51CA's bidirectional construction eliminates polarity sensitivity, allowing placement without orientation constraints on AC-coupled or floating nodes - unlike unidirectional variants where the cathode must align with system ground. Its metal-base cathode serves as both thermal path and common reference, requiring direct soldering to a thermal pad. The MPLAD36KP51CA's symmetric behavior simplifies layout for differential buses like RS-485 or CAN FD, avoiding mismatched clamping thresholds that could cause common-mode failure.
Does the MPLAD36KP51CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning-induced transient requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP51CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at Level 4 for 51 V systems. It is rated for multi-stroke endurance and supports derating guidance per MicroNote 132. The MPLAD36KP51CA's 36 kW rating and low clamping voltage ensure compliance without supplemental protection, directly addressing aircraft wiring harness coupling threats.
What thermal design considerations apply when using the MPLAD36KP51CA in high-repetition surge environments?
For repetitive surges (duty factor >0.05%), thermal management is critical: the MPLAD36KP51CA requires mounting on a minimum 25 cm² copper pour or heatsink to maintain RθJC = 1.0 °C/W. Steady-state power dissipation is limited to 2.5 W at 25°C ambient, derating linearly above 25°C. MicroNote 134 provides PPP derating curves; exceeding thermal limits risks parametric shift in V(BR) and increased ID. The MPLAD36KP51CA's thermal performance must be verified in-system using the provided pad layout and JEDEC-standard test board conditions.
MPLAD36KP51CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
MPLAD36KP51CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP51CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP51CA 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 MPLAD36KP51CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP51CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP51CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP51CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD36KP51CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP51CA?
MPLAD36KP51CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP51CA 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 MPLAD36KP51CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP51CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP51CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP51CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP51CA 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 MPLAD36KP51CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP51CA?
All MPLAD36KP51CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP51CA, 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 MPLAD36KP51CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP51CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP51CA Tags

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onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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