Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP58A

Overview

MPLAD36KP58A 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 ≤93.6 V at 385 A, and operates with a 54 V reverse standoff voltage (V_WM) and 64.4–71.2 V breakdown range (V_BR). It meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 secondary lightning protection (42 Ω source).

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP58A datasheet, MPLAD36KP58A pinout, MPLAD36KP58A application, or MPLAD36KP58A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection where low clamping voltage, minimal thermal resistance (R_θJC = 1.0 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant SMT packaging are critical - especially in avionics power distribution, battery management inputs, and 48 V vehicle load-dump circuits.

Technical Context

The MPLAD36KP58A employs a planar junction silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<5 ns clamping time) and high cumulative energy handling. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, supporting sustained surge duty cycles ≤0.05% per IEC 61000-4-5 testing conditions.

It is rated for junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C and features traceable wafer lot fabrication per MIL-PRF-19500 screening options. Standby leakage (I_D) is controlled to ≤10 μA at 54 V, and forward clamping remains ≤4.0 V at 500 A, enabling robust bidirectional system-level ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) surface-mount package with metal base cathode terminal. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1.85 g. Cathode is the exposed metal base (bottom side); anode is top-side metallization.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ58A and SM8S58A, the MPLAD36KP58A uniquely combines 36 kW surge capacity, <5 ns response, metal-base thermal performance (R_θJC = 1.0 °C/W), and full RTCA DO-160F/IEC 61000-4-5 certification - making it the only qualified option for safety-critical aerospace and high-end industrial DC bus protection.

Availability

MPLAD36KP58A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive 48 V load-dump protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP58A 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, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD36KP58A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge protection where thermal management, multi-stroke endurance, and aviation-standard compliance are mandatory design requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP58A under surge conditions?

The MPLAD36KP58A has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 93.6 V at 385 A peak pulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and production lots, ensuring downstream 100 V-rated components remain within safe operating limits during lightning or load-dump events. The MPLAD36KP58A achieves this while maintaining sub-5 ns response latency.

Is the MPLAD36KP58A suitable for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning testing?

Yes, the MPLAD36KP58A is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. It meets Level 4 and Level 5 pin-injection requirements for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) up to 300 V standoff and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) up to 38 V standoff. Its 36 kW rating and metal-base thermal design enable repeatable performance across stroke sequences without parameter drift - a key requirement for certified avionics hardware.

Does the MPLAD36KP58A require moisture sensitivity handling prior to reflow soldering?

No, the MPLAD36KP58A is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (MSL-1) per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it can be stored indefinitely at ambient conditions and placed directly into reflow without dry-packing or baking. This eliminates moisture-related defects such as popcorn cracking and reduces manufacturing process complexity - a verified advantage over MSL-3 or MSL-4 TVS devices.

How does the thermal performance of the MPLAD36KP58A compare to standard SMC/SMA packages?

The MPLAD36KP58A achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (R_θJC) of 1.0 °C/W - over 40× better than typical SMC (≈40 °C/W) or SMA (≈50 °C/W) TVS diodes. This is enabled by its metal-base PLAD package, which provides direct thermal conduction to PCB copper or external heatsinks. As a result, the MPLAD36KP58A sustains higher surge repetition rates and avoids thermal runaway in high-power density layouts where the MPLAD36KP58A is mounted.

Can the MPLAD36KP58A be used in bidirectional configurations?

No - the MPLAD36KP58A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bidirectional versions like MPLAD36KP58CA). Its cathode is the metal base, and it conducts only during reverse-biased transients. For AC or bipolar signal line protection, the bidirectional MPLAD36KP58CA must be selected instead; substituting the MPLAD36KP58A in such applications will result in forward conduction failure and loss of protection.