Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP78A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP78A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP78A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,700
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP78A 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, features a 78 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤126 V at 286 A peak pulse current (IPP), and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP78A datasheet, MPLAD36KP78A pinout, MPLAD36KP78A application, or MPLAD36KP78A equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A pin injection compliance, and high-reliability ESD/EFT suppression in safety-critical avionics and vehicle ECUs.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche technology with low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W) to sustain multi-stroke transients without degradation. Its metal-base cathode construction enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pads or heatsinks, supporting stable operation under repetitive 0.05% duty-cycle surges.
It meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options. The device is rated for IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (lightning) immunity, with verified performance across Class 1–5 severity levels depending on source impedance and waveform.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft lightning-induced surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 78 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before clamping initiates |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 86.7–95.8 V @ 5 mA - ensures reliable turn-on margin above operating rail |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤126 V @ 286 A IPP - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 286 A @ 10/1000 μs - quantifies maximum surge current handled at rated PPP |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - enables direct thermal coupling to heatsink or large copper pour for thermal stability |
| Operating Temperature Range | –55°C to +150°C - qualified for engine bay, avionics bay, and outdoor industrial environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) - void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with metal base cathode terminal; dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight: ~1.7–2.0 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top surface pad) | Input/line-side connection | Soldered to PCB trace carrying protected signal/power; electrically isolated from case |
| Cathode (metal base) | Ground/reference return path | Direct thermal and electrical interface to PCB ground plane or heatsink; polarity marker on unidirectional variants |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMT package with metal-base cathode | Enables high-power dissipation without discrete heatsink; reduces board space vs. axial leaded TVS |
| AEC-Q101 qualified and surge-tested | Validated for automotive ECU use with 100% lot-level impulse testing per 1000 A (equipment-limited) |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A compliance | Meets Level 4 (Waveform 4) and Level 4/5 (Waveform 5A) pin-injection immunity for aircraft electronics |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 support | Configurable secondary lightning protection across 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances |
| Moisture sensitivity Level 1 | No dry pack or baking required before reflow; compatible with standard J-STD-020B assembly flow |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Input | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC power inputs in flight control computers subjected to DO-160 Section 22 lightning transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary secondary surge clamp on main power rail, placed upstream of DC/DC converters and LDOs. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤126 V during 36 kW surges, preventing damage to 36 V-rated input stages and ensuring system reset integrity. |
Use Scenario: Load dump and alternator surge suppression on 12 V battery-fed ECU power supplies meeting ISO 7637-2 and AEC-Q101. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed at ECU power entry point to absorb 12 V system transients up to 120 V peak. Use Value: Withstands ≥286 A peak current while clamping below 126 V, protecting microcontrollers and CAN transceivers from overvoltage shutdown. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on 72–96 V DC bus lines in variable-frequency drives exposed to switching transients and induced RFI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS parallel to bus capacitor bank, triggered only during >78 V overvoltage events. Use Value: 36 kW rating handles repetitive commutation spikes without thermal runaway; 1.0 °C/W RθJC maintains <150°C junction under sustained duty. |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on 78 V signaling lines in European railway interlocking systems compliant with EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant (MPLAD36KP78CA) used for AC-coupled data lines; unidirectional MPLAD36KP78A used for DC bias rails. Use Value: Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (2 Ω source) with clamping ≤126 V, ensuring signal integrity during track-side lightning coupling events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ78A (Littelfuse) | Lower PPP (600 W), smaller SMB package, 78 V VWM, 126 V VC @ 4.8 A IPP | Only suitable for low-energy transients (e.g., ESD/EFT); not rated for DO-160 or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 | Select when cost and board space constrain design and surge energy remains below 1 kA/10/1000 μs |
| SMCJ78A (ON Semiconductor) | Higher PPP (1500 W), SMC package, same 78 V VWM, 126 V VC @ 11.9 A IPP | Supports moderate automotive load dump but lacks DO-160F Waveform 4/5A validation and AEC-Q101 full qualification | Choose for non-safety-critical industrial controls where 1.5 kW peak handling suffices and aerospace certification is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ78A and SMCJ78A, the MPLAD36KP78A provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling certified lightning protection in avionics and heavy-duty automotive systems where multi-kA surge immunity and thermal robustness are mandatory.
Availability
MPLAD36KP78A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP78A 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 analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened, high-voltage, and surge-tolerant components.
The MPLAD36KP78A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in mission-critical systems where thermal stability and multi-stroke endurance are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP78A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD36KP78A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 286 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The MPLAD36KP78A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is MPLAD36KP78A RoHS compliant?
Yes, MPLAD36KP78A is RoHS compliant, indicated by the "e3" suffix in its full nomenclature (MPLAD36KP78A e3). It uses annealed matte-tin plating on terminals and void-free UL94V-0 epoxy packaging, satisfying EU Directive 2011/65/EU. Non-RoHS versions are marked without the "e3" designation, but the standard offering shipped by Aetrix Electronics is RoHS-compliant.
Does MPLAD36KP78A require a heatsink for operation?
The MPLAD36KP78A does not require an external heatsink when mounted on a properly designed FR4 PCB with the recommended pad layout (per datasheet page 6), which includes a large copper area under the metal base cathode. Its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance allows sufficient heat dissipation for single or low-duty-cycle surges. For repetitive high-duty applications, additional copper pour or thermal vias are recommended-but no bolt-on heatsink is needed.
How does MPLAD36KP78A differ from bidirectional MPLAD36KP78CA?
The MPLAD36KP78A is unidirectional, with cathode on the metal base and anode on the top surface, intended for DC rail protection where polarity is fixed. The MPLAD36KP78CA is bidirectional-symmetrical clamping for AC or floating signals-and shares identical PPP (36 kW), VWM (78 V), and VC (126 V) ratings. Both meet DO-160F Waveform 4/5A and IEC 61000-4-5, but only the CA version supports AC-coupled interfaces.
Can MPLAD36KP78A be used for primary lightning protection?
No, MPLAD36KP78A is specified and validated for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 and RTCA DO-160 Section 22. It is not rated for direct strike or primary protection duty. Primary protection requires upstream gas discharge tubes (GDTs) or spark gaps to divert >10 kA currents; the MPLAD36KP78A functions downstream as a fast-clamping stage to limit residual voltage seen by sensitive electronics.
MPLAD36KP78A 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):
- 78V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 86.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 126V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 286A
- 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
MPLAD36KP78A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP78A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP78A 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 MPLAD36KP78A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP78A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP78A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP78A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD36KP78A transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP78A?
MPLAD36KP78A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP78A 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 MPLAD36KP78A?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP78A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP78A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP78A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP78A 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 MPLAD36KP78A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP78A?
All MPLAD36KP78A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP78A, 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 MPLAD36KP78A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP78A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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