Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP78AE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP78AE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP78AE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,892
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP78AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive 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 impulse current (IPP), and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature - deployed in lightning protection circuits for avionics per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP78AE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP78AE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP78AE3 application, or MPLAD36KP78AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 78 V VWM rating, 126 V max clamping voltage at rated IPP, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W), RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and qualification to AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche technology to provide fast-response overvoltage clamping with sub-100 ps response time. Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, supporting high-reliability multi-stroke surge handling per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4) and IEC 61000-4-5 (Class 1–5, depending on source impedance).
It is rated for 36,000 W peak pulse power under 10/1000 μs waveform, with derated steady-state dissipation of 2.5 W at 25°C ambient and 71 W at 100°C case temperature. Standby leakage current ID is ≤10 μA at 78 V VWM, and breakdown voltage V(BR) is specified at 86.7–95.8 V @ 5 mA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 78 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping begins; selected to exceed system DC bus or signal rail peak voltage. |
| V(BR) @ 5 mA | 86.7–95.8 V - guaranteed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on margin above VWM. |
| VC @ IPP | ≤126 V at 286 A - maximum clamped voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; defines worst-case voltage seen by protected circuitry. |
| PPP | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - peak power handling capacity; supports multi-stroke lightning transients without degradation. |
| RθJC | 1.0 °C/W - low junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables efficient heat transfer to external heatsink or copper pour. |
| ID @ VWM | ≤10 μA - ultra-low leakage at rated standoff; minimizes standby power loss and avoids false triggering. |
| Operating Temp | –55°C to +150°C - qualified for extended industrial and aerospace environments without derating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anvil Design), surface-mount, void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating. Cathode is the metal base (bottom side); anode is top-side metallization. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top metallization) | Surge current entry point for unidirectional operation | Connected to line/rail being protected; conducts during positive transients relative to cathode. |
| Cathode (metal base) | Surge current return path and thermal interface | Mounted directly to PCB copper pour or heatsink; serves dual role as electrical terminal and primary heat sink. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace-grade surge rating | Qualified to RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 Level 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A Level 4 (40/120 μs) at 78 V VWM. |
| Multi-stroke lightning resilience | Validated for repeated 36 kW surges at ≤0.05% duty factor; meets DO-160 multi-stroke requirements without parameter shift. |
| Thermal performance optimization | 1.0 °C/W RθJC enables >71 W steady-state dissipation at TC = 100°C - critical for conduction-cooled avionics modules. |
| High-reliability traceability | Fully traceable wafer and assembly lots; optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening available (MX/MXL levels). |
| Automotive qualification | AEC-Q101 qualified - validated for under-hood and powertrain ECU surge protection in 12 V/24 V systems. |
Applications
| Avionics Lightning Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data buses and sensor inputs in commercial aircraft against induced lightning transients per DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device placed at connector entry points to limit transient voltage to <126 V during 6.4/69 μs waveforms. Use Value: Enables compliance with Level 4 pin-injection testing without additional series impedance or filtering stages. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control units (ECUs) and infotainment head units during 12 V battery load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS connected between power rail and chassis ground to clamp 120 V/400 ms transients. Use Value: Withstands ≥286 A peak current while limiting rail voltage to ≤126 V - preserving downstream 5 V/3.3 V regulators and microcontrollers. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O Protection | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding analog input channels (e.g., 4–20 mA loops) in variable-frequency drives from switching-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TVS placed at terminal block entry to absorb coupled energy from IGBT commutation noise. Use Value: Sub-100 ps response time prevents overshoot propagation into precision ADC front-ends; 10 μA leakage avoids loop current error. | Use Scenario: Protecting Ethernet PHY interfaces and RS-485 communication lines in train control subsystems exposed to track-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant used (MPLAD36KP78CA), but MPLAD36KP78AE3 serves as unidirectional alternative for DC-biased lines. Use Value: 36 kW rating exceeds EN 50121-4 Class 3 immunity requirements; RoHS-compliant e3 plating ensures compatibility with lead-free assembly. |
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 | 600 W PPP rating (vs. 36,000 W); DO-214AA package; 1.5× higher RθJA (≈40 °C/W). | Limited to single-stroke, low-energy transients; unsuitable for DO-160 multi-stroke or automotive load dump. | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer electronics with <1 kA surge exposure. |
| SMCJ78A | 1500 W PPP rating; DO-214AB package; RθJC ≈ 2.5 °C/W; no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification data published. | Acceptable for basic industrial I/O protection but lacks flight-certifiable reliability documentation and multi-stroke validation. | Choose when full aerospace qualification is unnecessary and board space allows larger footprint than PLAD. |
Compared with SMBJ78A and SMCJ78A, the MPLAD36KP78AE3 provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, certified thermal performance for conduction cooling, and documented compliance with RTCA DO-160F and AEC-Q101 - making it the sole option for mission-critical, multi-stroke surge environments.
Availability
MPLAD36KP78AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics lightning protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial motor drive I/O protection requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP78AE3 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 semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and surge protection components.
The MPLAD36KP78AE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load dump protection in safety-critical platforms where thermal robustness and qualification traceability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage specification for MPLAD36KP78AE3 under standard test conditions?
The MPLAD36KP78AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V at 286 A peak pulse current (IPP), tested with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value represents the worst-case voltage imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event and is guaranteed across the operating temperature range.
Is MPLAD36KP78AE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD36KP78AE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications. It meets stress test requirements including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and surge endurance - specifically validated for 12 V/24 V load dump protection in ECUs and ADAS modules.
Does MPLAD36KP78AE3 support bidirectional transient suppression?
No, MPLAD36KP78AE3 is unidirectional. Its cathode is the metal base and anode is the top metallization; it conducts only during positive transients relative to the cathode. For bidirectional protection at 78 V, the correct variant is MPLAD36KP78CA - the 'CA' suffix denotes bidirectional construction.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) for MPLAD36KP78AE3, and why does it matter?
The MPLAD36KP78AE3 has an RθJC of 1.0 °C/W. This low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon die to the PCB copper pour or external heatsink, allowing sustained power dissipation up to 71 W at 100°C case temperature - essential for conduction-cooled avionics and high-duty-cycle industrial systems.
How is polarity identified on the MPLAD36KP78AE3 package?
Polarity is marked physically: the cathode is the entire metal base (bottom side) of the PLAD package, while the anode is the top-side metallized area. No silkscreen marking is present on the body; orientation must be confirmed via mechanical mounting - the metal base must contact the designated cathode copper pour or heatsink surface.
MPLAD36KP78AE3 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
MPLAD36KP78AE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP78AE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP78AE3 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 MPLAD36KP78AE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP78AE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP78AE3 is usually 5 days.
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Once your MPLAD36KP78AE3 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 MPLAD36KP78AE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP78AE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP78AE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP78AE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP78AE3 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 MPLAD36KP78AE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP78AE3?
All MPLAD36KP78AE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP78AE3, 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 MPLAD36KP78AE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP78AE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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