Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP90CA

Overview

MPLAD36KP90CA 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, clamps transients to ≤146 V at 247 A, and operates with a 90 V reverse standoff voltage (V_WM) and 100–111 V breakdown voltage (V_BR). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP90CA datasheet, MPLAD36KP90CA pinout, MPLAD36KP90CA application, or MPLAD36KP90CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 146 V maximum clamping voltage at rated IPP, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance (42 Ω source), RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 capability, and thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case - all critical for aircraft avionics and 24/48 V DC bus protection.

Technical Context

The MPLAD36KP90CA functions as a voltage-clamped crowbar device triggered by avalanche breakdown, with symmetrical bidirectional conduction enabling protection against both positive and negative transients on AC or floating DC lines. Its low R_θJC (1.0 °C/W) and void-free thermosetting epoxy package support sustained multi-pulse operation under RTCA DO-160F test conditions.

It is characterized at 25 °C with I_PP = 247 A (10/1000 μs), V_C ≤ 146 V, and V_WM = 90 V, and exhibits a temperature coefficient αV_BR of +109 mV/°C - enabling predictable derating across –55 °C to +150 °C operating range per MIL-PRF-19500 screening options.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PLAD - surface-mount, metal-base thermoset epoxy case (UL94V-0), dimensions 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ~1.7–2.0 g. Cathode terminal is the metal base (bottom side) for unidirectional variants; bidirectional variant MPLAD36KP90CA has no polarity marking and symmetrical terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ90CA and SMCJ90CA, the MPLAD36KP90CA delivers 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, enables certified multi-stroke lightning resilience, and supports thermal management via metal-base mounting - making it irreplaceable for aviation and mission-critical 24/48 V DC systems.

Availability

MPLAD36KP90CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive ECU power rails, and industrial PLC backplanes requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles and rigorous environmental qualification.

Supply support for MPLAD36KP90CA 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-tolerant ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD series was developed to meet stringent DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-x requirements for surface-mount surge protection in safety-critical power and signal interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MPLAD36KP90CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD36KP90CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 146 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 247 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe voltage margins during surge events. The MPLAD36KP90CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range when properly heatsinked.

Is the MPLAD36KP90CA suitable for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning testing?

Yes, the MPLAD36KP90CA is explicitly rated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning protection, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 compliance up to 90 V V_WM. Its 36 kW pulse power rating, low clamping voltage, and bidirectional symmetry make it suitable for aircraft power bus and avionics interface protection. The MPLAD36KP90CA's qualification is documented in Rev B of RF01216 and supported by Microsemi's application notes.

Does the MPLAD36KP90CA require a heatsink for standard operation?

The MPLAD36KP90CA features a metal-base PLAD package with R_θJC = 1.0 °C/W, enabling direct attachment to a heatsink for thermal management during repetitive surge events. While single-pulse operation may not require external cooling, sustained duty cycles (>0.05%) or multi-stroke lightning testing mandate heatsinking per the recommended pad layout in RF01216. The MPLAD36KP90CA's thermal design is optimized for this mounting method.

How does the bidirectional construction of the MPLAD36KP90CA affect PCB layout?

The MPLAD36KP90CA's bidirectional construction eliminates polarity sensitivity, allowing placement without orientation constraints on AC-coupled or floating DC lines. Unlike unidirectional variants, it has no cathode marking on the body, and both terminals are functionally identical. This simplifies PCB routing and reduces assembly errors - a key advantage for high-density avionics and railway signaling boards where the MPLAD36KP90CA is commonly deployed.

What is the standby current (I_D) specification for the MPLAD36KP90CA at its 90 V standoff voltage?

The MPLAD36KP90CA exhibits a maximum standby current (I_D) of 10 μA at its rated reverse standoff voltage of 90 V and 25 °C, as specified in the electrical characteristics table of RF01216 Rev B. This ultra-low leakage ensures minimal power loss in always-on systems such as aircraft emergency lighting controllers or railway signaling interfaces where the MPLAD36KP90CA is installed.