Microchip Technology MXPLAD36KP16CA

Overview

MXPLAD36KP16CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 16 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤27.2 V at 1324 A peak pulse current (IPP), and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MXPLAD36KP16CA datasheet, MXPLAD36KP16CA pinout, MXPLAD36KP16CA application, or MXPLAD36KP16CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance with 42 Ω source impedance, and RoHS-compliant e3 plating - all critical for avionics ESD/EFT hardening and load dump protection.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with sensitive circuitry, activating when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (17.8–19.7 V). Its low R_θJC of 1.0 °C/W enables efficient heat transfer to an external heatsink, supporting repeated surge events under ≤0.05% duty factor per Figure 2.

It complies with secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 across multiple source impedances (2 Ω, 12 Ω, 42 Ω) and satisfies RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4) and Waveform 5A (Level 4) pin injection requirements up to 78 V standoff - confirmed for the CA-suffixed bidirectional variant.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MXPLAD36KP16CA uses a void-free thermosetting epoxy PLAD package (UL94V-0 rated) with metal base cathode contact on the bottom surface. The bidirectional construction eliminates polarity dependency; both terminals are electrically symmetric.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ16CA and SMCJ16CA, MXPLAD36KP16CA delivers 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, includes full lot traceability and DO-160F validation, and maintains clamping integrity under multi-stroke conditions - making it irreplaceable in safety-critical aerospace deployments.

Availability

MXPLAD36KP16CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive I/O requiring stable component supply with full traceability and DO-160F compliance.

Supply support for MXPLAD36KP16CA 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 semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with expertise in radiation-hardened ICs, timing solutions, and surge protection.

The MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in certified avionics and mission-critical power systems, emphasizing thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and regulatory compliance.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MXPLAD36KP16CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MXPLAD36KP16CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 27.2 V when subjected to its peak pulse current of 1324 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and production lots, ensuring predictable overvoltage protection for downstream circuitry in the MXPLAD36KP16CA application space.

Does MXPLAD36KP16CA meet RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning requirements?

Yes, MXPLAD36KP16CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Its 36,000 W peak pulse power rating, low thermal resistance (1.0 °C/W), and bidirectional symmetry enable reliable performance across repeated strokes - a requirement directly addressed in the RF01216 datasheet for the MXPLAD36KP16CA family.

Is MXPLAD36KP16CA RoHS compliant and what plating does it use?

Yes, MXPLAD36KP16CA is RoHS compliant with e3 matte-tin plating, which meets MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 solderability requirements. The "e3" suffix in the part number confirms lead-free annealed matte-tin termination, eliminating the need for special handling or dry packing per J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity.

How is thermal management handled for MXPLAD36KP16CA in high-duty-cycle applications?

MXPLAD36KP16CA relies on its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance and metal-base package to transfer heat directly to an external heatsink or copper pour. For repetitive surges, derating per Figure 3 in RF01216 is required - at 100°C case temperature, steady-state power drops to 71 W, and the MXPLAD36KP16CA must be mounted per the specified pad layout to maintain thermal performance.

What is the significance of the "CA" suffix in MXPLAD36KP16CA?

The "CA" suffix in MXPLAD36KP16CA denotes bidirectional construction, meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative polarity transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MXPLAD36KP16A), the MXPLAD36KP16CA has no anode/cathode orientation requirement - simplifying PCB layout and enabling use on AC-coupled or floating signal lines.