Microchip Technology MXPLAD36KP400AE3
- Part No.:
- MXPLAD36KP400AE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MXPLAD36KP400AE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 400VWM 644VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,363
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Product details
Overview
MXPLAD36KP400AE3 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 400 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤644 V at 56 A peak pulse current, and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature. It is RoHS-compliant (e3 suffix), qualified to AEC-Q101, and optimized for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning compliance.
For engineers reviewing the MXPLAD36KP400AE3 datasheet, MXPLAD36KP400AE3 pinout, MXPLAD36KP400AE3 application, or MXPLAD36KP400AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 400 V VWM rating, 644 V maximum clamping voltage at IPP, low 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, bidirectional variant availability (CA suffix), and qualification for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 2–42 Ω source impedance.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp fast-rising transients, with breakdown voltage (V(BR)) specified at 444–492 V and temperature coefficient αV(BR) of 490 mV/°C. Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, supporting high-reliability operation under repetitive surge stress.
The device meets IEC 61000-4-2 ESD (±30 kV contact), IEC 61000-4-4 EFT (4 kV), and IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity (Class 1–5, depending on source impedance). Pin injection protection per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4 up to 400 V) and Waveform 5A (Level 4 up to 78 V) is validated, with derating required above 25°C per MicroNote 132.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft-grade lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 400 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before clamping initiates |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 644 V @ 56 A IPP - limits downstream circuit voltage during worst-case surge |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink |
| Operating Temperature Range | –55°C to +150°C - supports deployment in engine bays, avionics bays, and industrial enclosures |
| Surge Rating Standard | RTCA DO-160 Section 22 Level 4/5 - certified for multi-stroke lightning in airborne equipment |
| RoHS Compliance | e3 suffix - lead-free matte-tin plating, compliant with EU Directive 2011/65/EU |
Pinout & Package
MXPLAD36KP400AE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode terminal. The device has two terminals: anode (top metallization) and cathode (exposed metal base), enabling low-inductance mounting and direct thermal path to PCB ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Positive input terminal | Connected to protected line; conducts during reverse-biased surge events |
| Cathode (metal base) | Reference/return terminal | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for thermal and electrical integrity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMT PLAD package | 0.490" × 0.230" footprint with 0.025" max height - fits space-constrained avionics and automotive ECUs |
| Wafer-level lot traceability | Full fabrication and assembly batch tracking - required for MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening and DO-160 certification |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | No dry pack or baking required before reflow - simplifies manufacturing and reduces cost |
| Steady-state power dissipation | 2.5 W at TA = 25°C - supports continuous bias in always-on protection circuits |
| Forward clamping voltage | 4.0 V @ 500 A - protects against forward conduction faults in bidirectional systems using companion devices |
Applications
| Aerospace Lightning Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of flight control sensors, navigation receivers, and communication interfaces against multi-stroke lightning induced on airframe wiring per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient voltage suppressor placed at connector entry points to limit surge energy entering avionics bays. Use Value: Enables compliance with Level 4/5 pin-injection testing up to 400 V VWM while maintaining <100 ps response time. |
Use Scenario: Clamping 120 V load dump transients generated by alternator disconnection in 24 V commercial vehicle power networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power TVS mounted directly at battery feed-through to absorb >36 kW surge energy without degradation. Use Value: Survives repeated 8.3 ms half-sine surges per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b, with 1.0 °C/W RθJC enabling stable thermal performance. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Inputs | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Guarding variable-frequency drive (VFD) control inputs against switching-induced RFI and inductive kickback from contactors and solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed between isolated digital inputs and field wiring to shunt common-mode transients. Use Value: 400 V VWM matches 250 VAC-rated industrial control bus levels; 644 V VC ensures PLC I/O stays within safe operating area. |
Use Scenario: Protecting track-side signaling electronics from lightning-induced surges coupled onto 60 V DC signaling lines in EN 50121-4 environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge protector installed after primary gas discharge tube (GDT), providing low-clamp refinement. Use Value: Validated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω source) up to 400 V, enabling robust cascade protection architecture. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SP3052-040H-D | 400 V VWM, 640 V VC @ 56 A, but rated only 3,000 W PPP - 12× lower peak power handling | Suitable for telecom or consumer-grade surge protection; insufficient for DO-160 Level 4/5 or load dump | Select only for cost-sensitive, non-aerospace applications where surge repetition rate is low and energy is <3 kW |
| Vishay SMAJ400A | 400 V VWM, 644 V VC @ 56 A, but 400 W PPP rating - 90× lower than MXPLAD36KP400AE3 | Designed for board-level ESD/EFT; lacks thermal design, surge test validation, or DO-160 qualification | Use only for low-energy signal-line protection; not viable for power rail or system-level surge defense |
Compared with SP3052-040H-D and SMAJ400A, MXPLAD36KP400AE3 provides 12× and 90× higher peak pulse power respectively, full DO-160/IEC 61000-4-5 certification, and metal-base thermal management - making it the sole option for certified aerospace and heavy-duty automotive surge defense.
Availability
MXPLAD36KP400AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace lightning protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial motor drive input protection requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MXPLAD36KP400AE3 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) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The PLAD series was developed specifically for high-energy, surface-mount surge protection in safety-critical platforms - emphasizing thermal robustness, DO-160 compliance, and lot-traceable manufacturing for aviation and rail applications.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MXPLAD36KP400AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MXPLAD36KP400AE3 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 644 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 56 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 MXPLAD36KP400AE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range with appropriate thermal management.
Is MXPLAD36KP400AE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, MXPLAD36KP400AE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b. Its 36 kW PPP rating, 400 V VWM, and metal-base thermal design enable reliable operation in 24 V commercial vehicle systems. The MXPLAD36KP400AE3 also meets ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) requirements, making it suitable for engine control units and body electronics.
Does MXPLAD36KP400AE3 require moisture sensitivity handling prior to reflow?
No, MXPLAD36KP400AE3 is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (MSL-1) per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it may be stored indefinitely at ambient conditions without dry packing or baking. This eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk during reflow and simplifies manufacturing logistics - a key advantage over MSL-3 or MSL-5 TVS devices that require strict floor-life controls.
How does the metal base cathode of MXPLAD36KP400AE3 impact thermal design?
The exposed metal base of MXPLAD36KP400AE3 serves as the cathode terminal and provides a direct thermal conduction path from the silicon die to the PCB copper pour or external heatsink. With a documented junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W, this construction allows efficient dissipation of surge energy - critical for sustaining repetitive 36 kW pulses. Proper pad layout per the datasheet's recommended footprint is essential to realize this thermal performance.
Can MXPLAD36KP400AE3 be used for bidirectional surge protection?
No - MXPLAD36KP400AE3 is a unidirectional TVS, indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bidirectional variants). For bidirectional protection at 400 V, the correct part is MXPLAD36KP400CA. Using MXPLAD36KP400AE3 in AC or floating-bus applications risks forward conduction failure; the MXPLAD36KP400AE3 must be oriented with cathode to ground or lowest-potential reference in DC systems.
MXPLAD36KP400AE3 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):
- 400V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 444V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 644V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 56A
- 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
MXPLAD36KP400AE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MXPLAD36KP400AE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MXPLAD36KP400AE3 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 MXPLAD36KP400AE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MXPLAD36KP400AE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MXPLAD36KP400AE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MXPLAD36KP400AE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MXPLAD36KP400AE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MXPLAD36KP400AE3?
MXPLAD36KP400AE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MXPLAD36KP400AE3 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 MXPLAD36KP400AE3?
For technical support, including MXPLAD36KP400AE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MXPLAD36KP400AE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MXPLAD36KP400AE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MXPLAD36KP400AE3 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 MXPLAD36KP400AE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MXPLAD36KP400AE3?
All MXPLAD36KP400AE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MXPLAD36KP400AE3, 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 MXPLAD36KP400AE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MXPLAD36KP400AE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MXPLAD36KP400AE3 Tags

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