Microchip Technology MXPLAD36KP48AE3

Overview

MXPLAD36KP48AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive power systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 48 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤77.4 V at 466 A peak current, and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature.

For engineers reviewing the MXPLAD36KP48AE3 datasheet, MXPLAD36KP48AE3 pinout, MXPLAD36KP48AE3 application, or MXPLAD36KP48AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 capability with 42 Ω source impedance, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant e3 plating - all critical for lightning-hardened avionics and load-dump-protected vehicle ECUs.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses silicon avalanche technology to provide fast-response clamping against high-energy transients. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained multi-stroke operation per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. The device exhibits <100 ps response time from 0 V to V(BR) min and maintains stable breakdown voltage with αV(BR) = 54 mV/°C.

It is rated for secondary lightning protection under IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances, and meets ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) and EFT (IEC 61000-4-4) immunity requirements. Standby current ID is ≤10 μA at VWM, ensuring minimal leakage in always-on systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MXPLAD36KP48AE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal. The package measures 12.32 mm × 10.54 mm × 5.08 mm (L×W×H) and features two terminals: anode (top-side metallization) and cathode (exposed metal base).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ48A and SMCJ48A, MXPLAD36KP48AE3 provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling certified multi-stroke lightning resilience and eliminating need for parallel TVS arrays in safety-critical power rails.

Availability

MXPLAD36KP48AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power conditioning, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive DC link stabilization requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MXPLAD36KP48AE3 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, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in mission-critical platforms, emphasizing thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and regulatory compliance with DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-x standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of MXPLAD36KP48AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MXPLAD36KP48AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V at its peak impulse current (IPP) of 466 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per the manufacturer's datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The clamping performance is validated across the full operating temperature range and supports design margining for downstream 80 V-rated components.

Does MXPLAD36KP48AE3 meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?

Yes, MXPLAD36KP48AE3 is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. This includes stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and surge robustness - confirming suitability for automotive under-hood applications such as alternator load dump protection. The qualification applies specifically to the MXPLAD36KP48AE3 variant with e3 RoHS plating and PLAD package construction.

How does the metal-base cathode configuration affect PCB layout for MXPLAD36KP48AE3?

The cathode of MXPLAD36KP48AE3 is the exposed metal base, requiring direct solder attachment to a thermally robust copper plane or heatsink. PCB layout must use the recommended pad dimensions (11.94 mm × 5.85 mm) with thermal vias beneath the base to maintain RθJC ≤ 1.0 °C/W. Improper grounding or undersized copper reduces surge endurance and risks thermal failure during repeated transients - a critical consideration in DO-160-compliant avionics designs.

Can MXPLAD36KP48AE3 be used for bidirectional surge protection?

No, MXPLAD36KP48AE3 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (vs. "CA" for bidirectional). It conducts only during reverse-bias overvoltage events and blocks forward current. For AC or bipolar signal line protection, a bidirectional variant such as MXPLAD36KP48CA must be selected. Using MXPLAD36KP48AE3 in bidirectional applications risks forward conduction damage or inadequate clamping on positive transients.

What is the moisture sensitivity level (MSL) rating for MXPLAD36KP48AE3?

MXPLAD36KP48AE3 is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it has unlimited floor life and requires no dry-packaging or baking prior to reflow soldering. This simplifies manufacturing logistics and eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk during standard Pb-free reflow profiles - a key advantage for high-reliability aerospace and automotive production lines.