Microchip Technology MDA3KP18AE3

Overview

MDA3KP18AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional 3000 W surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) array with 18 V standoff voltage (VWM), 20.0–22.1 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 29.2 V clamping voltage (VC) at 102.8 A peak pulse current. It provides secondary lightning protection per IEC61000-4-5 (42 Ω, Class 1–4), ESD/EFT suppression per IEC61000-4-2/4-4, and inductive switching transient protection in DC power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MDA3KP18AE3 datasheet, MDA3KP18AE3 pinout, MDA3KP18AE3 application, or MDA3KP18AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 18 V working voltage, 29.2 V clamping performance at 102.8 A, RoHS-compliant e3 marking, unidirectional polarity, and MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening capability for high-reliability aerospace and defense systems.

Technical Context

The MDA3KP18AE3 operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS array designed for fast-clamping overvoltage events. Its <100 ps response time enables effective suppression of ESD (IEC61000-4-2), EFT (IEC61000-4-4), and lightning-induced surges (IEC61000-4-5). It uses a single-diode unidirectional configuration with cathode-defined odd-pin polarity.

Rated for -55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, it delivers 3000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 µs waveform with full surge testing per lot. Standby leakage is limited to ≤2 µA at 18 V, and clamping is specified at 102.8 A IPP with 29.2 V maximum VC - critical for protecting downstream 24 V industrial controllers and telecom power supplies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MDA3KP18AE3 is housed in a void-free transfer-molded thermosetting epoxy package (UL94V-0), marked with date code and part number; Pin 1 is identified by a dot on top of the body. Odd-numbered pins are cathodes per device polarity convention.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ18A and SMCJ18A, the MDA3KP18AE3 delivers double the surge energy capacity of SMCJ18A and five times that of SMBJ18A - enabling single-device compliance with demanding IEC61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω) and MIL-STD-1275E load dump requirements in compact surface-mount form.

Availability

MDA3KP18AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, telecom power supplies, railway signaling systems, and aerospace avionics requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MDA3KP18AE3 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 and mixed-signal ICs, RF solutions, and discrete protection devices.

The MDA series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in defense, aerospace, and industrial systems where MIL-PRF-19500 screening, wide temperature operation, and repeatable clamping performance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MDA3KP18AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MDA3KP18AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 102.8 A under 10/1000 µs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 2 in the official datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during worst-case surge events. The MDA3KP18AE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is MDA3KP18AE3 RoHS compliant and what does the 'e3' suffix indicate?

Yes, MDA3KP18AE3 is RoHS compliant, as confirmed by the 'e3' suffix in its part number per Microsemi's nomenclature guide. The 'e3' designation specifies annealed matte-tin plating and full compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU, including restrictions on lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE. The MDA3KP18AE3 requires no special handling or dry pack per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity.

Does MDA3KP18AE3 support MIL-PRF-19500 screening and what levels are available?

Yes, MDA3KP18AE3 supports optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening with wafer and assembly lot traceability, 3σ lot norm screening on standby current (ID), and conformance inspections per Micronote 129. Screening options include Class H (high reliability) and Class K (space-level), with full test data packages available upon request. The base MDA3KP18AE3 meets commercial reliability standards, while screened units fulfill aerospace and defense program requirements.

What is the polarity configuration of MDA3KP18AE3 and how is pin 1 identified?

MDA3KP18AE3 is a unidirectional TVS with odd-numbered pins designated as cathodes, as stated in the mechanical specifications. Pin 1 is identified by a dot marking on the top surface of the package body. This polarity configuration ensures proper orientation during PCB layout - with Pin 1 connected to the protected line and Pin 2 tied to ground - to enable clamping of positive-going transients above V(BR).

How does MDA3KP18AE3 perform under IEC61000-4-5 secondary lightning testing?

MDA3KP18AE3 is certified for secondary lightning protection per IEC61000-4-5 across multiple source impedances: Class 1–4 at 42 Ω, Class 1–3 at 12 Ω, and Class 2 at 2 Ω. Its 3000 W peak pulse rating and 29.2 V clamping voltage ensure compliance with Class 4 requirements (4 kV test level) when used with appropriate PCB layout and grounding. The MDA3KP18AE3 achieves this without derating up to +125 °C per Figure 3.