Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP100A

Overview

MPLAD18KP100A 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 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤162 V under 100 A peak impulse current, and features a 100 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 111–123 V breakdown range. It meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP100A datasheet, MPLAD18KP100A pinout, MPLAD18KP100A application, or MPLAD18KP100A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100 V VWM rating, 162 V max clamping voltage at IPP = 100 A, low 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, and qualification to AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels for high-reliability deployment.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device with cathode on the metal base (package bottom), enabling efficient heat dissipation into PCB copper or heatsinks. Its silicon avalanche structure provides fast response (<100 ps) and stable breakdown over temperature, with ±5% V(BR) tolerance and 122 mV/°C temperature coefficient.

It is rated for 18 kW peak pulse power per 10/1000 μs waveform, derated linearly above 100°C case temperature, and supports steady-state power dissipation of 2.5 W at 25°C ambient or 71 W when mounted on a heatsink at TC = 100°C - enabled by ultra-low RθJC = 0.7 °C/W.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPLAD18KP100A uses a proprietary surface-mount package with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal and primary thermal interface. The anode is accessed via two solderable side terminals. Package dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), with void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body and matte-tin plating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ100A and SMCJ100A, the MPLAD18KP100A delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with 21× and 11× lower thermal resistance - enabling single-device compliance with aerospace-grade multi-stroke lightning standards where alternatives require cascaded or hybrid protection schemes.

Availability

MPLAD18KP100A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECUs, and industrial motor drives requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and certified surge immunity.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP100A 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 MPLAD18KP100A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and load-dump immunity in safety-critical power systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP100A at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP100A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 162 V at 100 A peak pulse current (IPP) under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and ensures downstream components see no more than 162 V during worst-case surge events - critical for protecting 100 V-rated DC/DC converters and gate drivers.

Is the MPLAD18KP100A qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP100A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2. Its 100 V VWM, 162 V clamping, and 18 kW surge capability make it suitable for 24 V commercial vehicle ECUs, battery management systems, and ADAS power supplies where robustness against 120 V/100 ms transients is required.

How does the thermal design of the MPLAD18KP100A differ from standard TVS diodes?

The MPLAD18KP100A features a metal-base package with RθJC = 0.7 °C/W - over 20× lower than typical SMC/SMB packages. This allows direct mounting to heatsinks or large PCB copper areas, enabling 71 W steady-state dissipation at TC = 100°C. Standard TVS diodes lack this thermal architecture and cannot sustain repeated high-energy surges without derating or failure.

Does the MPLAD18KP100A meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP100A is certified for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 pin injection testing at 25°C. Its 18 kW rating, fast <100 ps response, and low clamping voltage ensure compliance without external filtering - a requirement for flight-critical avionics power inputs.

What is the polarity configuration and mounting orientation for the MPLAD18KP100A?

The MPLAD18KP100A is unidirectional with cathode on the metal base (bottom surface) and anode on the two side terminals. It must be mounted with the metal base soldered to a thermally robust copper pour or heatsink. Reversing polarity will prevent clamping and may cause catastrophic failure during surge events.