Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP100CA

Overview

MPLAD18KP100CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial 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 ±5% breakdown tolerance (111–123 V). It meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 4) and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP100CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP100CA pinout, MPLAD18KP100CA application, or MPLAD18KP100CA equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus, avionics power input, and 24–110 V industrial control interfaces where multi-stroke lightning immunity and low thermal resistance (<0.7 °C/W junction-to-case) are critical.

Technical Context

The MPLAD18KP100CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<5 ns clamping time) and repeatable multi-pulse operation under 0.05% duty factor. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained surge handling per MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options and AEC-Q101 qualification.

It operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, with 50 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 PCB using recommended pad layout. Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at 100 V, and forward clamping remains ≤2.0 V at 500 A, enabling robust protection of downstream MOSFETs and controllers without forward conduction losses.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode/Cathode) with metal baseplate for thermal conduction. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1 g. Cathode terminal is the exposed metal base (bottom side); anode is top-side metallization.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ100CA and SMCJ100CA, the MPLAD18KP100CA provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated clamping performance under aviation lightning standards, and thermal design headroom for sustained surge duty - making it the only option for mission-critical 100 V DC systems requiring RTCA DO-160F or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4–5 compliance.

Availability

MPLAD18KP100CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power entry, industrial DC bus protection, and automotive load dump suppression requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP100CA 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, timing, and power solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD18KP100CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load dump suppression in harsh-environment systems where thermal robustness and certification readiness are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP100CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP100CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 162 V at 100 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and ensures downstream 120 V-rated components remain within safe operating limits during surge events. The clamping occurs within <5 ns, minimizing voltage overshoot before protection engages.

Is MPLAD18KP100CA suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP100CA is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards, including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and surge testing. Its bidirectional construction, 100 V standoff, and 18 kW pulse rating make it appropriate for 24 V and 48 V automotive load dump suppression in engine control units and ADAS power modules.

How does the PLAD package of MPLAD18KP100CA improve thermal performance compared to standard SMC or SMB packages?

The PLAD package of MPLAD18KP100CA uses a metal baseplate as the cathode terminal, achieving a junction-to-case thermal resistance of just 0.7 °C/W - over 20× lower than typical SMC packages (~15 °C/W). This allows direct mounting to heatsinks or large copper planes, preventing thermal runaway during repeated 10/1000 μs surges and enabling reliable multi-stroke operation in aerospace and industrial environments.

Does MPLAD18KP100CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP100CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning and Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) pin injection at Level 4. Its 18 kW rating, low clamping voltage, and thermal design ensure compliance without additional series impedance or parallel staging - a key requirement for certified avionics power supplies and flight control interfaces.

What is the meaning of the "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP100CA?

The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP100CA denotes bidirectional construction: the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, with identical electrical characteristics in either polarity. This eliminates polarity concerns in AC-coupled or floating-bus applications such as railway signaling interfaces and dual-supply industrial sensors.