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Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP12A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP12A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP12A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,676
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP12A 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 ≤19.9 V under 905 A peak impulse current, and features a 12 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 13.3–14.7 V breakdown range. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP12A datasheet, MPLAD18KP12A pinout, MPLAD18KP12A application, or MPLAD18KP12A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection where low clamping voltage, thermal robustness (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), and multi-stroke lightning compliance are critical - especially in avionics power distribution, 24 V vehicle ECUs, and industrial PLC I/O modules.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP12A employs a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<100 ps turn-on) and low dynamic impedance to limit transient overvoltage before downstream circuitry sustains damage. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained surge handling under 0.05% duty cycle per Figure 1.
It operates as a shunt-mode protector: during normal operation it draws ≤10 μA standby current at 12 V; when exposed to transients exceeding V(BR) min (13.3 V), it avalanches into low-impedance conduction, clamping voltage to ≤19.9 V at 905 A. Compliance with IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 and RTCA DO-160F confirms validated immunity across ESD, EFT, and lightning-induced surges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains single-stroke lightning surges without failure per DO-160 Section 22 |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 12 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage applied without significant leakage |
| Breakdown Voltage Range | 13.3–14.7 V @ I(BR) - defines minimum conduction threshold; ensures reliable triggering above system operating voltage |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 19.9 V @ 905 A - limits transient voltage seen by protected ICs or MOSFETs on same rail |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 12 V - negligible power loss in always-on 24 V systems such as aircraft sensors |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables effective heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink for repeated surge events |
| Surge Rating (IEC 61000-4-5) | Class 1–5 with 42 Ω source - certified for secondary lightning protection in aviation and rail infrastructure |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Avalanche Diode) with metal baseplate for thermal conduction. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈ 1 g. Cathode terminal is the metal base (bottom side), anode is top-side metallization.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top-side pad) | Positive input terminal for unidirectional clamping | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24 V rail); conducts surge current toward cathode during overvoltage |
| Cathode (metal baseplate) | Common reference / ground return path | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink; serves as primary thermal and electrical return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMT package with metal base | Enables high-power surge suppression in space-constrained avionics modules without through-hole mounting |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive engine control units and battery management systems under temperature cycling and humidity stress |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Guarantees survivability against 6.4/69 μs pin-injected transients in airborne equipment up to 25 °C ambient |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and floor-life restrictions - supports standard SMT reflow without baking |
| RoHS-compliant (e3 plating) | Meets global environmental regulations while maintaining solderability and corrosion resistance per MIL-STD-750 |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Distribution | Automotive Load Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 28 V DC power bus in commercial aircraft flight control computers subjected to multi-stroke lightning transients per DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers to clamp induced surges below 20 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide rupture in protected ICs by limiting clamped voltage to 19.9 V at 905 A - within safe operating area of 3.3 V/5 V logic supplies. |
Use Scenario: 12 V/24 V alternator output in heavy-duty trucks experiencing 120 V load dump events lasting 400 ms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge limiter on main battery feed, coordinated with upstream fuses and downstream LDOs. Use Value: Absorbs 18 kW peak energy without degradation, enabling use of lower-cost 30 V-rated MOSFETs and reducing need for oversized filtering capacitance. |
| Industrial PLC I/O Modules | Railway Signaling Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Digital input channels on programmable logic controllers exposed to inductive kickback from solenoid valves and contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end protection element on each 24 V input channel, placed before optocouplers and level shifters. Use Value: Sub-100 ps response time ensures clamping initiates before transient propagates past series impedance, preserving signal integrity and preventing false triggering. |
Use Scenario: Ethernet and RS-485 communication ports in trackside signaling cabinets subject to induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), providing precise low-voltage clamping for PHY ICs. Use Value: 12 V VWM aligns with 15 V common-mode tolerance of RS-485 transceivers, ensuring no false triggering during normal operation while clamping to 19.9 V during faults. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ12A (onsemi) | 600 W PPP rating, 12 V VWM, 19.9 V VC @ 32.4 A - 28× lower peak power handling | Suitable only for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160 lightning or automotive load dump requirements | Select SMBJ12A only for cost-sensitive consumer electronics with sub-1 kA surge exposure. |
| SMCJ12A (Littelfuse) | 1500 W PPP rating, 12 V VWM, 19.9 V VC @ 75.6 A - 12× lower peak power than MPLAD18KP12A | Validated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3 but not Class 4/5 or DO-160F Waveform 4/5 | Choose SMCJ12A for industrial controls requiring moderate surge immunity without aerospace certification. |
Compared with SMBJ12A and SMCJ12A, the MPLAD18KP12A provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively - enabling single-device protection against full lightning strokes and automotive load dump without cascaded protection stages or derating penalties.
Availability
MPLAD18KP12A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive ECU design, and industrial PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP12A 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, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP12A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load dump compliance in mission-critical power systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP12A under maximum rated surge current?
The MPLAD18KP12A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V when subjected to its peak pulse current of 905 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured at the device terminals and reflects worst-case voltage seen by downstream circuitry during a full-energy lightning strike or load dump event. The MPLAD18KP12A maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C.
Is the MPLAD18KP12A RoHS compliant and what plating option does it use?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP12A is RoHS compliant and uses e3 matte-tin plating on its terminals, which meets MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 for solderability and corrosion resistance. The e3 designation indicates lead-free annealed matte tin, fully compatible with standard Pb-free reflow profiles up to 260 °C for 10 seconds. The device also carries Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 certification, eliminating dry-pack requirements.
How does the MPLAD18KP12A achieve thermal performance superior to standard SMC/SMB packages?
The MPLAD18KP12A achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of just 0.7 °C/W - over 10× better than typical SMC packages (~8–10 °C/W) - due to its metal-base construction and void-free epoxy molding. Heat generated during surge conduction transfers directly from the die through the baseplate into the PCB copper pour or external heatsink. This allows the MPLAD18KP12A to sustain repeated 18 kW pulses without thermal runaway, unlike conventional surface-mount TVS devices.
Which RTCA DO-160F test waveforms and levels is the MPLAD18KP12A certified for?
The MPLAD18KP12A is certified for RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at Level 4, both tested at 25 °C ambient. These certifications confirm its suitability for pin-injection surge protection in airborne electronic equipment. Certification applies specifically to the MPLAD18KP12A variant - not extrapolated from family data - and is documented in Microsemi Application Note RF01215 Rev B.
Can the MPLAD18KP12A be used in bidirectional configurations?
No, the MPLAD18KP12A is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (as opposed to "CA" for bidirectional variants like MPLAD18KP12CA). Its cathode is the metal baseplate, and it conducts only when the anode is driven positive relative to the cathode. For AC or bipolar signal line protection, the bidirectional MPLAD18KP12CA must be selected instead - the two are not interchangeable without circuit redesign.
MPLAD18KP12A 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):
- 12V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 13.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 19.9V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 905A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 18000W (18kW)
- 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
MPLAD18KP12A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP12A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP12A 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 MPLAD18KP12A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP12A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP12A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP12A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP12A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP12A?
MPLAD18KP12A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP12A 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 MPLAD18KP12A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP12A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP12A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP12A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP12A 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 MPLAD18KP12A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP12A?
All MPLAD18KP12A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP12A, 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 MPLAD18KP12A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP12A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP12A Tags
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