Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP12AE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP12AE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP12AE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 12VWM 19.9VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,218
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP12AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial power rails. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps transients to ≤19.9 V at 905 A, and features a 12 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 13.3–14.7 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP12AE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP12AE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP12AE3 application, or MPLAD18KP12AE3 equivalent, this device is selected for lightning immunity (RTCA DO-160 Section 22), load dump suppression, and secondary IEC 61000-4-5 compliance with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances - critical for avionics power conditioning and 24 V vehicle electronics.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping-type overvoltage protector, leveraging avalanche breakdown to divert surge current away from sensitive downstream circuitry. Its metal-base package enables low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), supporting high-repetition-rate transients when mounted on FR4 with recommended pad layout.
It meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and supports RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 protection up to 130 V variants - with MPLAD18KP12AE3 validated for Level 4 under both waveforms per MicroNote 132 derating guidance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains multi-stroke lightning surges without degradation |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 12 V - matches nominal 12 V system rails while allowing margin before clamping |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 19.9 V @ 905 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 13.3–14.7 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on before damage threshold of protected ICs |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or PCB copper for repeated surges |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | Level 1 per J-STD-020B - no dry pack required, simplifies SMT handling and storage |
| RoHS Compliance | e3 marking - lead-free matte-tin plating compatible with Pb-free reflow profiles |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) with metal base cathode termination. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 3.68 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1 g. Cathode is the metal base (bottom side); anode is top-side metallization.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Surge Current Return Path | Low-inductance, high-current path to ground plane; requires direct thermal connection to PCB copper pour or heatsink |
| Anode (Top Metallization) | Protected Line Input | Connected to line being protected (e.g., 12 V battery rail); forms series path with load |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-reliability wafer lot traceability | Enables full process traceability for aerospace and defense programs requiring MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening |
| RTCA DO-160 Section 22 compliance | Validated for multi-stroke lightning immunity - essential for certified avionics power supplies |
| IEC 61000-4-5 secondary protection | Class 1–5 rated with 42 Ω source impedance; Class 1–4 with 12 Ω; Class 2–3 with 2 Ω - covers diverse test configurations |
| Low-profile thermally enhanced package | RθJC = 0.7 °C/W allows >10× higher steady-state power dissipation than standard SMA packages at same footprint |
| ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 | Integrated protection against contact discharge (±8 kV) and fast transients (±2 kV) without external components |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Conditioning | Automotive Load Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 28 V DC power distribution in commercial aircraft avionics bays exposed to lightning-induced transients per DO-160F Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping TVS placed upstream of DC-DC converters and flight control interface ICs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤19.9 V during 18 kW surges, preserving integrity of 24 V-rated ASICs and FPGAs without derating. | Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed engine control units (ECUs) subjected to ISO 7637-2 Load Dump pulses (up to 120 V, 400 ms). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS shunting surge energy directly to chassis ground during alternator field collapse. Use Value: Clamps 905 A peak current within 100 ps, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in microcontrollers and CAN transceivers. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Power Interface |
Use Scenario: 24 V DC bus in variable-frequency drives where IGBT switching induces repetitive 1–10 kHz voltage spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bulk transient absorber parallel to bus capacitor, reducing voltage overshoot during regenerative braking. Use Value: Withstands 0.05% duty factor impulse repetition, enabling continuous operation without thermal runaway. | Use Scenario: 110 V DC signaling interface in European railway signaling cabinets exposed to induced surges from nearby traction currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), providing precise clamping and fast response. Use Value: Delivers <5 ns response time and 19.9 V clamping - maintains signal integrity for 24 V logic-level optocouplers and isolators. |
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 | 600 W PPP rating, 12 V VWM, SMC package - 30× lower peak power handling | Only suitable for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160 lightning or load dump standards | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer electronics with sub-100 A surge exposure |
| SMCJ12A | 1500 W PPP rating, 12 V VWM, SMC package - 12× lower peak power than MPLAD18KP12AE3 | Lacks RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4/5A validation and MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening capability | Acceptable for industrial I/O protection but not for certified avionics or automotive safety-critical systems |
Compared with SMBJ12A and SMCJ12A, MPLAD18KP12AE3 provides 12× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated clamping performance under aviation lightning waveforms, and full traceability for high-reliability programs - making it the sole choice for DO-160-compliant designs requiring 18 kW surge capacity.
Availability
MPLAD18KP12AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power conditioning, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP12AE3 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 MPLAD family was engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in mission-critical platforms - emphasizing thermal robustness, waveform-specific certification, and full process traceability from wafer to shipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP12AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP12AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 19.9 V at its peak pulse current (IPP) of 905 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per the manufacturer's electrical characteristics table and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage during worst-case surge events. The clamping occurs within <100 ps, preserving timing-critical signal integrity in protected circuits.
Does MPLAD18KP12AE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?
Yes, MPLAD18KP12AE3 is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4. Its 18,000 W peak pulse power rating and low clamping voltage enable compliance across multi-stroke scenarios - a requirement for certified avionics power supplies and flight control interfaces.
What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact board layout for MPLAD18KP12AE3?
MPLAD18KP12AE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.7 °C/W. This low value demands direct thermal coupling between the metal base (cathode) and a large copper pour or heatsink on the PCB. The recommended pad layout specifies minimum 12.32 mm × 10.54 mm copper area with thermal vias to internal ground planes - failure to implement this results in junction temperature exceeding 150 °C during repeated surges.
Is MPLAD18KP12AE3 RoHS compliant and what does the 'E3' suffix indicate?
Yes, MPLAD18KP12AE3 is RoHS compliant, as confirmed by the 'E3' suffix in its part number. This denotes annealed matte-tin plating on terminals, fully compatible with Pb-free reflow soldering profiles up to 260 °C for 10 seconds. The device meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity - no dry packing or baking is required prior to assembly.
How does MPLAD18KP12AE3 differ from standard SMCJ-series TVS diodes in surge handling capability?
MPLAD18KP12AE3 delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power - 12× higher than the 1500 W rating of SMCJ12A. Its PLAD package achieves RθJC = 0.7 °C/W versus ~3.5 °C/W for SMC packages, enabling sustained multi-pulse operation. Unlike SMCJ12A, MPLAD18KP12AE3 is tested to RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4/5A and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening - critical for aerospace qualification.
MPLAD18KP12AE3 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
MPLAD18KP12AE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP12AE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP12AE3 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 MPLAD18KP12AE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP12AE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP12AE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP12AE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP12AE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP12AE3?
MPLAD18KP12AE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP12AE3 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 MPLAD18KP12AE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP12AE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP12AE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP12AE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP12AE3 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 MPLAD18KP12AE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP12AE3?
All MPLAD18KP12AE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP12AE3, 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 MPLAD18KP12AE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP12AE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP12AE3 Tags

-
ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

-
DESD3V3E1BL-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z3.3T1G
onsemi

-
D5V0H1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
D5V0P1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
DESD5V0U1BA-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
ESD5Z5.0T1G
onsemi

-
DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
D12V0L1B2LP-7B
Diodes Incorporated

-
PESD2V0Y1BSFYL
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
DF2S5M4CT,L3F
Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

-
D5V0L1B2WS-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

