Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP13A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP13A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP13A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,048
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP13A 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, features a 13 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤21.5 V at 838 A peak impulse current (IPP), and exhibits 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance for efficient heat dissipation in lightning and load-dump protection circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP13A datasheet, MPLAD18KP13A pinout, MPLAD18KP13A application, or MPLAD18KP13A equivalent, this device is selected for RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, IEC 61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), and ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/-4-4 - critical for avionics power inputs and 12–24 V DC bus protection.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP13A employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.65) and sub-100 ps response time, enabling effective suppression of fast-rising transients such as pin injection (DO-160F Waveform 4) and switching-induced RFI. Its metal-base cathode construction provides direct thermal path to PCB copper, supporting high-reliability operation under multi-stroke surge conditions.
Rated for -55°C to +150°C junction temperature, it meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options (M/MA/MXL levels). The device operates with ≤10 μA standby current at 13 V and maintains stable breakdown voltage (14.4–15.9 V @ I(BR)) across temperature via a defined αV(BR) of 12 mV/°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - enables single-device protection against severe lightning surges per DO-160 Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5. |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 13 V - matches nominal 12 V automotive and avionics supply rails while allowing margin above peak operating voltage. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤21.5 V @ IPP = 838 A - limits downstream IC voltage stress during worst-case surge, preserving 24 V system compatibility. |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - allows >71 W steady-state dissipation at TC = 100°C when mounted on heatsinked PCB, critical for cumulative heating mitigation. |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 14.4–15.9 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on before system overvoltage damage, with tight 10.5% tolerance band. |
| Temperature Coefficient (αV(BR)) | +12 mV/°C - enables predictable V(BR) drift over -55°C to +150°C, simplifying thermal design margins in wide-temperature environments. |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 13 V - minimizes quiescent power loss in always-on systems such as flight control sensors and telemetry modules. |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) with metal base cathode terminal. Void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; polarity marked by cathode on bottom metal surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top Surface Pad) | Input/Line Terminal | Soldered to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail); forms primary surge current entry path into avalanche junction. |
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Ground/Reference Terminal | Direct thermal and electrical connection to PCB ground plane or heatsink; must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper area for RθJC = 0.7 °C/W. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMT package | Height ≤ 0.025" (0.64 mm) - enables integration into space-constrained avionics modules without compromising airflow or stacking height. |
| Multi-stroke lightning compliance | Validated per RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 - ensures survivability across repeated aircraft lightning strikes. |
| Secondary lightning protection | IEC 61000-4-5 compliant at 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances - covers diverse coupling scenarios in vehicle and aircraft harnesses. |
| ESD & EFT immunity | Withstands ±30 kV contact discharge (IEC 61000-4-2) and 4 kV burst (IEC 61000-4-4) - protects sensitive analog front-ends and CAN/LIN transceivers. |
| Traceable high-reliability manufacturing | Wafer and assembly lot traceability + 3σ screening on ID - required for DO-160-certified systems and MIL-PRF-19500 upscreened variants (M/MA/MXL). |
Applications
| Aircraft Power Distribution Units | Automotive Engine Control Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC main bus inputs in airborne power distribution units subjected to lightning-induced transients per DO-160F Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge shunt element placed upstream of DC-DC converters and bus monitors. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to ≤21.5 V during 18 kW surges, preventing latch-up or burnout in downstream PMICs and microcontrollers. |
Use Scenario: Load-dump suppression on 12 V battery-fed engine control unit (ECU) power rails during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS absorbing 100 ms, 120 V transients without degradation over 1000+ cycles. Use Value: Eliminates need for series resistors or additional filtering, maintaining <10 μA leakage to preserve battery life in always-on diagnostic circuits. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Power Supplies |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on 48 V DC bus feeding servo drives in factory automation systems exposed to inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected transient clamp on main DC link, thermally coupled to aluminum chassis. Use Value: Achieves 0.7 °C/W RθJC via metal-base mounting, enabling continuous operation at 71 W at 100°C case temperature without derating. |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on 110 V DC signaling power supplies in railway interlocking systems per EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Back-to-back configuration (with bidirectional variant) for AC-coupled signal lines; unidirectional version used on DC feeders. Use Value: Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 at 42 Ω impedance, ensuring immunity to 4 kV surges induced by nearby traction current switching. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ13A | Lower PPP (400 W), smaller SMA package, higher RθJA (50 °C/W), no DO-160F validation. | Restricted to consumer/industrial grade; not qualified for aviation or automotive AEC-Q101. | Select only for cost-sensitive non-safety-critical 12 V circuits where surge energy ≤400 W. |
| Vishay V18MLA130 | MLV-based (not avalanche diode), 18 kW rating but slower response (>1 ns), higher clamping ratio (VC/VWM > 2.0), no IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 certification. | Suitable for general-purpose surge suppression but fails DO-160F Waveform 4 due to latency and inconsistent clamping. | Prefer for non-aviation 12 V systems requiring lower cost and acceptable clamping performance at lower repetition rates. |
Compared with SMAJ13A and V18MLA130, the MPLAD18KP13A uniquely combines 18 kW pulse handling, DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 qualification, 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance, and AEC-Q101 reliability - making it the only option for certified avionics and high-end automotive power protection where multi-stroke survivability and precise clamping are mandatory.
Availability
MPLAD18KP13A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, automotive engine control, and industrial motor drive applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP13A 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, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP13A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for DO-160F and IEC 61000-4-5 compliance in safety-critical power rail protection - emphasizing thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and aerospace-grade traceability.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP13A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP13A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.5 V when subjected to its rated peak impulse current (IPP) of 838 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per the manufacturer's electrical characteristics table and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe operating voltage limits during surge events. The MPLAD18KP13A achieves this clamping performance while maintaining low thermal resistance for repeatable multi-stroke operation.
Is the MPLAD18KP13A qualified for automotive applications per AEC-Q101?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP13A is tested and qualified in accordance with AEC-Q101 requirements for discrete semiconductors. This qualification covers stress tests including HTRB, HTGB, TST, and surge testing - confirming suitability for under-hood automotive environments. The MPLAD18KP13A's 13 V standoff and 21.5 V clamping align with 12 V system protection needs, and its thermal design supports sustained operation in engine control modules where ambient temperatures exceed 105°C.
Does the MPLAD18KP13A meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection standards?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP13A is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient susceptibility, specifically Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4. This qualification applies across the full VWM range including MPLAD18KP13A, and is documented in Microsemi's RF01215 datasheet. The device's sub-100 ps response time and 18 kW pulse rating enable reliable multi-stroke performance essential for aircraft power systems.
How is thermal management implemented for the MPLAD18KP13A in high-power applications?
The MPLAD18KP13A uses a metal-base cathode construction that provides a direct thermal conduction path from the silicon junction to the PCB. With a specified junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.7 °C/W, optimal cooling requires soldering the cathode to ≥100 mm² of 2 oz copper connected to internal or external heatsinking. This design enables 71 W steady-state dissipation at 100°C case temperature - critical for applications involving repetitive surges or elevated ambient conditions.
What is the polarity configuration and marking convention for the MPLAD18KP13A?
The MPLAD18KP13A is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode on the metal base (bottom surface) and anode on the top-side metallized pad. Polarity is indicated by part number suffix "A" (unidirectional) versus "CA" (bidirectional); no surface marking denotes cathode location - the entire metal underside serves as the cathode terminal. Correct orientation is essential: anode connects to the protected line, cathode to system ground or reference plane.
MPLAD18KP13A 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):
- 13V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 14.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 21.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 838A
- 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
MPLAD18KP13A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP13A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP13A 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 MPLAD18KP13A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP13A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP13A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP13A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP13A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP13A?
MPLAD18KP13A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP13A 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 MPLAD18KP13A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP13A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP13A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP13A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP13A 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 MPLAD18KP13A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP13A?
All MPLAD18KP13A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP13A, 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 MPLAD18KP13A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP13A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP13A Tags

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