Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP13CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP13CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP13CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13VWM 21.5VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,434
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP13CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional 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 meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning standards.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP13CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP13CA pinout, MPLAD18KP13CA application, or MPLAD18KP13CA equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection where multi-stroke lightning immunity, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant surface-mount packaging are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP13CA is a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS optimized for unidirectional/bidirectional transient suppression in high-power DC circuits. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained energy dissipation under repetitive surges with ≤0.05% duty factor. The device operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and exhibits a ±12 mV/°C breakdown voltage temperature coefficient (αV(BR)).
It complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options. Clamping response time is <5 ns, and forward clamping voltage is 2.0 V at 500 A - enabling fast, low-voltage protection of downstream MOSFETs, controllers, and sensors without compromising system-level EFT/ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft-grade lightning transients without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 13 V - sets maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤21.5 V @ IPP = 838 A - limits protected circuit voltage during worst-case surge |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 14.4–15.9 V @ I(BR) - defines precise avalanche onset threshold |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ VWM - ensures negligible leakage in standby power systems |
| Temperature Range | –55 °C to +150 °C - qualified for under-hood automotive and avionics environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anodeless Diode) with metal baseplate for thermal conduction. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Baseplate (Bottom) | Cathode | Primary thermal path and high-current return node; must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink |
| Top-Side Metallization | Anode | High-current surge input terminal; connects to protected line (e.g., 12 V rail or CAN bus) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects AC-coupled or floating lines (e.g., RS-485, Ethernet PHY) against ± polarity surges without polarity dependency |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 compliance | Validated for Level 4 pin injection (6.4/69 μs) - required for commercial aircraft avionics interface protection |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 support | Meets secondary lightning immunity with 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances - covers full range of industrial port protection |
| Low-profile SMT package | Enables high-density layout on space-constrained boards while maintaining 18 kW surge capability - no through-hole mounting required |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including load dump and alternator ripple suppression |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Interface Protection | Automotive 12 V Power Bus Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data lines and sensor inputs in flight control computers from induced lightning transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed at connector entry point to clamp common-mode and differential surges before signal conditioning ICs. Use Value: Meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning standard and prevents latch-up or damage to FPGA-based processing units. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control unit (ECU) power inputs against ISO 7637-2 Load Dump pulses (up to 120 V, 400 ms). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main 12 V supply rail, positioned upstream of DC/DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Absorbs 18 kW surge energy without degradation, eliminating need for series fusing or derating due to thermal accumulation. |
| Industrial Ethernet PHY Port Protection | Railway Signaling DC Power Distribution |
Use Scenario: Securing RJ45 Ethernet ports in ruggedized switches deployed in factory automation networks exposed to EFT and surge events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS array element protecting differential pairs (TX+/−, RX+/−) and common-mode lines simultaneously. Use Value: Clamps to ≤21.5 V within 5 ns, preserving signal integrity and preventing PHY IC damage during IEC 61000-4-5 4 kV tests. | Use Scenario: Protecting 72 V DC signaling circuits in train control systems subject to traction-induced switching transients and lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS installed at substation feed-in points to shunt surge currents away from relay logic and isolation amplifiers. Use Value: Withstands repeated 10/1000 μs surges at 838 A, ensuring >100,000-cycle reliability per EN 50121-4 railway EMC standard. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ13CA | 600 W PPP rating (vs. 18,000 W); SMA package; RθJC ≈ 35 °C/W | Only suitable for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160F Level 4 or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer electronics with <100 A surge exposure. |
| SMCJ13CA | 1500 W PPP rating; SMC package; RθJC ≈ 10 °C/W; no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Lacks aerospace/automotive qualification; insufficient for multi-stroke lightning or load dump duty cycles | Acceptable for industrial PLC I/O modules where qualification is not mandated. |
Compared with SMBJ13CA and SMCJ13CA, the MPLAD18KP13CA provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated thermal performance for sustained surge duty, and formal qualification for mission-critical aerospace and automotive use - making it the sole option when multi-stroke robustness and regulatory compliance are mandatory.
Availability
MPLAD18KP13CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics interface protection, automotive 12 V power bus protection, and industrial Ethernet PHY port protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP13CA 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 ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP13CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for aircraft lightning protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial secondary surge immunity where legacy leaded packages or lower-power SMT devices fail.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP13CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP13CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.5 V at its rated peak impulse current (IPP) of 838 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and ensures protected circuitry remains below safe operating thresholds during worst-case transients. The MPLAD18KP13CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the MPLAD18KP13CA qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP13CA is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress reliability in automotive environments. It is explicitly rated for load dump protection and meets ISO 7637-2 test profiles when mounted per recommended pad layout. The MPLAD18KP13CA's –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance support under-hood deployment in ECUs and body control modules.
Does the MPLAD18KP13CA require a heatsink for 18 kW surge handling?
No discrete heatsink is required for single-event 18 kW surges, as the MPLAD18KP13CA's metal baseplate and low RθJC (0.7 °C/W) enable sufficient heat dissipation into PCB copper. However, for repetitive surges (>0.05% duty cycle), thermal derating per Figure 6 in RF01215 Rev B applies. The MPLAD18KP13CA's thermal design assumes FR4 board with specified mounting pad area per datasheet Figure 7.
How does the CA suffix affect the MPLAD18KP13CA's functionality?
"CA" denotes bidirectional construction: the MPLAD18KP13CA clamps symmetrically for both positive and negative polarity transients, unlike unidirectional "A" variants. This makes the MPLAD18KP13CA suitable for AC-coupled interfaces (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD), floating power rails, and differential signal lines where polarity reversal is possible during surge events.
Can the MPLAD18KP13CA replace older PLAD-series parts like MPLAD18KP13A in existing designs?
Yes - the MPLAD18KP13CA shares identical package dimensions, thermal characteristics, and electrical ratings with the unidirectional MPLAD18KP13A, differing only in polarity configuration. Layout changes are unnecessary, but system-level polarity analysis is required: the MPLAD18KP13CA's bidirectional behavior may alter clamping behavior in DC-biased circuits where unidirectional blocking was previously relied upon.
MPLAD18KP13CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- 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
MPLAD18KP13CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP13CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP13CA 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 MPLAD18KP13CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP13CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP13CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP13CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP13CA transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP13CA?
MPLAD18KP13CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP13CA 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 MPLAD18KP13CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP13CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP13CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP13CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP13CA 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 MPLAD18KP13CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP13CA?
All MPLAD18KP13CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP13CA, 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 MPLAD18KP13CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP13CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP13CA Tags

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