Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP14CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP14CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP14CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 14VWM 23.2VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,943
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP14CA 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 ≤23.2 V under 776 A peak impulse current, and features a 14 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (15.6–17.2 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP14CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP14CA pinout, MPLAD18KP14CA application, or MPLAD18KP14CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning compliance, and suitability for multi-stroke lightning protection per DO-160 Section 22.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP14CA employs a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<5 ns clamping time) and high cumulative energy handling. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained surge duty cycles ≤0.05% per IEC 61000-4-5 testing conditions.
It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature, with 3σ lot-norm screening on standby current (ID ≤10 μA @ 14 V), and meets moisture sensitivity Level 1 (no dry pack required). RoHS-compliant e3 plating ensures solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 14 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS operating voltage before conduction begins |
| V(BR) min/max | 15.6–17.2 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at 1 mA, ensuring predictable turn-on margin |
| VC @ IPP | 23.2 V max @ 776 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream circuit stress during 10/1000 μs transients |
| PPP | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - Sustains single-stroke lightning surges without failure |
| RθJC | 0.7 °C/W - Enables efficient heat transfer to external heatsink, critical for repeated surge events |
| ID @ VWM | ≤10 μA - Negligible leakage at rated standoff, preserving system power integrity |
| TJ Range | –55°C to +150°C - Validated operation across extended industrial and avionics environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anvil Design) 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.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Base (Bottom) | Cathode (Bidirectional) | Primary thermal path and common reference node; must be soldered to copper pour or heatsink |
| Top Metallization | Anode (Bidirectional) | Signal-side connection point; symmetric conduction enables AC-coupled surge suppression |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional construction | Enables symmetrical clamping for AC lines or differential signals without polarity constraints |
| DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Withstands 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients up to 14 V VWM, essential for aircraft avionics |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 support (42 Ω source) | Validated for secondary lightning protection across all severity classes in telecom and rail infrastructure |
| 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance | Reduces thermal derating impact-maintains 100% PPP rating at TC = 100°C with proper heatsinking |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms robustness for automotive load-dump and alternator-spike protection in engine control units |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Input | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC power inputs in flight management computers against DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary bidirectional TVS clamp placed upstream of DC-DC converters and LDOs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤23.2 V during 18 kW surges, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream ICs. | Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V battery-fed ECU power rails during alternator field decay. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy transient absorber mounted directly at connector entry point. Use Value: Absorbs 100 ms, 120 V pulses without degradation, maintaining <10 μA leakage to avoid battery drain. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Control Board | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on isolated 24 V control inputs subjected to IEC 61000-4-5 42 Ω source impedance tests. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT) front-end. Use Value: Clamps residual transients to safe levels within <5 ns, preserving optocoupler and microcontroller I/O integrity. | Use Scenario: Bidirectional protection of RS-485 data lines in trackside signaling cabinets exposed to induced lightning currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-line and line-to-ground TVS pair on differential bus. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by limiting common-mode surges to <23.2 V while surviving >1000 multi-stroke events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ14CA | 600 W PPP rating, 5.0 mm × 4.5 mm SMB package, RθJC ≈ 25 °C/W | Limited to single-event surges; not qualified for DO-160F or multi-stroke lightning | Select when cost and board space constrain requirements below 1 kW surge capacity |
| SMCJ14CA | 1500 W PPP rating, 7.2 mm × 6.2 mm SMC package, RθJC ≈ 12 °C/W | Supports moderate repetition rates but lacks AEC-Q101 and DO-160F certification | Choose for industrial PLC I/O protection where full aerospace qualification is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ14CA and SMCJ14CA, the MPLAD18KP14CA provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated thermal performance for repeated surges, and formal qualification for aviation and automotive safety-critical systems-making it the only option for certified multi-stroke lightning protection.
Availability
MPLAD18KP14CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power systems, and industrial motor drive control boards requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP14CA 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) designs high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP14CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical platforms where multi-stroke endurance and thermal stability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP14CA under maximum rated surge current?
The MPLAD18KP14CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 23.2 V when subjected to its peak impulse current (IPP) of 776 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream components remain within safe voltage limits during transient events.
Is MPLAD18KP14CA suitable for bidirectional AC signal line protection?
Yes, MPLAD18KP14CA is explicitly designed as a bidirectional TVS (denoted by the "CA" suffix) and provides symmetrical clamping for both polarities. Its <5 ns response time and matched breakdown characteristics make it appropriate for protecting AC-coupled interfaces such as RS-485, CAN FD, or audio lines against ESD and surge events.
Does MPLAD18KP14CA require a heatsink for full 18 kW pulse power operation?
Yes-the MPLAD18KP14CA achieves its full 18,000 W peak pulse power rating only when the metal base (cathode) is thermally coupled to a heatsink or large copper plane. With RθJC = 0.7 °C/W, junction temperature rise remains within limits during short-duration pulses, but sustained or repetitive surges demand effective case-to-ambient heat dissipation.
What certifications does MPLAD18KP14CA hold for automotive use?
The MPLAD18KP14CA is qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. It is also validated for automotive load dump per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b and supports design compliance with LV-124 and GMW3172 due to its 14 V VWM and 23.2 V clamping performance.
Can MPLAD18KP14CA be used in place of unidirectional TVS diodes like MPLAD18KP14A?
No-MPLAD18KP14CA is bidirectional and intended for AC or floating DC applications, whereas MPLAD18KP14A is unidirectional and suited for DC power rails with defined polarity. Substituting one for the other may result in improper clamping behavior or failure to protect during reverse-polarity transients.
MPLAD18KP14CA 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):
- 14V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 15.6V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 23.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 776A
- 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
MPLAD18KP14CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP14CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP14CA 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 MPLAD18KP14CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP14CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP14CA is usually 5 days.
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MPLAD18KP14CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP14CA 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 MPLAD18KP14CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP14CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP14CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP14CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP14CA 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 MPLAD18KP14CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP14CA?
All MPLAD18KP14CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP14CA, 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 MPLAD18KP14CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP14CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP14CA Tags

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