Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP15CA

Overview

MPLAD18KP15CA 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, clamps transients to ≤24.4 V at 738 A, and features a 15 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±15 mV/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP15CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP15CA pinout, MPLAD18KP15CA application, or MPLAD18KP15CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection capability, and low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) enabling robust multi-stroke surge handling on FR4 PCBs.

Technical Context

The MPLAD18KP15CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode-based TVS, leveraging silicon junction design to clamp both positive and negative transients symmetrically. Its 15 V VWM and 16.7–18.5 V V(BR) range ensure reliable operation above nominal system rail voltages while maintaining fast response (<5 ns) and low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.46).

It meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 for multi-stroke lightning immunity and supports IEC 61000-4-2 ESD (±30 kV contact), IEC 61000-4-4 EFT (4 kV), and IEC 61000-4-5 surge (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances) - validated across Class 1–5 per standard requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode/Cathode) with metal base cathode terminal; void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; weight ≈1 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ15CA and SMCJ15CA, the MPLAD18KP15CA provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling certified lightning protection in aerospace and heavy industrial systems where thermal management and multi-event reliability are mandatory.

Availability

MPLAD18KP15CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power systems, and industrial motor drive designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP15CA 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, RF, timing, and power solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD18KP15CA 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 non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP15CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP15CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 738 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream components see no more than 24.4 V during worst-case surge events, making it suitable for protecting 28 V and 36 V rated ICs in aerospace and industrial systems. The MPLAD18KP15CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Does MPLAD18KP15CA meet RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning test requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP15CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 for 15 V systems. Its 18,000 W peak pulse power rating, low RθJC of 0.7 °C/W, and bidirectional construction enable repeatable performance across multiple stroke sequences without parameter drift. The MPLAD18KP15CA data sheet cites direct compliance for VWM = 15 V devices in this category.

What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact PCB layout for MPLAD18KP15CA?

The MPLAD18KP15CA has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.7 °C/W, meaning each watt of surge power raises the junction temperature by only 0.7 °C above the case. This requires direct thermal coupling of its metal base cathode to a large copper pour or heatsink - the recommended pad layout specifies ≥12.3 mm × 10.5 mm exposed copper area. Without adequate copper, the MPLAD18KP15CA cannot sustain its 18 kW rating. Thermal performance is validated on FR4 with specified mounting pad.

Is MPLAD18KP15CA RoHS compliant and what marking indicates this?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP15CA is RoHS compliant, indicated by the "e3" suffix in its full part number (e.g., MPLAD18KP15CAe3). The device uses annealed matte-tin plating on terminals and void-free UL94V-0 epoxy packaging, meeting EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Non-RoHS versions omit the "e3" suffix and use tin-lead plating. All MPLAD18KP15CA units shipped by Aetrix Electronics carry RoHS-compliant markings per Microsemi's Rev B datasheet.

Can MPLAD18KP15CA be used for IEC 61000-4-5 surge protection with 2 Ω source impedance?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP15CA supports IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2 and Class 3 surge testing with 2 Ω source impedance, as confirmed in the RF01215 datasheet. At 15 V VWM, it is rated for these classes under 2 Ω coupling, delivering full clamping performance without degradation. However, it is not rated for Class 4 at 2 Ω - that requires lower-VWM variants (e.g., MPLAD18KP5.0 to 64CA). The MPLAD18KP15CA remains valid for Class 1–5 at 42 Ω and Class 1–4 at 12 Ω.