Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP160A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP160A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP160A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,528
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP160A 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, clamps at ≤259 V under 10 A IPP, and features a 160 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 178–197 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP160A datasheet, MPLAD18KP160A pinout, MPLAD18KP160A application, or MPLAD18KP160A equivalent, this device is selected for RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection protection, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning immunity, and high-reliability load dump suppression where low-profile SMT mounting and traceable lot screening are required.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP160A employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<100 ps) and low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.46). Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, supporting sustained surge handling per AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options.
It operates across –55°C to +150°C, with 50 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 and full compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A transients - validated for multi-stroke lightning per DO-160 Section 22.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains aircraft-grade lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 160 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 178–197 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable avalanche initiation above operating rail |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC @ IPP) | 259 V @ 10 A - limits downstream circuit stress during surge events |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or copper pour |
| Standby Current (ID @ VWM) | 10 μA - negligible leakage at rated standoff, preserving system efficiency |
| Temperature Range | –55°C to +150°C - qualified for engine bay, avionics, and industrial control environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-Profile Anode-Diode) with metal base cathode terminal. Void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; matte-tin RoHS-compliant plating; polarity marked by cathode on bottom metal surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top-side pad) | Positive surge current entry point | Connected to protected line; conducts during reverse-biased overvoltage |
| Cathode (metal base) | Common reference / heat sink interface | Electrically and thermally tied to PCB ground plane or heatsink; defines polarity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMT package | 0.495″ × 0.230″ × 0.100″ (12.57 × 5.85 × 2.44 mm) - fits space-constrained avionics layouts |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A compliance | Level 4 certified (6.4/69 μs & 40/120 μs) - meets aircraft pin-injection immunity requirements |
| IEC 61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection | Class 1–5 validated with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances - covers diverse system grounding schemes |
| Lot-traceable wafer fabrication | Full wafer and assembly lot traceability per MIL-PRF-19500 - supports aerospace configuration management |
| Moisture sensitivity level | MSL Level 1 - no dry-pack or bake required prior to reflow, simplifying manufacturing |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Input | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC power inputs in flight-critical navigation computers exposed to DO-160 Section 22 lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient clamp on main power rail, absorbing multi-stroke surges without degradation. Use Value: Enables compliance with DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and Section 22 multi-stroke testing while maintaining <10 μA leakage at 160 V standoff. | Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECU power supplies subjected to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS placed upstream of DC-DC converters to prevent overvoltage damage during alternator field collapse. Use Value: 18,000 W PPP rating and 0.7 °C/W RθJC allow repeated 120 V/100 ms load dump events without thermal runaway. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on 200 V DC bus lines feeding variable-frequency drives in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary clamp after upstream MOVs, limiting residual voltage to safe levels for IGBT gate drivers. Use Value: 259 V clamping at 10 A IPP ensures downstream silicon remains below 300 V absolute maximum rating during IEC 61000-4-5 42 Ω tests. | Use Scenario: Protection of 110 V DC signaling lines in European railway interlocking systems subject to EN 50121-3-2 conducted transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant family member (MPLAD18KP160CA) used for differential signal pair protection; unidirectional MPLAD18KP160A applied to power rails. Use Value: Validated Class 4 immunity with 2 Ω source impedance meets stringent EN 50121-3-2 surge test requirements for safety-critical infrastructure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160A | 600 W PPP rating, SMB package, RθJA = 40 °C/W, VWM = 160 V | Limited to single-stroke surges; not qualified for DO-160F or multi-stroke lightning | Select when cost-sensitive, non-aerospace designs require basic 160 V clamping with lower energy demands |
| SMCJ160A | 1500 W PPP rating, SMC package, RθJA = 25 °C/W, VWM = 160 V | Insufficient for DO-160F Level 4 or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4; lacks lot traceability | Use for industrial controls needing higher energy than SMBJ but below 18 kW requirements |
Compared with SMBJ160A and SMCJ160A, the MPLAD18KP160A provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, full aerospace qualification, metal-base thermal path, and MSL Level 1 handling - making it the only option for certified multi-stroke lightning protection in safety-critical platforms.
Availability
MPLAD18KP160A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power systems, and industrial motor drive DC bus protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and full traceability.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP160A 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, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD series belongs to Microsemi's high-power transient voltage suppressor product line, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load dump protection in mission-critical systems where thermal robustness, surge repeatability, and process traceability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP160A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP160A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 10 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value ensures downstream components remain within safe voltage limits during standardized surge events such as IEC 61000-4-5 and RTCA DO-160F. The clamping performance is verified across temperature and lot variations per AEC-Q101 stress testing.
Is MPLAD18KP160A suitable for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning testing?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP160A is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Its 18,000 W peak pulse power rating, low thermal resistance (0.7 °C/W), and metal-base construction enable repeatable performance across multiple stroke sequences without parameter shift or failure - a key requirement for aircraft-level certification that standard TVS diodes cannot meet.
Does MPLAD18KP160A require dry packing or baking before reflow soldering?
No, the MPLAD18KP160A is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) Level 1 per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it has unlimited floor life and does not require dry packing, vacuum sealing, or pre-reflow baking. This simplifies manufacturing logistics and eliminates moisture-related popcorning risks during lead-free reflow profiles.
How is polarity identified on the MPLAD18KP160A package?
The MPLAD18KP160A is unidirectional, with the cathode located on the metal base (bottom surface) of the package and the anode on the top-side solder pad. Polarity is confirmed by the device marking "MPLAD18KP160A" on the epoxy body and by the absence of "CA" suffix - which denotes bidirectional variants. Mounting must ensure the metal base makes low-impedance contact with the PCB ground plane.
What thermal derating applies to MPLAD18KP160A at elevated ambient temperatures?
The MPLAD18KP160A's peak pulse power (PPP) must be derated linearly above 25°C ambient, following the curve in Figure 3 of RF01215 Rev B. At 100°C case temperature, PPP drops to ~71 W for steady-state dissipation, but pulsed operation retains full 18,000 W capability if duty cycle remains ≤0.05% and junction temperature stays within –55°C to +150°C limits. Derating guidance is provided in MicroNote 134.
MPLAD18KP160A 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):
- 160V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 178V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 259V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 70A
- 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
MPLAD18KP160A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP160A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP160A 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 MPLAD18KP160A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP160A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP160A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP160A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP160A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP160A?
MPLAD18KP160A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP160A 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 MPLAD18KP160A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP160A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP160A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP160A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP160A 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 MPLAD18KP160A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP160A?
All MPLAD18KP160A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP160A, 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 MPLAD18KP160A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP160A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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