Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP160AE3

Overview

MPLAD18KP160AE3 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. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP160AE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP160AE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP160AE3 application, or MPLAD18KP160AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 160 V VWM rating, 18 kW surge capability, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, low-profile SMD package with metal-base cathode, and compliance with aircraft-level transients per DO-160F Waveform 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω source impedance.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with sensitive circuitry, activating above its 160 V standoff threshold to divert surge current away from downstream components. Its silicon avalanche structure ensures fast response (<100 ps) and stable clamping performance across -55°C to +150°C operating range.

Thermal design is critical: with RθJC = 0.7 °C/W and RθJA = 50 °C/W on FR4, it requires direct thermal coupling to a heatsink or copper pour to sustain repeated 18 kW pulses at ≤0.05% duty cycle. The metal base serves as both cathode terminal and primary thermal path.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Surface-mount, low-profile void-free thermosetting epoxy body (UL94V-0), metal base cathode, tin-plated terminals (RoHS-compliant e3 finish). Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1 g. Cathode is the entire metal underside of the package.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ160A and SMCJ160A, the MPLAD18KP160AE3 provides >12× higher peak pulse power, 35× lower thermal resistance, and certified compliance with aviation and automotive surge standards-making it the only viable option for mission-critical, high-repetition-rate transient suppression.

Availability

MPLAD18KP160AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP160AE3 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 power management solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD18KP160AE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load dump compliance in harsh-environment electronics.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP160AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP160AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 10 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01215 datasheet and ensures downstream components experience no more than 259 V during standardized surge events. The clamping performance remains stable across its full operating temperature range of -55°C to +150°C.

Is MPLAD18KP160AE3 suitable for bidirectional surge protection?

No, MPLAD18KP160AE3 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix (not "CA"). It conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events and must be oriented with its cathode (metal base) toward the protected circuit's ground or low-side reference. For bidirectional protection, Microsemi offers the MPLAD18KP160CA variant, which clamps symmetrically for AC or floating-rail applications.

Does MPLAD18KP160AE3 require derating at elevated ambient temperatures?

Yes, MPLAD18KP160AE3 requires thermal derating above 25°C ambient. Its steady-state power dissipation drops from 2.5 W at TA = 25°C to zero at TA = 100°C, per the derating curve in Figure 3 of RF01215. Peak pulse power also decreases with increasing case temperature; for sustained operation, the device must be mounted on a heatsink or ≥2 oz copper to maintain TJ ≤ 150°C during repetitive surges.

What packaging options are available for MPLAD18KP160AE3?

MPLAD18KP160AE3 is supplied in bulk or tape-and-reel format. To order tape-and-reel, append "TR" to the part number (e.g., MPLAD18KP160AE3TR). Standard reel packaging complies with EIA-481-B specifications. The device weighs approximately 1 gram and uses RoHS-compliant matte-tin (e3) plating on all terminals for reliable lead-free soldering.

How is the polarity marked on MPLAD18KP160AE3?

The MPLAD18KP160AE3 uses the metal base as its cathode terminal, and polarity is indicated physically-not by marking. The top surface contains the anode metallization, while the entire underside is the cathode. Per the datasheet: "The cathode is the metal base under the body of this device." No silkscreen or laser marking denotes polarity; correct orientation is achieved by aligning the metal base to the PCB's designated cathode pad (typically connected to ground or low-side reference).