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Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP160CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP160CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP160CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 160VWM 259VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,896
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP160CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤259 V under 100 A peak impulse current, and features a 160 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (178–197 V). It meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP160CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP160CA pinout, MPLAD18KP160CA application, or MPLAD18KP160CA equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection in avionics power distribution units, engine control modules, and airborne communication interfaces where multi-stroke lightning immunity and low thermal resistance are critical.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP160CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<5 ns clamping time) and low junction-to-case thermal resistance (0.7 °C/W), enabling efficient heat dissipation during repetitive transients. Its bidirectional construction provides symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity sensitivity.
It is characterized per IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) standards, with validated performance at 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances - supporting compliance across multiple severity classes in aircraft and industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains full-rated lightning surge energy without degradation |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 160 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 178–197 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on margin above operating rail |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 259 V @ 100 A IPP - limits downstream voltage stress to safe levels during surge |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJC) | 0.7 °C/W - enables direct mounting to heatsink for high-duty-cycle operation |
| Clamping Time | <5 ns - responds faster than most system-level protection ICs to suppress fast-rising transients |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 160 V - negligible leakage in standby, preserving battery life in always-on systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anodeless Diode) with metal base cathode termination; void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.33 mm (L×W×H); weight ≈1 g; RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Top Surface (Anode side) | Anode connection | Electrically isolated metal-free surface; soldered to PCB trace or ground plane |
| Bottom Metal Base | Cathode connection | Primary thermal path and electrical return; must be soldered to copper pour or heatsink |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Enables use on AC-coupled data lines or ungrounded power rails without polarity constraints |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Validated for 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients up to 160 V VWM devices - required for commercial aircraft avionics |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 support (42 Ω source) | Meets full range of secondary lightning test levels without external impedance matching networks |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | No dry-pack or bake-out required before reflow - simplifies SMT assembly and reduces cost |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified for automotive under-hood applications including engine control and transmission modules |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Distribution Unit | Automotive Engine Control Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC main bus against lightning-induced surges in aircraft auxiliary power units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TVS clamp at bus entry point, absorbing multi-stroke DO-160 Section 22 transients. Use Value: 18 kW rating and <5 ns response ensure bus voltage stays below 259 V during 10/1000 μs surges, preventing downstream converter latch-up. | Use Scenario: Surge suppression on 12 V sensor supply lines exposed to load dump events in gasoline/diesel engine bays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient clamp on ungrounded analog sensor inputs (e.g., MAP, TPS). Use Value: 160 V VWM matches boosted alternator output; 0.7 °C/W RθJC allows direct heatsink mounting for repeated 12 V load dump cycles. |
| Avionics Data Interface | Railway Signaling Controller |
Use Scenario: Pin-level protection for ARINC 429 or MIL-STD-1553B receivers connected to external antennas or wiring harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after front-end filtering, handling fast ESD/EFT coupling into data lines. Use Value: Sub-5 ns clamping time prevents bit errors during 8 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2, preserving data integrity. | Use Scenario: DC traction control logic board protection against induced surges from nearby switching of high-current contactors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS on 24 V control bus feeding PLC I/O modules. Use Value: Validated IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 performance at 12 Ω source ensures immunity to 4 kV surges in EN 50121-4 compliant rail systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ160CA | 600 W PPP rating, 5.0 mm × 3.5 mm SMB package, RθJC ≈ 25 °C/W | Limited to single-stroke or low-duty-cycle surges; unsuitable for DO-160 multi-stroke testing | Select only for cost-sensitive industrial controls where 18 kW rating is unnecessary |
| SMCJ160CA | 1500 W PPP, 7.2 mm × 6.2 mm SMC package, RθJC ≈ 10 °C/W | Cannot meet RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 at 42 Ω | Acceptable for automotive ECU secondary protection but not primary aircraft bus protection |
Compared with SMBJ160CA and SMCJ160CA, the MPLAD18KP160CA delivers over 12× higher peak power handling and 35× lower thermal resistance - enabling robust, repeatable lightning protection in mission-critical aerospace platforms where thermal accumulation and multi-event survivability are mandatory.
Availability
MPLAD18KP160CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive engine control, avionics interface protection, and railway signaling systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP160CA 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 semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and surge protection components.
The MPLAD18KP160CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for DO-160-compliant lightning protection in airborne electronics and AEC-Q101-qualified automotive systems demanding multi-stroke endurance.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP160CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP160CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V when subjected to a 100 A peak impulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01215 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The MPLAD18KP160CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55°C to +150°C) with minimal derating.
Does MPLAD18KP160CA require special PCB layout considerations for thermal management?
Yes - the MPLAD18KP160CA relies on its metal base cathode for thermal conduction, so the bottom surface must be soldered to a minimum 10 cm² copper pour or directly to an external heatsink. The recommended pad layout (Ref. RF01215, Page 7) specifies 12.32 mm × 10.54 mm solder land with thermal vias to inner layers. Failure to implement adequate copper area increases junction temperature beyond 150°C, reducing surge endurance. The MPLAD18KP160CA's 0.7 °C/W RθJC assumes optimal thermal mounting per datasheet guidelines.
Is MPLAD18KP160CA certified for automotive applications?
Yes - the MPLAD18KP160CA is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for under-hood automotive use, including engine control modules and transmission control units. It meets load dump immunity per ISO 7637-2 and supports 12 V/24 V systems with VWM = 160 V. Its bidirectional construction allows deployment on floating sensor lines, and its moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1) eliminates pre-bake requirements in SMT manufacturing. The MPLAD18KP160CA also complies with IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) up to ±15 kV air/±8 kV contact.
How does MPLAD18KP160CA differ from unidirectional variants like MPLAD18KP160A?
The MPLAD18KP160CA is bidirectional, providing symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, while MPLAD18KP160A is unidirectional and conducts only in reverse bias. This makes the MPLAD18KP160CA suitable for AC-coupled or floating circuits (e.g., differential data lines, transformer-isolated supplies), whereas MPLAD18KP160A is used on grounded DC rails. Both share identical PPP (18 kW), VWM (160 V), and thermal specs, but the CA variant's bidirectional V-I curve ensures equal protection polarity - critical for avionics signal integrity.
Can MPLAD18KP160CA be used in parallel for higher surge current handling?
No - the MPLAD18KP160CA is not designed for parallel operation due to mismatch in dynamic impedance and avalanche turn-on characteristics. Even minor V(BR) variation (±5%) between units causes current hogging, leading to premature failure of one device. For higher current capability, select a higher-rated variant (e.g., MPLAD18KP200CA) or consult Microsemi's application note AN-132 for staged protection architectures using series ferrites and coordinated TVS stages. The MPLAD18KP160CA's 18 kW rating is intended as a single-point solution.
MPLAD18KP160CA 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):
- 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
MPLAD18KP160CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP160CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP160CA 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 MPLAD18KP160CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP160CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP160CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP160CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP160CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP160CA?
MPLAD18KP160CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP160CA 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 MPLAD18KP160CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP160CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP160CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP160CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP160CA 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 MPLAD18KP160CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP160CA?
All MPLAD18KP160CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP160CA, 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 MPLAD18KP160CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP160CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP160CA Tags
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