Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP160CAE3

Overview

MPLAD18KP160CAE3 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 at ≤259 V under 100 A impulse, and features a 160 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (178–197 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for aircraft avionics.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP160CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP160CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP160CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP160CAE3 equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4, and multi-stroke lightning compliance in DO-160 Section 22.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a bidirectional clamping device with symmetrical avalanche breakdown behavior across both polarities. Its low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) enables efficient heat transfer to the PCB copper pad or heatsink, supporting repetitive surge duty cycles ≤0.05%. The device uses silicon avalanche junction technology with void-free epoxy molding (UL94V-0) and tin-plated terminals compliant with MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.

It is characterized for operation from −55 °C to +150 °C, with standby current ID ≤10 μA at VWM and temperature coefficient αV(BR) = 195 mV/°C. Clamping response time is <5 ns, and forward surge capability supports IFSM = 1500 A at 8.3 ms half-sine waveform.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Power Leadless Array Device), thermoset epoxy body with metal base cathode contact; dimensions 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.33 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈1 g; RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating (e3 suffix).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ160CA and SMCJ160CA, the MPLAD18KP160CAE3 provides 30× higher peak pulse power, certified DO-160F pin injection performance, and validated multi-stroke lightning endurance - making it uniquely suitable for aerospace and high-reliability industrial deployments where single-event robustness is non-negotiable.

Availability

MPLAD18KP160CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive inputs requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP160CAE3 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 radiation-hardened ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in mission-critical systems - emphasizing thermal performance, multi-stroke surge endurance, and compliance with RTCA DO-160, IEC 61000-4-5, and AEC-Q101 standards.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP160CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP160CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 259 V at 100 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The MPLAD18KP160CAE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range when properly mounted on a thermally optimized PCB pad layout.

Is MPLAD18KP160CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MPLAD18KP160CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive electronic systems including engine control units, ADAS modules, and infotainment systems. It meets stress-test requirements for temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. However, its primary design emphasis is aerospace-grade reliability - evidenced by DO-160F testing - so it exceeds typical automotive surge immunity needs while supporting long-term field deployment.

Does MPLAD18KP160CAE3 require special handling or baking before reflow soldering?

No, MPLAD18KP160CAE3 is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it may be stored indefinitely at ambient conditions without dry packing or pre-reflow baking. This eliminates moisture-related popcorning risk during lead-free reflow and simplifies manufacturing logistics for high-volume SMT lines using standard JEDEC-compliant processes.

How does the thermal design of MPLAD18KP160CAE3 differ from standard SMB/SMC TVS diodes?

The MPLAD18KP160CAE3 features a metal-base package with RθJC = 0.7 °C/W - over 30× lower than typical SMB (RθJC ≈ 25 °C/W) or SMC (RθJC ≈ 15 °C/W) devices. This requires direct soldering of the cathode metal base to a large copper thermal pad or heatsink. Unlike leaded packages, its thermal path is vertical through the base, not lateral through leads - making pad layout critical to achieving rated 18 kW pulse power.

Can MPLAD18KP160CAE3 be used for both AC and DC line protection?

Yes, MPLAD18KP160CAE3 is bidirectional and functions identically on AC or DC lines. Its symmetrical V-I characteristics allow clamping of positive and negative transients relative to the reference plane. For AC mains applications, it must be paired with appropriate upstream fusing and filtering; for DC systems like 28 V avionics buses, it provides direct protection at the board edge. Its 160 V VWM makes it ideal for 120/240 VAC-derived DC rails or 115 VAC RMS systems.