Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP16CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP16CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP16CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 16VWM 26VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,835
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP16CAE3 from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 16 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤26.0 V at 693 A peak impulse current (IPP), and exhibits 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance - enabling robust secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 and RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP16CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP16CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP16CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP16CAE3 equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus and signal line protection where multi-stroke lightning immunity, low clamping voltage under extreme surge, and RoHS-compliant SMT integration are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown structure optimized for fast response (<5 ns clamping time) and stable breakdown voltage (17.8–19.7 V at I(BR)) across temperature. Its metal-base package provides direct thermal path to PCB copper, supporting sustained energy dissipation with RθJC = 0.7 °C/W and RθJA = 50 °C/W on FR4.
Rated for bidirectional operation, MPLAD18KP16CAE3 meets IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (lightning) with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances - validated for Class 1–5 protection levels depending on impedance configuration. It is AEC-Q101 qualified and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains full-rated lightning surge without failure under defined duty cycle |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 16 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 17.8–19.7 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on margin above operating rail |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC @ IPP) | 26.0 V @ 693 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction-to-Case) | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or copper plane |
| Standby Current (ID @ VWM) | 10 μA max - negligible leakage at rated working voltage |
| Clamping Response Time | <5 ns - sub-nanosecond turn-on ensures protection of fast-edge digital interfaces |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode/Cathode) with metal base cathode terminal. Void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; polarity marked by cathode on metal base (bottom side).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top Side Pad) | Positive surge path input | Connects to protected line; forms bidirectional conduction path with cathode |
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Common reference / heat sink interface | Must be soldered to large copper area for thermal management and low-inductance return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional surge suppression | Protects AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity constraints |
| 18 kW peak pulse rating | Meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning for aircraft avionics |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Enables >70 W steady-state dissipation when mounted on heatsink |
| RoHS-compliant (e3) | Lead-free matte-tin plating compatible with Pb-free reflow profiles (260°C/10s) |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive underhood and powertrain applications |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data buses and sensor inputs in commercial aircraft against lightning-induced transients per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary secondary surge clamp on unshielded wiring harnesses interfacing with flight control units. Use Value: Limits induced surges to ≤26.0 V, preserving integrity of 3.3 V/5 V logic interfaces without additional series impedance. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V battery-fed ECUs during alternator load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power shunt protector placed at ECU input filter stage, upstream of DC-DC converters. Use Value: Absorbs 18,000 W pulses while maintaining clamping below 30 V, preventing overvoltage damage to downstream regulators. |
| Industrial DC Power Rail Protection | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Securing 24 V DC control rails in PLC I/O modules exposed to inductive switching transients and EFT bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS across power and ground, integrated into PCB-level EMC filter layout. Use Value: Sub-5 ns clamping prevents latch-up in microcontrollers and isolators during repetitive 5 kHz EFT noise injection. |
Use Scenario: Shielding trackside signaling circuits (EN 50121-3-2 compliant) from coupling transients induced by nearby traction currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp on RS-485 differential pairs and 110 V DC auxiliary supply lines. Use Value: Withstands 42 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 surges while maintaining signal integrity due to symmetric clamping behavior. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ16CA | 600 W rating, 16 V VWM, SMB package, RθJC ≈ 15 °C/W | Lower energy handling; suitable only for single-stroke or low-duty-cycle surges | Select when cost and board space constrain use of high-power TVS, and surge threat level is limited to IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2 |
| SMCJ16CA | 1500 W rating, 16 V VWM, SMC package, RθJC ≈ 3.5 °C/W | Intermediate power capability; lacks multi-stroke lightning validation per DO-160 | Choose for industrial automation where AEC-Q101 or DO-160 compliance is not required but higher energy than SMBJ is needed |
Compared with SMBJ16CA and SMCJ16CA, MPLAD18KP16CAE3 delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with verified multi-stroke lightning performance and superior thermal management - making it the only option for mission-critical aerospace and heavy-duty automotive load dump protection.
Availability
MPLAD18KP16CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive powertrain electronics, and industrial DC power systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP16CAE3 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 (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-energy transient suppression in safety-critical platforms where DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-5 compliance are mandatory - emphasizing thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and SMT manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP16CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP16CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 26.0 V at 693 A peak impulse current (IPP), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe operating voltage limits during worst-case surge events, and is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range.
Is MPLAD18KP16CAE3 certified for automotive applications?
Yes, MPLAD18KP16CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its reliability for automotive use cases including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power supplies. It also supports optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening for extended temperature and burn-in requirements beyond standard automotive grades.
How does the metal-base package of MPLAD18KP16CAE3 improve thermal performance?
The metal base of MPLAD18KP16CAE3 serves as both the cathode terminal and primary thermal conduction path, achieving a junction-to-case thermal resistance of just 0.7 °C/W. When soldered to a large copper pad or heatsink, this enables effective dissipation of both transient energy and steady-state leakage power - critical for high-duty-cycle or multi-stroke surge environments.
Can MPLAD18KP16CAE3 be used for bidirectional signal line protection?
Yes, the 'CA' suffix confirms MPLAD18KP16CAE3 is a bidirectional TVS, making it suitable for protecting AC-coupled or floating differential interfaces such as RS-485, CAN, or Ethernet PHY lines. Its symmetrical clamping characteristics ensure equal protection for positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity.
What standards does MPLAD18KP16CAE3 meet for lightning surge immunity?
MPLAD18KP16CAE3 is validated for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances (Classes 1–5 depending on impedance), and meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (Level 4) and Waveform 5A (Level 4) for aircraft lightning indirect effects - confirmed in Microsemi's RF01215 datasheet Rev B.
MPLAD18KP16CAE3 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):
- 16V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.8V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 26V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 693A
- 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
MPLAD18KP16CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP16CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP16CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP16CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP16CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP16CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP16CAE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP16CAE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP16CAE3?
MPLAD18KP16CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP16CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP16CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP16CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP16CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP16CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP16CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP16CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP16CAE3?
All MPLAD18KP16CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP16CAE3, 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 MPLAD18KP16CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP16CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP16CAE3 Tags

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