Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP170A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP170A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP170A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 170VWM 275VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,410
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP170A 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, features a 170 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤275 V at 10 A IPP, and exhibits <100 ps response time. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP170A datasheet, MPLAD18KP170A pinout, MPLAD18KP170A application, or MPLAD18KP170A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 170 V VWM rating, 275 V max clamping voltage at 10 A, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and suitability for multi-stroke lightning protection per DO-160 Section 22.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP170A employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio and minimal thermal resistance. Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct heatsinking, supporting sustained surge handling under repetitive 0.05% duty cycle conditions. The device operates within –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and maintains stable breakdown voltage with ±0.095 %/°C temperature coefficient.
It is characterized for 10/1000 μs waveform compliance and validated for IEC 61000-4-2 ESD (±30 kV contact), IEC 61000-4-4 EFT (40 A), and IEC 61000-4-5 surge (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances). Pin injection immunity per DO-160F Waveform 4 is confirmed up to Level 4 at 170 V VWM.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft-grade lightning transients without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 170 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before clamping initiates |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 275 V @ 10 A IPP - limits downstream circuit voltage during surge events |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink |
| Response Time | <100 ps - ensures sub-nanosecond turn-on for fast-rising transients |
| Steady-State Power Dissipation | 2.5 W @ TA = 25°C - supports continuous biasing in low-power protection circuits |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | Level 1 per J-STD-020B - no dry pack or bake required prior to reflow |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Power Leadless Array Device) with metal base cathode termination. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈1 g; UL94V-0 epoxy body; matte-tin (e3) RoHS-compliant plating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top surface pad) | Transient current entry point | Connected to protected line; carries full surge current into device |
| Cathode (metal base) | Current return path & thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for thermal management |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMT package with metal base | Enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper, reducing RθJA to 50 °C/W on FR4 |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood environments including temperature cycling and humidity testing |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Withstands 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients up to 170 V VWM without degradation |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection | Rated for 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances - covers full aircraft system zoning |
| 3σ lot norm screening on standby current (ID) | Ensures consistent leakage performance across production lots, critical for high-impedance sensing nodes |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Bus Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 28 V DC distribution bus in commercial aircraft flight control systems exposed to DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient clamp on main power rail; absorbs >15 kA surges while limiting bus voltage to <275 V. Use Value: Enables compliance with RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and eliminates need for bulky discrete MOV+gas tube stacks. | Use Scenario: 12 V/24 V battery-fed ECU input in heavy-duty trucks experiencing ISO 7637-2 Load Dump pulses up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed upstream of DC-DC converter input; clamps within 100 ps to protect switching regulator ICs. Use Value: Withstands 18 kW surges without derating at 100°C ambient, extending ECU lifetime beyond 15-year vehicle service life. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link Protection | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: 300–400 V DC link in variable frequency drives subjected to IGBT switching transients and induced RFI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-mounted TVS across DC bus capacitors; diverts high-frequency ringing energy away from sensitive gate drivers. Use Value: 0.7 °C/W RθJC allows mounting directly to aluminum heatsink, maintaining clamping performance over 10⁵ surge cycles. | Use Scenario: 110 V DC signaling lines in European railway interlocking systems requiring EN 50121-3-2 surge immunity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant (MPLAD18KP170CA) used on isolated RS-485 data lines; suppresses common-mode surges induced by traction current switching. Use Value: Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 with 12 Ω source impedance - exceeds EN 50121-3-2 Level 4 requirements by 30% margin. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ170A | 600 W PPP rating, 5.0 mm × 3.5 mm SMB package, RθJC = 25 °C/W | Limited to single-stroke surges; not qualified for DO-160 or AEC-Q101 | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs multi-stroke reliability and aerospace certification needs |
| SMCJ170A | 1500 W PPP, 7.1 mm × 6.2 mm SMC package, RθJC = 15 °C/W | Insufficient for 18 kW lightning events; requires parallel devices for equivalent energy handling | Choose only for space-constrained industrial designs where 10× lower surge energy is acceptable |
Compared with SMBJ170A and SMCJ170A, the MPLAD18KP170A provides 30× higher peak pulse power, certified qualification for aviation and automotive use, and integrated thermal path enabling single-device 18 kW protection - eliminating board area, BOM count, and thermal interface complexity.
Availability
MPLAD18KP170A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive power electronics, and industrial motor drive applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge immunity.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP170A 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 solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD series was developed to address multi-stroke lightning protection in safety-critical platforms, combining ultra-high PPP with surface-mount manufacturability and AEC-Q101/MIL-PRF-19500 screening readiness.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP170A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP170A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 275 V at 10 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage during surge events. The clamping performance remains stable across –55°C to +150°C operating junction temperature, making MPLAD18KP170A suitable for engine bay and avionics bay deployments where thermal extremes occur.
Is the MPLAD18KP170A qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP170A is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock. It is specifically designed for automotive load dump and alternator surge protection in 24 V systems. Its 170 V VWM rating aligns with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b requirements, and its 18,000 W PPP rating exceeds typical automotive surge energy demands by a factor of 3–5, ensuring robust field reliability for MPLAD18KP170A in powertrain and chassis ECUs.
How does the thermal design of the MPLAD18KP170A differ from standard SMB/SMC TVS diodes?
The MPLAD18KP170A uses a metal-base PLAD package with direct-junction-to-case thermal path (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), unlike SMB/SMC packages that rely on leadframe conduction (RθJC ≥15 °C/W). This allows the MPLAD18KP170A to dissipate surge energy into PCB copper or external heatsinks without thermal bottlenecking. When mounted per recommended pad layout on 2 oz. copper, MPLAD18KP170A achieves RθJA = 50 °C/W - enabling full 18 kW rating at 100°C ambient, whereas SMB/SMC variants derate significantly above 70°C.
Can the MPLAD18KP170A be used for bidirectional protection?
No - the MPLAD18KP170A is unidirectional. For bidirectional operation, the designated variant is MPLAD18KP170CA, which features symmetrical breakdown in both polarities and identical 18,000 W PPP rating. The "A" suffix denotes unidirectional polarity; "CA" indicates bidirectional construction. Both share identical package dimensions and thermal characteristics, but MPLAD18KP170A must only be used in DC-biased circuits where reverse voltage is blocked by upstream components.
Does the MPLAD18KP170A require moisture-sensitive handling or baking before reflow?
No - the MPLAD18KP170A 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 baking. Its void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body and annealed matte-tin (e3) plating ensure robust solderability and resistance to popcorning during standard Pb-free reflow profiles (peak 260°C for 10 s). This simplifies manufacturing logistics and eliminates pre-reflow process steps for MPLAD18KP170A integration.
MPLAD18KP170A 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):
- 170V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 189V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 275V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 66A
- 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
MPLAD18KP170A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP170A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP170A 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 MPLAD18KP170A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP170A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP170A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP170A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP170A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP170A?
MPLAD18KP170A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP170A 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 MPLAD18KP170A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP170A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP170A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP170A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP170A 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 MPLAD18KP170A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP170A?
All MPLAD18KP170A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP170A, 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 MPLAD18KP170A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP170A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP170A Tags

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