Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP17A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP17A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP17A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 17VWM 27.6VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,469
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP17A from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial power rails. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps to ≤27.6 V at 653 A, and features a 17 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 18.9–20.9 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 for Waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP17A datasheet, MPLAD18KP17A pinout, MPLAD18KP17A application, or MPLAD18KP17A equivalent, this device is selected for lightning robustness in avionics power distribution, load dump suppression in 12–24 V vehicle systems, and secondary IEC 61000-4-5 compliance with 42 Ω source impedance up to Class 5.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP17A employs a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio and minimal thermal resistance. Its metal-base package enables direct heatsinking, supporting sustained surge handling under multi-stroke conditions per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. The device operates with <100 ps response time and exhibits a +18 mV/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage.
It is rated for junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C and achieves 50 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 with recommended pad layout. Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at 17 V, and forward clamping remains ≤2.0 V at 500 A, enabling effective bidirectional protection when paired with complementary devices.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft lightning strike energy without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 17 V - matches nominal 12–15 V DC systems while allowing margin for ripple and transients |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 27.6 V max @ 653 A - limits downstream IC stress below 30 V absolute maximum ratings |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 18.9–20.9 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable avalanche initiation before system overvoltage damage |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink |
| Leakage Current (ID) | 10 μA @ 17 V - negligible standby power loss in always-on vehicle modules |
| Response Time | <100 ps - activates faster than MOSFET gate oxide breakdown during ESD/EFT events |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-Profile Anode-Down) with metal baseplate for thermal conduction. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1 g. Cathode terminal is the exposed metal base; anode is top-side lead.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top-side lead) | Positive input terminal for unidirectional surge path | Connected to protected line; current flows anode→cathode during positive transients |
| Cathode (metal baseplate) | Reference/return terminal and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink; serves as both electrical return and primary heat path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 18 kW surge rating with 10/1000 μs waveform | Validated for multi-stroke lightning per RTCA DO-160 Section 22, eliminating need for external spark gaps |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Enables >10× higher steady-state power dissipation vs. standard SMC packages under identical PCB layout |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Guarantees reliability for automotive under-hood applications including alternator load dump at 125 °C ambient |
| RoHS-compliant (e3) matte-tin plating | Ensures compatibility with lead-free reflow profiles up to 260 °C and eliminates tin whisker risk |
| Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows unlimited floor life without dry pack or baking-reducing manufacturing overhead and handling risk |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC bus in flight control computers against induced lightning currents per DO-160F Waveform 4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed upstream of DC-DC converters and FPGA power inputs. Use Value: Limits transient overshoot to ≤27.6 V, preserving 30 V-rated input capacitors and avoiding brownout resets during multi-pulse events. | Use Scenario: Suppressing 12 V battery load dump spikes (>100 V, 400 ms) in diesel engine ECUs with CAN communication. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS mounted directly across battery input terminals, coordinated with upstream fuse. Use Value: Clamps peak to 27.6 V within 100 ps, preventing latch-up in 5 V LDOs and maintaining CAN transceiver operation during ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link | Railway Signaling Power Supply |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V auxiliary power rail in variable-frequency drives against IGBT switching-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after bulk MOV, placed adjacent to gate driver ICs. Use Value: Sub-100 ps response prevents false triggering of isolated gate drivers during dV/dt noise, reducing nuisance shutdowns. | Use Scenario: Securing 72 V DC backup supply in trackside signal controllers against indirect lightning coupling per EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable unidirectional TVS (paired with CA variant) used in redundant power input paths. Use Value: Withstands 42 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 surges (4 kV) without degradation, ensuring fail-safe operation over 15-year service life. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ17A (onsemi) | 600 W rating, 3.5 kW peak, 17 V VWM, SMC package, RθJC = 11 °C/W | Limited to single-stroke surges; not qualified for DO-160 or AEC-Q101 | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer-grade 12 V circuits with infrequent transients |
| SMCJ17A (Littelfuse) | 1500 W rating, 3.3 kW peak, 17 V VWM, SMC package, RθJC = 10.5 °C/W | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3 but lacks DO-160F Waveform 4 validation and AEC-Q101 | Acceptable for industrial PLC I/O modules where multi-stroke lightning immunity is not required |
Compared with SMBJ17A and SMCJ17A, the MPLAD18KP17A provides 30× higher peak power, 15× lower thermal resistance, and certified aerospace/automotive qualifications-making it the sole choice for safety-critical, multi-event surge environments where thermal runaway and long-term reliability are non-negotiable.
Availability
MPLAD18KP17A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive DC link applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP17A 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 components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments-targeting DO-160-compliant avionics and AEC-Q101-qualified automotive power systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP17A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP17A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 27.6 V at its peak pulse current (IPP) of 653 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and ensures protected circuitry remains within safe operating voltage margins during high-energy transients.
Is MPLAD18KP17A qualified for automotive under-hood use?
Yes, MPLAD18KP17A is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C. Its 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance and validated performance under ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a make it suitable for engine control units, battery management systems, and other under-hood automotive applications.
Does MPLAD18KP17A require special PCB layout for thermal management?
Yes - the cathode is the metal baseplate and must be soldered to a minimum 10 cm² copper area (per RF01215 pad layout) or attached to an external heatsink. Failure to provide adequate copper pour results in junction temperature exceeding 150 °C during repeated surges, degrading long-term reliability.
Can MPLAD18KP17A be used for bidirectional surge protection?
No - MPLAD18KP17A is unidirectional. For bidirectional protection, use the pin-compatible MPLAD18KP17CA variant. The "A" suffix denotes unidirectional polarity; "CA" indicates bidirectional construction with symmetrical clamping in both directions.
What standards does MPLAD18KP17A meet for lightning protection?
MPLAD18KP17A meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 for multi-stroke lightning, IEC 61000-4-5 (Class 1–5, 42 Ω source), and IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 for ESD/EFT. It is also validated for pin injection (Waveform 4, Level 4) and complies with RoHS (e3) and moisture sensitivity Level 1.
MPLAD18KP17A 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):
- 17V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 18.9V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 27.6V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 653A
- 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
MPLAD18KP17A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP17A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP17A 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 MPLAD18KP17A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP17A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP17A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP17A?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP17A?
MPLAD18KP17A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP17A 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 MPLAD18KP17A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP17A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP17A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP17A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP17A 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 MPLAD18KP17A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP17A?
All MPLAD18KP17A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP17A, 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 MPLAD18KP17A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP17A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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