Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP180A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP180A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP180A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 180VWM 291VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,115
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP180A 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 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤291 V under 100 A peak impulse current, and features a 180 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (200–221 V). Its low-profile thermoset epoxy package enables robust lightning protection per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP180A datasheet, MPLAD18KP180A pinout, MPLAD18KP180A application, or MPLAD18KP180A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability secondary surge suppression where precise VWM matching, sub-100 ns response time, thermal resistance <0.7 °C/W junction-to-case, and AEC-Q101 qualification are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP180A operates as a silicon avalanche diode configured for unidirectional clamping, with cathode on the metal baseplate for optimal thermal conduction. Its breakdown mechanism is defined by a tightly controlled 200–221 V V(BR) range at 5 mA test current and exhibits a +0.085 %/°C temperature coefficient (αV(BR)).
It meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 compliance when mounted per recommended pad layout on FR4, and supports secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances across Class 1–5 severity levels.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 180 V - Maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage the device blocks without clamping |
| V(BR) min/max | 200–221 V @ 5 mA - Ensures reliable avalanche initiation within 11% tolerance band at rated test current |
| VC @ IPP | 291 V @ 100 A - Clamping voltage limits downstream circuit stress during 10/1000 μs transients |
| PPP | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - Sustains multi-stroke lightning surges without degradation |
| RθJC | 0.7 °C/W - Enables direct mounting to heatsink for thermal management in high-duty-cycle applications |
| ID @ VWM | 10 μA max - Ultra-low leakage preserves system efficiency in standby and low-power modes |
| Response time | <100 ps - Sub-nanosecond turn-on prevents voltage overshoot before clamping engages |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount thermoset epoxy case (UL94V-0), void-free molded body with tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; metal baseplate serves as cathode terminal and primary thermal path.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top surface) | Transient current entry point | Connected to protected line; carries full surge current into avalanche junction |
| Cathode (metal baseplate) | Current return path & thermal interface | Soldered directly to PCB copper pour or heatsink; provides lowest RθJC and mechanical stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 18 kW peak pulse rating | Supports multi-stroke lightning events per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 without parametric shift |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive load dump and battery reversal conditions per stress test requirements |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Enables >71 W steady-state dissipation at TC = 100°C with minimal board area |
| Moisture sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and floor-life constraints for automated assembly |
| 3σ lot norm screening on ID | Guarantees ≤10 μA leakage across production lots for consistent system-level power budgeting |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Bus | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC aircraft power distribution lines against induced lightning transients per DO-160F Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed at bus entry point to clamp surges before reaching upstream regulators and microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands 18 kW pulses and maintains VWM ≥180 V to avoid false triggering during normal 28 V nominal operation with ripple. | Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V automotive battery-fed ECU inputs during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge clamp on power rail, coordinated with upstream fuse and downstream L-C filtering. Use Value: 291 V clamping voltage ensures MCU and CAN transceivers remain below absolute maximum ratings during 120 V/350 ms load dump events. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on 300–400 V DC link of variable-frequency drives exposed to switching-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS parallel to bulk capacitor, absorbing energy from IGBT commutation spikes. Use Value: 100 ps response time prevents voltage overshoot exceeding 291 V, preserving IGBT gate oxide integrity and snubber reliability. | Use Scenario: Surge protection for 110 V DC trackside signaling circuits subjected to induced surges from nearby traction currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS on signal input stage, compliant with EN 50121-4 immunity requirements. Use Value: 180 V VWM matches nominal rail voltage while providing 291 V clamping margin for 1 kV/2 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2 testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ180A | 600 W PPP rating, 200 V VWM, DO-214AA package, RθJC ≈ 35 °C/W | Lower energy handling; suitable only for single-stroke, non-aircraft applications | Select SMBJ180A only if surge duty cycle is <0.01% and thermal mass is sufficient to absorb 600 W peaks |
| SMCJ180A | 1500 W PPP rating, 180 V VWM, DO-214AB package, RθJC ≈ 12 °C/W | Lacks RTCA DO-160F qualification and AEC-Q101 validation | Use SMCJ180A for cost-sensitive industrial controls where multi-stroke lightning compliance is not required |
Compared with SMBJ180A and SMCJ180A, the MPLAD18KP180A delivers 30× higher peak pulse power, 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance for direct heatsinking, and formal DO-160F/IEC 61000-4-5 certification-making it the sole choice for aerospace-grade, multi-stroke, high-reliability surge suppression.
Availability
MPLAD18KP180A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power rails, and industrial motor drive DC links requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge performance.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP180A 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, RF, timing, and power solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP180A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical systems where thermal robustness and qualification compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP180A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP180A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 291 V at 100 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per standard test methods and guarantees that downstream components see no more than 291 V during worst-case surge events, provided the device is mounted per the recommended pad layout and thermal interface.
Does the MPLAD18KP180A meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP180A is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. This includes stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity bias, high-temperature operating life, and surge robustness-ensuring suitability for automotive engine control units and other harsh-environment applications where reliability is mission-critical.
How is polarity identified on the MPLAD18KP180A package?
The MPLAD18KP180A is unidirectional, with the cathode located on the metal baseplate (underside) of the device. The anode is the top metallized surface. Polarity is confirmed by the "A" suffix in the part number and by the marking on the body, which aligns with the cathode-down orientation required for optimal thermal and electrical performance.
Can the MPLAD18KP180A be used for bidirectional surge protection?
No, the MPLAD18KP180A is strictly unidirectional. For bidirectional protection at 180 V standoff, the correct variant is MPLAD18KP180CA. Using the "A" version in a bidirectional configuration will result in forward conduction and potential failure during negative transients, as it lacks symmetrical avalanche characteristics.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-case (RθJC) for the MPLAD18KP180A, and why does it matter?
The MPLAD18KP180A has a specified RθJC of 0.7 °C/W. This exceptionally low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon junction to the PCB copper pour or external heatsink, allowing sustained operation at high ambient temperatures and supporting >71 W steady-state dissipation at 100°C case temperature-critical for compact, high-power-density designs.
MPLAD18KP180A 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):
- 180V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 200V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 291V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 62A
- 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
MPLAD18KP180A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP180A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP180A 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 MPLAD18KP180A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP180A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP180A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP180A?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP180A?
MPLAD18KP180A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP180A 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 MPLAD18KP180A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP180A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP180A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP180A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP180A 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 MPLAD18KP180A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP180A?
All MPLAD18KP180A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP180A, 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 MPLAD18KP180A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP180A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP180A Tags

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