Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP180CA

Overview

MPLAD18KP180CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps transients to ≤291 V at 10 A IPP, and features a 180 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 200–221 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and <5 ns response time. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP180CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP180CA pinout, MPLAD18KP180CA application, or MPLAD18KP180CA equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection where multi-stroke lightning immunity, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant surface-mount packaging are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

This bidirectional TVS operates symmetrically across both polarities, enabling robust protection against bipolar transients without polarity sensitivity. Its silicon avalanche structure provides sub-5 ns clamping response and stable breakdown characteristics with ±5% V(BR) tolerance and 219 mV/°C temperature coefficient.

Designed for high-current surge handling, it sustains 10 A peak impulse current (IPP) at 291 V clamping while maintaining low standby leakage (<10 μA @ 180 V) and supports steady-state dissipation up to 2.5 W at 25°C ambient. Thermal performance is optimized via metal-base mounting for direct heat sinking, achieving RθJA = 50 °C/W on FR4 with recommended pad layout.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPLAD18KP180CA uses a surface-mount, metal-base package (PLAD) with cathode connected to the exposed metal baseplate (bottom side). The device has two terminals: anode and cathode, configured symmetrically for bidirectional operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ180CA and SMCJ180CA, the MPLAD18KP180CA delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with validated thermal performance for repeated surges and formal qualification to aerospace and automotive standards - making it the only option for certified safety-critical DC bus protection.

Availability

MPLAD18KP180CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive 48V systems, industrial motor drives, and railway signaling applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP180CA 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) designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial markets, with expertise in radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and power protection components.

The MPLAD18KP180CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning immunity and thermal survivability in mission-critical DC power distribution systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP180CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP180CA exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 291 V when subjected to a 10 A peak impulse 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 circuitry during surge events. The clamping behavior remains stable across temperature due to the device's specified 219 mV/°C temperature coefficient of V(BR).

Is MPLAD18KP180CA qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP180CA is explicitly tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 for discrete semiconductors. Its construction, wafer lot traceability, surge testing, and thermal performance meet the stress requirements for automotive powertrain and chassis modules. Documentation confirms compliance in RF01215 Rev B, including humidity, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock validation.

How does the metal baseplate of MPLAD18KP180CA affect PCB layout?

The metal baseplate of MPLAD18KP180CA serves as the cathode terminal and primary thermal path. It must be soldered to a large copper pour (per recommended pad layout in RF01215 Rev B) to achieve the specified RθJC = 0.7 °C/W. Improper thermal land design increases junction temperature rise during surge events and may cause premature failure. The baseplate also provides EMI shielding when grounded.

Does MPLAD18KP180CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP180CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Specifically, it achieves Level 4 pin injection protection for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and supports Level 4 and 5 testing depending on VWM selection. Data sheet RF01215 Rev B lists MPLAD18KP180CA in the Level 4 group for Waveform 4 and Level 5 group up to 130 V VWM - confirming its suitability for certified avionics designs.

What is the difference between MPLAD18KP180CA and MPLAD18KP180A?

The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP180CA denotes bidirectional construction, whereas "A" indicates unidirectional. Both share identical 180 V VWM, 200–221 V V(BR), and 291 V VC ratings, but the CA version clamps symmetrically for both positive and negative transients. Unidirectional MPLAD18KP180A conducts only during reverse-biased surges and requires correct polarity orientation in-circuit.