Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP180CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP180CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP180CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 180VWM 291VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,581
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP180CAE3 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 180 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤291 V at 100 A IPP, and meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP180CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP180CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP180CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP180CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 180 V VWM rating, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and qualification per AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening options.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, activating above its breakdown voltage (V(BR) = 200–221 V) to divert surge current away from sensitive components. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting high-repetition-rate transients under ≤0.05% duty cycle conditions.
It complies with multiple standardized surge waveforms: RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 up to 180 V VWM, and IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances across Classes 1–5. Standby leakage (ID ≤ 10 μA @ 180 V) ensures minimal impact on normal operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 180 V - Maximum continuous DC or peak AC operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| V(BR) min/max | 200–221 V - Breakdown occurs within this range at I(BR), defining turn-on threshold consistency |
| VC @ IPP | ≤291 V @ 100 A - Clamping voltage during 10/1000 μs surge; limits downstream voltage stress |
| PPP | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - Peak power handling capacity determines survivability of multi-kA transients |
| RθJC | 0.7 °C/W - Low junction-to-case thermal resistance enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or PCB copper |
| ID @ VWM | ≤10 μA - Ultra-low leakage preserves signal integrity and power efficiency in standby |
| Package | Surface-mount PLAD - Void-free epoxy body with metal base for mechanical robustness and thermal conduction |
Pinout & Package
The MPLAD18KP180CAE3 uses a 2-terminal surface-mount PLAD package with the cathode connected to the exposed metal base (bottom side) and the anode accessible via the top-side metallization. Thermal performance relies on mounting the metal base directly to a thermally conductive pad or heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top metallization) | Surge current entry point for positive transients (bidirectional mode) | Connected to line/pin under protection; forms one side of clamping path |
| Cathode (metal base) | Common reference and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper area or heatsink; serves as ground return and primary heat sink path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects against both positive and negative polarity surges without external polarity management |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Validated for aircraft pin-injection immunity testing up to 180 V VWM, critical for avionics |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Meets automotive-grade reliability standards including temperature cycling, HTRB, and surge endurance |
| e3 RoHS-compliant plating | Matte-tin terminal finish compatible with lead-free reflow processes and IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity |
| Low RθJC (0.7 °C/W) | Enables sustained multi-stroke surge capability when mounted on thermally optimized PCB pads or heatsinks |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC power inputs in flight control computers subjected to lightning-induced transients per DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands repeated 18 kW surges while maintaining <10 μA leakage, preserving system uptime and meeting FAA airworthiness requirements. | Use Scenario: Guarding ECU power rails against load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b) and alternator switching spikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response parallel surge diverter located at main power entry point before LDO regulators. Use Value: Clamps 180 V transients to ≤291 V within <5 ns, preventing latch-up or damage to 5 V/3.3 V logic domains. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Controls | Railway Signaling Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Shielding PLC I/O modules from inductive kickback and EFT bursts in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS on 24 V sensor/power lines interfacing with contactors and solenoids. Use Value: Survives 1000+ surge cycles per IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) and 4-5 (lightning) due to low cumulative heating and wafer-level lot traceability. | Use Scenario: Securing trackside signaling equipment power and data lines against induced surges from nearby traction currents and lightning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT) front-end, absorbing residual energy. Use Value: Delivers precise 180 V clamping window with ±5% V(BR) tolerance, ensuring compatibility with EN 50121-3-2 immunity thresholds. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ180CA | 600 W PPP rating, SMC package, higher RθJA (50 °C/W), no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | General-purpose industrial use only; unsuitable for aviation or automotive safety-critical systems | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs reliability requirements and surge energy remains below 1 kA |
| SMCJ180CA | 1500 W PPP rating, same SMC package, lower clamping ratio, no military/aerospace screening options | Limited to non-safety-rated infrastructure; lacks RTCA DO-160F validation and thermal derating data | Choose for space-constrained designs where 18 kW capability is unnecessary and board-level thermal management is limited |
Compared with SMBJ180CA and SMCJ180CA, the MPLAD18KP180CAE3 provides over 12× higher peak pulse power, certified aerospace-grade surge resilience, and a thermally optimized metal-base package-making it the only option for mission-critical 180 V rail protection requiring multi-stroke lightning survival.
Availability
MPLAD18KP180CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive controls requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical deployments.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP180CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP180CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load-dump protection in safety-certified systems where thermal stability and waveform-specific compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP180CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP180CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 291 V when subjected to a 100 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per standard test methods and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events.
Is the MPLAD18KP180CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP180CAE3 is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use. It undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and surge endurance validation, making it suitable for engine control units, battery management systems, and other under-hood electronics subject to load dump and EFT.
Does the MPLAD18KP180CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP180CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 pin injection testing up to its 180 V VWM rating. It also supports Waveform 5A Level 4 for lower-voltage variants, but MPLAD18KP180CAE3 is specifically rated for Level 4 at 180 V.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MPLAD18KP180CAE3?
The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP180CAE3 denotes bidirectional construction. Unlike unidirectional variants ending in "A", this device clamps transients of either polarity symmetrically, eliminating the need for polarity-aware layout and enabling protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
What thermal considerations apply when mounting the MPLAD18KP180CAE3?
The MPLAD18KP180CAE3 requires mounting its metal base (cathode) to a thermally conductive pad or heatsink to achieve its specified RθJC of 0.7 °C/W. Use of recommended FR4 pad layout per RF01215 Rev B is essential; insufficient copper area causes thermal runaway during repetitive surges, degrading clamping performance and lifetime.
MPLAD18KP180CAE3 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):
- 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
MPLAD18KP180CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP180CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP180CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP180CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP180CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP180CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP180CAE3?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP180CAE3?
MPLAD18KP180CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP180CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP180CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP180CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP180CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP180CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP180CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP180CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP180CAE3?
All MPLAD18KP180CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP180CAE3, 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 MPLAD18KP180CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP180CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP180CAE3 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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