Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP20CA

Overview

MPLAD18KP20CA 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, clamps transients to ≤32.4 V at 556 A, and features a 20 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (22.2–24.5 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP20CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP20CA pinout, MPLAD18KP20CA application, or MPLAD18KP20CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 20 V working voltage, 32.4 V max clamping at 556 A, thermal resistance of 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 (Class 1–5, 42 Ω source) and RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to divert high-energy transients away from sensitive circuitry. Its low R_θJC (0.7 °C/W) enables effective heat transfer to a heatsink, supporting repeated surge events under ≤0.05% duty cycle per Figure 2. The device operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature and maintains stable clamping performance due to its <22 mV/°C temperature coefficient of V(BR).

It is specifically engineered for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances, and satisfies RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements. Pin injection immunity is validated for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs), with Level 4 coverage up to 200 V VWM and Level 5 up to 130 V VWM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anodeless Diode) - void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with metal base cathode contact; dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈1 g; RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ20CA and SMCJ20CA, the MPLAD18KP20CA provides 30× higher peak pulse power, 16× lower thermal resistance, and certified compliance with aviation and automotive surge standards-making it the only option for mission-critical, multi-stroke lightning protection in aerospace and heavy-duty automotive systems.

Availability

MPLAD18KP20CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power protection, and industrial motor drive control requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP20CA 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 analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD18KP20CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load dump resilience in safety-critical systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP20CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP20CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 32.4 V at its peak pulse current (I_PP) of 556 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per datasheet Figure 3 and ensures downstream components see no more than 32.4 V during worst-case surge events. The low clamping ratio (V_C/V_WM ≈ 1.62) reflects high surge-handling efficiency specific to the MPLAD18KP20CA design.

Is MPLAD18KP20CA suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP20CA is explicitly tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. Its 20 V VWM and 32.4 V clamping align with 12 V/24 V automotive battery line protection needs, and its 18 kW rating handles ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump transients. This AEC-Q101 validation applies directly to the MPLAD18KP20CA, not just the family.

How does the PLAD package of MPLAD18KP20CA improve thermal performance compared to standard SMC or SMB packages?

The PLAD package of MPLAD18KP20CA features a metal base cathode that serves as both electrical terminal and thermal interface, achieving R_θJC = 0.7 °C/W-over 16× better than SMCJ's 11.5 °C/W. This allows direct mounting to heatsinks or large PCB copper areas, enabling sustained multi-pulse operation. Unlike SMB/SMC, the PLAD's low-profile geometry and void-free molding ensure consistent thermal transfer critical for the MPLAD18KP20CA's 18 kW rating.

Does MPLAD18KP20CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP20CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4, as confirmed in RF01215 Rev B. Its 18 kW PPP, bidirectional symmetry, and low clamping voltage enable compliance with multi-stroke lightning standards required for avionics equipment certification. This DO-160F validation is documented specifically for the MPLAD18KP20CA.

What is the meaning of the "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP20CA?

The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP20CA denotes bidirectional polarity-meaning the device conducts and clamps transients equally in both forward and reverse directions. This distinguishes it from unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD18KP20A) and makes the MPLAD18KP20CA ideal for protecting AC-coupled interfaces, floating grounds, or differential buses where polarity cannot be assumed. The CA designation is defined in Microsemi's part nomenclature guide for the MPLAD18KP series.