Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP20CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP20CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP20CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,958
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP20CAE3 from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial power systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤32.4 V under 556 A peak current, and features a 20 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 22.2–24.5 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP20CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP20CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP20CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP20CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 lightning immunity, RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, bidirectional polarity, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and suitability for secondary lightning protection with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, or 2 Ω source impedances.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, responding to transients within <5 ns. Its silicon avalanche structure enables precise breakdown control and low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.31), while the metal-base package provides direct thermal path to PCB copper or heatsink.
It meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and supports multi-stroke lightning events per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. The bidirectional construction allows symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal/power lines without polarity sensitivity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft-grade lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 20 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 22.2–24.5 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 32.4 V @ 556 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJC) | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB or heatsink for repeated surge duty |
| Standby Current (ID) | 10 μA @ VWM - negligible leakage in standby, preserving system efficiency |
| Temperature Coefficient (αV(BR)) | 22 mV/°C - predictable V(BR) drift over -55°C to +150°C operating range |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Avalanche Diode) with metal base acting as cathode terminal for bidirectional operation. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ~1 g. Moisture sensitivity level: IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 - no dry pack required.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Top Metal Pad (Anode side) | Anode connection | Primary solder interface; electrically isolated from case; connects to line being protected |
| Bottom Metal Base | Cathode (bidirectional common) | Thermal and electrical return path; must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for RθJC = 0.7 °C/W performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Enables protection of AC signals, differential buses, or floating supplies without polarity constraints |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Withstands 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients up to 200 V on aircraft avionics interfaces |
| IEC 61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection | Validated for Class 1–5 with 42 Ω source impedance, supporting full DO-160 Section 22 certification |
| e3 RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating | Ensures solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 and eliminates lead-based process risks |
| 100% surge-tested lot qualification | Each production lot verified to 1000 A impulse (equipment-limited), confirming minimum IPP ≥ 556 A |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Input | Automotive Load Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 28 V DC power input to flight control computers subjected to DO-160 Section 22 lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamping device placed directly at connector entry point to shunt surge energy to chassis ground. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤32.4 V, protecting downstream DC-DC converters and ASICs rated for 36 V absolute max. | Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed ECU power rail exposed to ISO 7637-2 Load Dump pulses up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression element across battery rail and ground, absorbing 18 kW peak energy. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or destruction of microcontrollers and CAN transceivers during alternator field collapse events. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: 400 V DC bus in variable-frequency drives subject to switching-induced voltage spikes and induced RFI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary clamping device across bus capacitors to suppress repetitive fast transients not handled by primary MOVs. Use Value: Extends capacitor lifetime by limiting voltage overshoot to <1.1× nominal bus voltage during IGBT commutation. | Use Scenario: 72 V signaling interface between trackside sensors and centralized control units in EN 50121-3-2 compliant railway systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional surge protector on RS-485 or MVB data lines exposed to traction-induced ground potential rise. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity during 4 kV EFT bursts and 10 kV lightning surges while preserving common-mode rejection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | 600 W PPP rating, 5.0 mm × 4.5 mm SMB package, RθJC ≈ 25 °C/W | Limited to single-stroke or low-duty-cycle surges; unsuitable for DO-160 multi-stroke validation | Select only for cost-sensitive, non-aerospace designs with <100 A IPP requirement |
| SMCJ20CA | 1500 W PPP rating, 7.2 mm × 6.2 mm SMC package, RθJC ≈ 10 °C/W | Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3 but lacks DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 validation | Acceptable for industrial automation where full aircraft certification is not required |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and SMCJ20CA, the MPLAD18KP20CAE3 delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, enables certified multi-stroke lightning resilience, and achieves 36× lower thermal resistance - making it the only option for mission-critical aerospace and high-reliability automotive power rail protection.
Availability
MPLAD18KP20CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power systems, and industrial motor drive DC bus protection requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge performance.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP20CAE3 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 MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-energy, multi-stroke transient suppression in safety-critical platforms where standard TVS devices fail - emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-160 compliance, and thermal robustness in surface-mount form.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP20CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP20CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 556 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.
Does MPLAD18KP20CAE3 meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?
Yes, MPLAD18KP20CAE3 is tested in accordance with AEC-Q101 requirements for discrete semiconductors. The datasheet explicitly states "Tested in accordance with the requirements of AEC-Q101" on page 1, confirming qualification for automotive under-hood and powertrain applications requiring high reliability and thermal endurance.
How does the metal base of MPLAD18KP20CAE3 function electrically and thermally?
The metal base of MPLAD18KP20CAE3 serves as the cathode terminal for bidirectional operation and provides the primary thermal conduction path from the die to the PCB. With a specified RθJC of 0.7 °C/W, it requires direct soldering to a large copper area or heatsink to achieve rated 18,000 W pulse handling - the base is not electrically isolated and must be connected to system ground or reference plane.
Can MPLAD18KP20CAE3 be used for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 lightning protection?
Yes, MPLAD18KP20CAE3 is validated for IEC 61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection up to Class 5 when tested with 42 Ω source impedance, as confirmed in the "Secondary lightning protection" section of the datasheet. This applies to the full MPLAD18KP7.0A to 200CA family, including MPLAD18KP20CAE3.
What does the "e3" suffix in MPLAD18KP20CAE3 indicate?
MPLAD18KP20CAE3 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):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 556A
- 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
MPLAD18KP20CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP20CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP20CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP20CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP20CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP20CAE3 is usually 5 days.
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Once your MPLAD18KP20CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP20CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP20CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP20CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP20CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP20CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP20CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP20CAE3?
All MPLAD18KP20CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP20CAE3, 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 MPLAD18KP20CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP20CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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