Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP24CAE3

Overview

MPLAD18KP24CAE3 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 24 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤38.9 V at 463 A peak current, and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–4 secondary lightning standards.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP24CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP24CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP24CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, 12.32–12.57 mm package length, and compliance with AEC-Q101 reliability testing.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, activating when transient voltage exceeds its 24 V standoff threshold. Its silicon avalanche structure enables sub-5 ns response time and low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.62), critical for safeguarding sensitive analog and digital interfaces against lightning-induced surges and load dump events.

Designed for high-reliability mounting on FR4 PCBs with specified thermal pad layout, it leverages void-free UL94V-0 epoxy packaging and metal-base cathode construction to achieve 50 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance under standard conditions - enabling robust multi-stroke surge handling per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-Profile Avalanche Diode) with metal base cathode termination. Dimensions: 12.32–12.57 mm (L) × 10.54–10.80 mm (W) × 3.68–3.94 mm (H); weight ≈1 g; RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating (e3).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ24CA and SMCJ24CA, the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with superior thermal performance (0.7 vs. ≥10 °C/W) - making it the only option for certified aerospace and high-reliability industrial surge protection where multi-stroke survivability is mandatory.

Availability

MPLAD18KP24CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power conditioning, and industrial motor drive protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP24CAE3 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, radiation-tolerant, and timing-critical solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD18KP24CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load dump protection in safety-critical platforms where failure is not an option.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP24CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 38.9 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 463 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream components see no more than 38.9 V during worst-case surge events - a critical parameter for protecting 24 V-rated ICs and sensors.

Does the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 meet AEC-Q101 qualification requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors, including stress tests for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and surge endurance. This qualification confirms its suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications where long-term reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory - a requirement explicitly stated in Microsemi's RF01215 Rev B documentation.

How does the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 differ from unidirectional versions like MPLAD18KP24A?

The MPLAD18KP24CAE3 is bidirectional, meaning it clamps transients of either polarity symmetrically, while the unidirectional MPLAD18KP24A only protects against negative-going surges relative to its cathode. The "CA" suffix denotes bidirectional construction, essential for protecting AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or floating supplies where polarity reversal can occur - a distinction confirmed in the part nomenclature section of RF01215.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) for the MPLAD18KP24CAE3?

The MPLAD18KP24CAE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance of 0.7 °C/W, measured with the metal base (cathode) mounted to a heatsink per specification. This ultra-low value enables >90% of the 18,000 W pulse energy to be conducted away from the die - a key enabler for multi-stroke capability and sustained operation in high-ambient environments, as verified in the "Maximum Ratings" table of RF01215 Rev B.

Is the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 compliant with RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient susceptibility, specifically meeting Level 4 for Pin Injection (Waveform 4: 6.4/69 μs) and Level 4 for Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at 25 °C. These certifications are explicitly listed in the "Pin injection protection" section of RF01215 Rev B and apply directly to the MPLAD18KP24CAE3 variant.