Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP26AE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP26AE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP26AE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 26VWM 42.1VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP26AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial power rails. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps to ≤42.1 V at 428 A peak impulse current, and features a 26 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (28.9–31.9 V). It is RoHS-compliant (e3), qualified to AEC-Q101, and rated for -55°C to +150°C operation.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP26AE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP26AE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP26AE3 application, or MPLAD18KP26AE3 equivalent, this device is selected for lightning-level secondary protection (IEC 61000-4-5), RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, and high-reliability load dump suppression where low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) and metal-base cathode thermal path are critical.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp transients, with clamping response time under 100 ps for unidirectional operation. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained energy dissipation under multi-stroke lightning conditions per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.
It meets IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (lightning) with 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances - validated for Class 2–4 protection levels depending on VWM selection. Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at 26 V, ensuring minimal system loading during normal operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains full-rated surge without degradation under standard lightning waveform testing |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 26 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS operating voltage before conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 28.9–31.9 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM for robust overvoltage detection |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 42.1 V @ 428 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge events |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction-to-Case) | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink for repeated surge duty |
| Standby Leakage Current (ID) | 10 μA @ 26 V - negligible power loss and signal integrity impact in standby mode |
| Junction Temperature Range | -55°C to +150°C - supports operation in engine bay, avionics bays, and industrial enclosures |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode Down) with metal base acting as cathode terminal; void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; polarity marked by cathode on metal bottom surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Base (Bottom) | Cathode | Primary thermal and electrical return path; must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for RθJC = 0.7 °C/W performance |
| Top Lead (Anode) | Anode | Signal/power input terminal; connects to protected line; requires standard SMT reflow profile (TSP = 260°C @ 10 s) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 18 kW Surge Rating | Enables single-device protection against automotive load dump (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b) and DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning |
| Metal-Base Thermal Path | Reduces junction-to-ambient thermal resistance to 50 °C/W on FR4 (with recommended pad layout), minimizing thermal runaway risk |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Validated for automotive powertrain and chassis applications requiring zero defect reliability and lot traceability |
| RTCA DO-160F Compliance | Meets Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 up to 36 V VWM variants - confirmed for MPLAD18KP26AE3 |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Secondary Protection | Rated for Class 2–4 lightning immunity with 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances - verified for 26 V standoff devices |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Bus | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC distribution lines in commercial aircraft against induced lightning transients per RTCA DO-160F Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS placed at power entry point to clamp surges before reaching DC-DC converters and FPGAs. Use Value: MPLAD18KP26AE3 clamps to 42.1 V within 100 ps, limiting bus overvoltage to safe levels for 3.3 V/5 V logic while surviving >100 multi-stroke events. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V/24 V power inputs of diesel ECU modules exposed to alternator load dump pulses (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5b). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge shunt located upstream of LDO regulators and microcontroller power pins. Use Value: With 18,000 W rating and 0.7 °C/W RθJC, MPLAD18KP26AE3 absorbs 150 mJ pulses without derating, eliminating need for parallel TVS arrays. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Suppressing switching-induced transients on 24–48 V DC link rails in variable-frequency drives during IGBT commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS across rail-to-ground to prevent gate driver latch-up and MOSFET avalanche failure. Use Value: 428 A IPP capability and sub-100 ps response ensure clamping occurs before sensitive gate drivers experience overvoltage stress. | Use Scenario: Securing 24 V signaling lines in EN 50121-compliant railway control cabinets against EFT bursts and lightning-coupled surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), handling residual fast-rising edges per IEC 61000-4-4/5. Use Value: MPLAD18KP26AE3's 10 μA ID and 42.1 V VC enable clean interface operation while meeting Class 4 immunity requirements without compromising signal fidelity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAJ26A | 600 W rating (vs. 18,000 W); DO-214AC package; RθJC ≈ 40 °C/W; no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Only suitable for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160 Section 22 or ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5 | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer-grade circuits with <100 A surge exposure. |
| SMCJ26A | 1500 W rating; DO-214AB package; RθJC ≈ 15 °C/W; AEC-Q101 qualified but not DO-160 tested | Supports basic automotive load dump (Pulse 5a) but fails multi-stroke lightning validation | Use where space allows larger SMC package and DO-160 compliance is not required. |
Compared with SMAJ26A and SMCJ26A, MPLAD18KP26AE3 provides 30× higher peak power, certified DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, and a metal-base thermal architecture enabling direct heatsink mounting - making it the only option for aerospace-grade lightning hardening and high-cycle industrial surge environments.
Availability
MPLAD18KP26AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power protection, and industrial motor drive DC link applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP26AE3 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 (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, RF, timing, and radiation-hardened solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD series was developed specifically for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in safety-critical systems where thermal management, multi-stroke endurance, and regulatory compliance (DO-160, AEC-Q101, IEC 61000-4-x) are mandatory design requirements.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP26AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP26AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 42.1 V when subjected to its peak impulse current (IPP) of 428 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event. The clamping occurs within <100 ps, ensuring rapid protection for downstream ICs.
Is MPLAD18KP26AE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, MPLAD18KP26AE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b. Its 18,000 W surge rating, 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance, and -55°C to +150°C operating range make it suitable for under-hood ECUs, battery management systems, and ADAS power supplies where high-energy transients and thermal cycling are present.
Does MPLAD18KP26AE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning standards?
Yes, MPLAD18KP26AE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing. It achieves Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 compliance and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 up to 36 V VWM variants - confirming suitability for commercial aircraft power bus protection. Full test reports are available upon request from Microchip/Microsemi.
What is the thermal mounting requirement for MPLAD18KP26AE3?
MPLAD18KP26AE3 requires soldering its metal base (cathode) to a minimum 1.0 in² (645 mm²) copper pad on FR4 PCB, per the recommended pad layout in RF01215 Rev B. This achieves the specified RθJA of 50 °C/W. For higher reliability, direct attachment to an external heatsink via thermally conductive adhesive or screw-down is supported by its 0.7 °C/W RθJC specification.
How does the e3 suffix in MPLAD18KP26AE3 affect compliance?
The "e3" suffix in MPLAD18KP26AE3 indicates RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating on terminals, satisfying EU Directive 2011/65/EU and IPC J-STD-020B moisture sensitivity Level 1 (no dry pack required). It does not alter electrical or thermal performance versus non-RoHS versions, and all reliability testing - including surge, temperature cycling, and AEC-Q101 - applies identically to the e3 variant.
MPLAD18KP26AE3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Bidirectional Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 26V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 28.9V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 42.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 428A
- 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
MPLAD18KP26AE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP26AE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP26AE3 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 MPLAD18KP26AE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP26AE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP26AE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP26AE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP26AE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP26AE3?
MPLAD18KP26AE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP26AE3 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 MPLAD18KP26AE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP26AE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP26AE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP26AE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP26AE3 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 MPLAD18KP26AE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP26AE3?
All MPLAD18KP26AE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP26AE3, 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 MPLAD18KP26AE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP26AE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP26AE3 Tags

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