Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP26CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP26CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP26CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 26VWM 42.1VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,996
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP26CAE3 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 ≤42.1 V under 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 qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP26CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP26CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP26CAE3 equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/-4, and load dump suppression in 24 V vehicle electrical architectures.
Technical Context
This TVS operates as a silicon avalanche diode with bidirectional clamping symmetry, enabling protection of AC-coupled or differential signal/power lines without polarity constraints. Its low RθJC of 0.7 °C/W and metal-base thermal path allow efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or heatsinks during multi-stroke transients.
The device is characterized for <100 ps response time (unidirectional) and <5 ns (bidirectional), ensuring sub-microsecond clamping onset. It supports steady-state power dissipation up to 2.5 W at 25°C ambient and derates linearly to 71 W at case temperature TC = 100°C, validated per MIL-STD-750 test method 2026.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains full-rated lightning surge energy without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 26 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before clamping initiates |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 28.9–31.9 V @ I(BR) - tight 5% tolerance ensures predictable turn-on margin above system operating voltage |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 42.1 V @ 428 A - limits downstream component stress during worst-case surge |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 428 A - withstands high-current transients such as automotive load dump or DO-160 Section 22 lightning |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction-to-Case) | 0.7 °C/W - enables direct thermal coupling to PCB ground plane or heatsink for multi-pulse reliability |
| Standby Leakage (ID) | 10 μA @ 26 V - negligible quiescent power loss in always-on protection circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Power Leadless Array Device) with metal baseplate for thermal conduction. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.33 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1 g. Cathode terminal is the exposed metal base (bottom side); anode is top-side metallization. RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, UL94V-0 epoxy body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Top Metallization (Anode) | Anode connection for bidirectional operation | Provides symmetrical clamping path when paired with cathode baseplate; soldered to trace or pad on PCB top layer |
| Metal Baseplate (Cathode) | Cathode connection and thermal interface | Serves as both electrical return and primary heat sink-must be connected to large copper area or heatsink for rated PPP performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping architecture | Enables protection of AC lines, differential buses, or polarity-agnostic inputs without external diode pairing |
| 18 kW surge rating at 10/1000 μs | Meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements for aircraft avionics and flight control systems |
| 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance | Supports >1000 surge cycles at 0.05% duty factor when mounted on FR4 with recommended pad layout |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including engine control units and battery management systems |
| IEC 61000-4-5 compliance (42/12/2 Ω source) | Provides certified secondary lightning protection across Class 1–5 severity levels in industrial and telecom infrastructure |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Protection | Automotive Power Distribution |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of ARINC 429 data lines and 28 V DC power inputs in flight management computers subjected to DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient clamp at board-level entry point, absorbing >95% of surge energy before it reaches protected ICs. Use Value: Enables Level 4 pin injection compliance without additional series impedance or filtering, reducing BOM count and board space. |
Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 24 V CAN bus power rails in commercial vehicles, where alternator regulation failure generates 120 V/400 ms surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt protector placed upstream of DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤42.1 V during 428 A transients, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Inputs | Telecom Power Feeds |
Use Scenario: Surge protection on 48 V DC input of variable frequency drives exposed to switching transients from contactor coil de-energization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS across input terminals to suppress both positive and negative polarity spikes. Use Value: Eliminates need for dual unidirectional devices, cutting assembly cost and improving layout symmetry for EMI reduction. |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection on -48 V telecom rectifier outputs subject to IEC 61000-4-5 surges with 42 Ω source impedance (Class 3). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage clamping device after primary MOV-based front-end protection. Use Value: Provides precise 26 V standoff and 42.1 V clamping to safeguard sensitive PoE controllers and Ethernet PHYs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ26CA | 600 W PPP rating, 5.0 A IPP, SMC package, RθJC = 15 °C/W | Not suitable for DO-160F Level 4 or multi-stroke lightning; limited to single-event consumer-grade surges | Select only for cost-sensitive, low-energy applications where 18 kW capability is unnecessary |
| SMCJ26CA | 1500 W PPP rating, 83 A IPP, SMC package, RθJC = 12 °C/W | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and fails DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 testing; insufficient for aerospace use | Acceptable for industrial PLC I/O modules but not for automotive or aviation safety-critical paths |
Compared with SMBJ26CA and SMCJ26CA, the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 delivers 30× higher peak pulse power and 5× lower thermal resistance, enabling reliable multi-stroke operation in mission-critical aerospace and automotive systems where sustained surge robustness is non-negotiable.
Availability
MPLAD18KP26CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive power distribution, and industrial motor drive applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge immunity.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP26CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP26CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load dump protection in safety-critical platforms where standard TVS diodes fail under repeated stress.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP26CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 42.1 V at its rated peak pulse current of 428 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lot variations, ensuring consistent overvoltage limiting for downstream circuitry during surge events.
Is the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection. Its 26 V VWM, 42.1 V clamping, and 18 kW surge capability meet ISO 7637-2 and SAE J1113-11 requirements for 24 V vehicle systems, including engine control and battery management modules.
How does the PLAD package of the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 improve thermal performance compared to standard SMC/SMB packages?
The MPLAD18KP26CAE3 uses a metal-base PLAD package with RθJC = 0.7 °C/W-over 20× better than SMCJ (12 °C/W) or SMBJ (15 °C/W) packages. This allows direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, sustaining full 18 kW pulse power across multiple strokes without thermal runaway.
Does the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP26CAE3 is certified for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient susceptibility, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 up to 130 V variants. Its 18 kW rating and fast response ensure compliance without external filtering.
What is the polarity configuration indicated by the "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP26CAE3?
The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP26CAE3 denotes bidirectional construction. Unlike unidirectional "A" variants, this device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, making it ideal for AC-coupled interfaces, differential buses, or systems where voltage polarity cannot be guaranteed.
MPLAD18KP26CAE3 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):
- 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
MPLAD18KP26CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP26CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP26CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP26CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP26CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP26CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP26CAE3?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP26CAE3?
MPLAD18KP26CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP26CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP26CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP26CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP26CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP26CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP26CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP26CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP26CAE3?
All MPLAD18KP26CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP26CAE3, 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 MPLAD18KP26CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP26CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP26CAE3 Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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