Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP28AE3

Overview

MPLAD18KP28AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional 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, features a 28 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤45.5 V at 396 A peak current, and exhibits 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance for efficient heat dissipation in lightning and load-dump protection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP28AE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP28AE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP28AE3 application, or MPLAD18KP28AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 28 V VWM rating, 45.5 V max clamping voltage at 396 A, RoHS-compliant e3 matte-tin plating, 12.3–12.6 mm × 5.1–5.3 mm × 10.5–10.8 mm package footprint, and compliance with RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a unidirectional clamping device with cathode on the metal base (package bottom), enabling low-inductance mounting directly to heatsinks. Its silicon avalanche structure supports fast response (<100 ps turn-on) and stable breakdown voltage (31.1–34.4 V at I(BR)), with temperature coefficient of +30 mV/°C.

It is rated for 1500 A forward surge current (IFSM) and 2.5 W steady-state power at 25°C ambient, with derating to 71 W at 100°C case temperature-leveraging its 0.7 °C/W RθJC to sustain multi-stroke transients under RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5 test conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Surface-mount package with two terminals: anode (top metallization) and cathode (exposed metal base). The cathode serves as the primary thermal path and must be soldered to a copper pad or heatsink per recommended footprint (12.32–12.57 mm × 5.08–5.33 mm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ28A and 1.5KE28A, the MPLAD18KP28AE3 delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, integrates a thermally optimized metal-base SMT package for direct heatsink coupling, and is qualified to AEC-Q101 and RTCA DO-160F-making it uniquely suited for high-reliability aerospace and automotive power rail protection.

Availability

MPLAD18KP28AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive powertrain, and industrial motor drive applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified surge protection performance.

Supply support for MPLAD18KP28AE3 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, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MPLAD18KP28AE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load-dump suppression in mission-critical power systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP28AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MPLAD18KP28AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 45.5 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 396 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage stress during surge events. The clamping behavior is tightly controlled by the device's silicon avalanche structure and validated per Figure 3 in the RF01215 datasheet.

Is the MPLAD18KP28AE3 suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP28AE3 is explicitly tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for stress testing of discrete semiconductors. It meets requirements for temperature cycling, humidity bias, and surge robustness relevant to under-hood automotive environments. Its 1500 A forward surge current rating and 28 V VWM make it appropriate for protecting ECUs and ADAS modules from alternator load dump and battery reverse polarity events.

How does the thermal design of the MPLAD18KP28AE3 differ from standard SMD TVS diodes?

The MPLAD18KP28AE3 uses a metal-base package where the cathode forms an exposed thermal interface, achieving a junction-to-case thermal resistance of just 0.7 °C/W. Standard SMD TVS devices typically exhibit RθJC >5 °C/W. This allows the MPLAD18KP28AE3 to dissipate up to 71 W at 100°C case temperature-enabling sustained multi-pulse operation without thermal runaway in high-duty-cycle applications like motor drives.

Does the MPLAD18KP28AE3 comply with RoHS and moisture sensitivity requirements for automated assembly?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP28AE3 carries the "e3" suffix indicating RoHS-compliant annealed matte-tin plating, fully compatible with lead-free reflow profiles up to 260°C. It is also rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it requires no dry-pack packaging or baking prior to SMT assembly-reducing manufacturing overhead and improving first-pass yield in high-volume production.

Can the MPLAD18KP28AE3 be used for RTCA DO-160F lightning protection compliance?

Yes, the MPLAD18KP28AE3 is specifically characterized for RTCA DO-160F compliance: it meets Pin Injection Protection Level 4 for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Level 4 for Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at 25°C. Its 18 kW peak pulse rating and low clamping voltage ensure robust performance against multi-stroke lightning transients defined in Section 22, making it suitable for aircraft power distribution and avionics interface protection.