Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP30CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP30CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP30CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 30VWM 48.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,201
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP30CA 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, clamps transients to ≤48.4 V at 372 A, and features a 30 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (33.3–36.8 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for lightning protection.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP30CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP30CA pinout, MPLAD18KP30CA application, or MPLAD18KP30CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning compliance, and RoHS-compliant e3 plating - all critical for high-reliability avionics and load-dump hardened power rails.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP30CA employs a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio and fast response (<5 ns), enabling effective suppression of multi-stroke lightning transients per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. Its metal-base package provides direct thermal path to PCB copper, supporting sustained energy dissipation under 0.05% duty cycle impulses.
It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature, with standby current ≤10 μA at 30 V, and exhibits a +35 mV/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage - ensuring predictable voltage drift in wide-temperature environments such as engine compartments or airborne electronics bays.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains single-stroke lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 30 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 33.3–36.8 V @ I(BR) - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 48.4 V @ 372 A - limits downstream circuit voltage during worst-case surge |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to heatsink or copper pour |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 30 V - negligible leakage in standby, preserving system power budget |
| Response Time | <5 ns - clamps transients before sensitive ICs experience overvoltage stress |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anodeless Diode) with metal base acting as cathode terminal; void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; weight ≈1 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Base (Bottom) | Cathode (Bidirectional) | Primary thermal and electrical return path; must be soldered to large copper area for thermal management |
| Top Surface Pad | Anode (Bidirectional) | Signal-side connection; symmetric conduction enables AC transient suppression |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional construction (CA suffix) | Protects AC-coupled or floating signal/power lines without polarity constraints |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Enables >10× higher steady-state power handling vs. standard SMD TVS when mounted on 2 oz copper |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive under-hood applications including alternator load dump |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Guarantees survivability against 6.4/69 μs pin-injected lightning surges in aircraft systems |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 support (42 Ω source) | Meets full range of industrial and aerospace secondary lightning immunity requirements |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Automotive Alternator Output Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC bus in commercial aircraft avionics racks from induced lightning transients per DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary bidirectional TVS clamp placed at bus entry point before DC-DC converters and flight control modules. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤48.4 V, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream 36 V-rated power ICs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding vehicle ECUs connected to alternator output during 12 V system load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power TVS shunting surge current away from CAN transceivers and microcontrollers. Use Value: Absorbs up to 18 kW surge energy while maintaining clamping below 50 V - within safe operating area of 5 V/3.3 V logic supplies. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Bus | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Protecting 30 V-rated IGBT gate drivers and current sensors on variable-frequency drive DC link sections. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across DC+ and DC− to suppress switching-induced RFI and inductive kickback. Use Value: Sub-5 ns response ensures clamping occurs before 100 ns propagation delay of gate driver signals, preserving timing integrity. | Use Scenario: Hardening 30 V signaling lines in ERTMS/ETCS Level 2 trackside equipment against lightning-induced surges on outdoor cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection device downstream of gas discharge tube (GDT), providing low-clamp final-stage suppression. Use Value: 48.4 V clamping voltage aligns with 30 V system's 1.6× safety margin, meeting EN 50121-4 immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ33CA | 600 W PPP rating, 33 V VWM, SMC package, RθJC ≈ 12 °C/W | Limited to lower-energy surges; unsuitable for DO-160 Level 4 or automotive load dump | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer-grade 30 V rail protection where 18 kW surge immunity is not required |
| SMCJ33CA | 1500 W PPP rating, same VWM, SMC package, RθJC ≈ 3.5 °C/W | Supports moderate industrial transients but fails RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 testing | Acceptable for non-certified industrial controls, but not for aerospace or AEC-Q101-compliant automotive use |
Compared with SMBJ33CA and SMCJ33CA, the MPLAD18KP30CA delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with 17× and 5× lower thermal resistance - making it the only option qualified for certified lightning protection in flight-critical and high-reliability vehicular systems.
Availability
MPLAD18KP30CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive alternator output protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP30CA 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) designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened, high-power, and precision timing devices.
The MPLAD18KP30CA belongs to the PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical platforms where thermal performance and multi-stroke endurance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP30CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP30CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 48.4 V at its rated peak pulse current of 372 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream components see no more than 48.4 V during worst-case surge events - critical for protecting 36 V-rated power management ICs in avionics and automotive systems. The MPLAD18KP30CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is the MPLAD18KP30CA suitable for automotive AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP30CA is explicitly tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. Its construction, wafer lot traceability, and surge validation meet automotive under-hood reliability requirements. The MPLAD18KP30CA is documented in Microsemi's AEC-Q101 report RF01215 Rev B and is used in production automotive alternator protection modules requiring load dump immunity per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.
How does the PLAD package of the MPLAD18KP30CA improve thermal performance compared to standard SMC or SMB packages?
The PLAD package of the MPLAD18KP30CA uses a metal base as the cathode terminal, providing a direct thermal path from junction to PCB copper with only 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case resistance - over 17× better than SMCJ33CA (≈12 °C/W) and 5× better than SMCJ33CA (≈3.5 °C/W). This allows the MPLAD18KP30CA to sustain repeated 18 kW surges without thermal runaway when mounted on ≥2 oz copper. The MPLAD18KP30CA's thermal design eliminates need for external heatsinks in most high-reliability applications.
Does the MPLAD18KP30CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP30CA is certified for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 compliance per Microsemi documentation RF01215 Rev B. It is approved for use in primary and secondary lightning protection zones in commercial aircraft systems. The MPLAD18KP30CA's bidirectional symmetry and sub-5 ns response ensure consistent performance regardless of surge polarity - a requirement for DO-160F certification.
What is the polarity designation and marking convention for the MPLAD18KP30CA?
The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP30CA indicates bidirectional polarity. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD18KP30A), the MPLAD18KP30CA conducts symmetrically in both directions, making it ideal for AC-coupled or floating bus protection. The cathode is the metal base (bottom side), and the top surface pad serves as the anode - but due to bidirectionality, both terminals behave identically under reverse or forward surge conditions. The MPLAD18KP30CA body is laser-marked with its full part number for traceability.
MPLAD18KP30CA 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):
- 30V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 33.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 48.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 372A
- 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
MPLAD18KP30CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP30CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP30CA 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 MPLAD18KP30CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP30CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP30CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP30CA?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP30CA?
MPLAD18KP30CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP30CA 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 MPLAD18KP30CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP30CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP30CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP30CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP30CA 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 MPLAD18KP30CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP30CA?
All MPLAD18KP30CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP30CA, 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 MPLAD18KP30CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP30CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP30CA Tags

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