Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP33CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP33CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP33CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 33VWM 53.3VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,768
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP33CA 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 ≤53.3 V under 338 A peak impulse current, and features a 33 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (36.7–40.6 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP33CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP33CA pinout, MPLAD18KP33CA application, or MPLAD18KP33CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 33 V working voltage, sub-100 ps response time, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), and compliance with aircraft-level surge standards including DO-160 Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5 with 2/12/42 Ω source impedances.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, activating when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (V(BR) = 36.7–40.6 V @ I(BR)). Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal/power lines. The metal-base package provides direct thermal path to heatsink, enabling sustained multi-stroke operation per RTCA DO-160.
It is characterized for 10/1000 μs waveform testing with <5 ns clamping response (bidirectional), 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, and full surge screening per AEC-Q101. Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at 33 V, supporting low-power system monitoring without loading.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - supports multi-stroke lightning transients without degradation |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 33 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 36.7–40.6 V @ I(BR) - defines precise turn-on threshold for overvoltage detection |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 53.3 V @ IPP = 338 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJC) | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to external heatsink for high-duty-cycle use |
| Standby Leakage (ID) | 10 μA @ 33 V - negligible quiescent load on 33 V supply rails |
| Response Time | <5 ns - ensures protection before sensitive ICs experience overvoltage damage |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode/Cathode) 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.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Baseplate | Cathode (Bidirectional) | Primary thermal path and electrical return; must be soldered to copper pour or heatsink |
| Top-Side Metallization | Anode (Bidirectional) | Signal/power line connection point; symmetric clamping relative to baseplate |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables protection of AC-coupled buses, differential pairs, or floating supplies without polarity constraints |
| DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A compliance | Validated for aircraft-level pin injection surges up to Level 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Level 4 (40/120 μs) |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 support | Meets secondary lightning immunity across 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Guarantees reliability for automotive power electronics including engine control and ADAS modules |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and floor-life restrictions for SMT assembly |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Bus | Automotive Load Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC power distribution networks in commercial aircraft against DO-160 Section 22 lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed at bus entry point to limit voltage excursion to ≤53.3 V during multi-stroke events. Use Value: Enables compliance with RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and Class 5 lightning (42 Ω source) without derating or parallel devices. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control units (ECUs) and infotainment systems during alternator load dump events in 12 V/24 V vehicle architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power shunt protector mounted directly at ECU input, clamping 120 V/200 ms transients within 5 ns. Use Value: Withstands ≥1500 A forward surge (IFSM) and maintains ≤10 μA leakage at nominal 28 V bus, preserving low-power sleep modes. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Suppressing switching transients on 33 V auxiliary DC link in variable-frequency drives used in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across isolated 33 V supply to protect gate drivers and isolation amplifiers from reflected energy. Use Value: Symmetric clamping ensures equal protection during positive/negative rail collapse; RθJC = 0.7 °C/W allows direct mounting to aluminum chassis. | Use Scenario: Securing 33 V signaling lines in European railway signaling cabinets against induced surges from nearby traction currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection device installed after primary gas discharge tube, handling residual fast-rising edges per EN 50121-4. Use Value: 53.3 V clamping ensures compatibility with 33 V logic interfaces while meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3 (12 Ω source) 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, 5.0 mm × 3.5 mm SMB package, RθJC ≈ 25 °C/W | Lower energy handling; suitable only for single-stroke or low-repetition surges | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs multi-stroke robustness and PCB space permits larger thermal pad area |
| SMCJ33CA | 1500 W PPP rating, 7.2 mm × 6.2 mm SMC package, RθJC ≈ 12 °C/W | Lacks DO-160F validation and AEC-Q101 qualification; not rated for aircraft use | Choose for industrial controls where MIL-STD or DO-160 compliance is not required |
Compared with SMBJ33CA and SMCJ33CA, the MPLAD18KP33CA delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with certified aerospace qualification, lower thermal resistance, and validated multi-stroke endurance-making it the sole option for mission-critical avionics and automotive safety systems requiring RTCA DO-160 or AEC-Q101 compliance.
Availability
MPLAD18KP33CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical applications.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP33CA 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 MPLAD18KP33CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load-dump protection in safety-certified systems where failure is not an option.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP33CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP33CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 53.3 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 338 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured across the device terminals with the cathode connected to the metal baseplate and represents the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The MPLAD18KP33CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is MPLAD18KP33CA qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP33CA is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use. It undergoes wafer fabrication and assembly lot traceability, 3σ lot norm screening on standby current (ID), and full surge testing per AEC-Q101 requirements. Its 33 V standoff and 53.3 V clamping make it suitable for protecting 24 V automotive subsystems-including ECUs, ADAS sensors, and body control modules-from load dump and ISO 7637-2 transients. The MPLAD18KP33CA also supports extended temperature operation from −55°C to +150°C.
How does the PLAD package of MPLAD18KP33CA improve thermal performance?
The PLAD package of the MPLAD18KP33CA uses a void-free thermosetting epoxy body with an exposed metal baseplate that serves as both the cathode terminal and primary thermal conduction path. This design achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of just 0.7 °C/W-over 15× lower than standard SMB/SMC packages-enabling efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pours or external heatsinks. The MPLAD18KP33CA's low RθJC sustains repeated 18 kW surges without thermal runaway, critical for DO-160 multi-stroke compliance.
Does MPLAD18KP33CA meet RTCA DO-160 lightning protection requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP33CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient protection. It meets Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 4: 6.4/69 μs) and Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 5A: 40/120 μs) at 25°C, and is rated for multi-stroke lightning per DO-160's cumulative heating requirements. Its 18,000 W PPP rating, low RθJC, and metal-base thermal design ensure compliance without derating. The MPLAD18KP33CA is listed in the official RF01215 datasheet as qualified for these exact DO-160F test levels.
What is the polarity configuration of MPLAD18KP33CA and how is it identified?
The MPLAD18KP33CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix in its part number. Its polarity is defined by physical construction: the cathode is the exposed metal baseplate (bottom side), while the anode is the top-side metallization. Unlike unidirectional variants, the MPLAD18KP33CA provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients-ideal for AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or floating supplies. No marking or orientation dependency exists beyond correct thermal mounting of the baseplate.
MPLAD18KP33CA 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):
- 33V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 36.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 53.3V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 338A
- 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
MPLAD18KP33CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP33CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP33CA 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 MPLAD18KP33CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP33CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP33CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP33CA?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP33CA?
MPLAD18KP33CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP33CA 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 MPLAD18KP33CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP33CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP33CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP33CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP33CA 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 MPLAD18KP33CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP33CA?
All MPLAD18KP33CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP33CA, 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 MPLAD18KP33CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP33CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP33CA Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
onsemi

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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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DESD5V0U1BB-7
Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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