Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP36A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP36A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP36A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 36VWM 58.1VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,932
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP36A 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, clamps transients to ≤58.1 V at 310 A, and features a 36 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 40.0–44.2 V breakdown range. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP36A datasheet, MPLAD18KP36A pinout, MPLAD18KP36A application, or MPLAD18KP36A equivalent, this device is selected for lightning robustness in avionics power rails, load-dump immunity in 24 V vehicle ECUs, and secondary IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–4 protection with 42 Ω source impedance.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP36A employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio and minimal thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W). Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct heatsinking to PCB copper or external thermal planes, supporting high-repetition surges at ≤0.05% duty factor per Figure 2.
It operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, with standby current ID ≤10 μA at 36 V and temperature coefficient αV(BR) = 40 mV/°C. Compliance includes ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), EFT (IEC 61000-4-4), and multi-stroke lightning per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft lightning strike energy without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 36 V - matches nominal 24 V system rails with 50% overhead margin |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 58.1 V @ 310 A - limits downstream IC stress below 60 V absolute maximum rating |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 40.0–44.2 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable conduction onset before clamping threshold |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables >71 W steady-state dissipation when mounted on heatsink |
| Surge Current (IPP) | 310 A @ 10/1000 μs - exceeds IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 requirement with 42 Ω source |
| Temperature Coefficient | 40 mV/°C - predictable V(BR) drift supports thermal design margining |
Pinout & Package
Surface-mount package with metal base cathode terminal (pin 1) and anode pad (pin 2); void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L×W×H); weight ≈1 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Metal Base) | High-current return path | Direct thermal and electrical connection to PCB ground plane or heatsink |
| Anode (Top Pad) | Transient current entry point | Connected to protected line (e.g., 24 V supply rail); routed with minimum loop inductance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-profile SMT construction | Enables placement on high-density power boards without height clearance conflict |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Supports sustained multi-pulse operation without thermal runaway under DO-160 testing |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive engine control and battery management modules |
| RTCA DO-160F Level 4 compliance | Meets aviation pin-injection immunity for waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) up to 36 V devices |
| Moisture sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and floor-life constraints during assembly |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Automotive Load-Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC bus in flight control computers from induced lightning transients per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping element placed at bus entry point, conducting surge current to chassis ground. Use Value: Withstands ≥100 multi-stroke lightning events while maintaining <10 μA leakage at 36 V operating voltage. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 24 V ECU power input against alternator load dump spikes (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response shunt protector triggered within <100 ps to clamp voltage below 60 V. Use Value: Limits peak rail voltage to 58.1 V at 310 A, preventing damage to downstream PMICs and microcontrollers. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Secondary surge suppression on 48 V DC link of variable-frequency drives exposed to switching transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS paralleled with bulk capacitance to absorb IGBT turn-off energy. Use Value: 18,000 W PPP rating handles repetitive 10/1000 μs surges without parameter shift or degradation. | Use Scenario: Protecting 36 V signaling lines in train control systems from EFT bursts and lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant used (MPLAD18KP36CA), but unidirectional MPLAD18KP36A applied where polarity is fixed. Use Value: Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 with 42 Ω source impedance, ensuring interoperability with EN 50121-4. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ36A | 600 W PPP rating, 58.1 V VC @ 10.3 A - 30× lower energy handling | Only suitable for board-level ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160 lightning or ISO 7637 load dump | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer electronics with sub-1 kA surge exposure |
| SMCJ36A | 1500 W PPP rating, 58.1 V VC @ 52.2 A - 12× lower peak power than MPLAD18KP36A | Valid for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2 (42 Ω), but fails Class 4 and DO-160F Level 4 | Use where space allows larger SMC package and energy requirements are ≤1.5 kW |
Compared with SMBJ36A and SMCJ36A, the MPLAD18KP36A provides 12–30× higher peak pulse power, enabling single-device compliance with aviation lightning standards and automotive load-dump immunity-eliminating need for parallel TVS arrays or hybrid protection schemes.
Availability
MPLAD18KP36A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive DC link applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP36A 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 analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP36A belongs to the PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load-dump immunity in mission-critical systems.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP36A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP36A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 58.1 V at 310 A peak pulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The clamping performance remains stable across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.
Is MPLAD18KP36A compliant with automotive reliability standards?
Yes, MPLAD18KP36A is qualified to AEC-Q101 for discrete semiconductors, confirming its suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications. It undergoes wafer fabrication and assembly lot traceability, 3σ screening on standby current (ID), and surge testing per AEC-Q101 stress conditions. Its 36 V VWM and 58.1 V VC align with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements for 24 V systems.
Can MPLAD18KP36A be used for bidirectional surge protection?
No - MPLAD18KP36A is unidirectional. For bidirectional operation, the designated variant is MPLAD18KP36CA (with CA suffix). The "A" suffix indicates unidirectional polarity, where the cathode is the metal base and must be connected to the system ground reference. Using MPLAD18KP36A in AC or reversible-polarity circuits risks reverse-bias breakdown and failure.
What thermal management is required for continuous operation of MPLAD18KP36A?
MPLAD18KP36A achieves 71 W steady-state power dissipation at TC = 100 °C when properly heatsunk, enabled by its 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance. Designers must use the recommended FR4 pad layout (Ref. RF01215 p.7) with ≥2 oz copper and thermal vias to internal ground planes. Derating curves in Figure 3 show PPP reduction above 25 °C ambient; no forced airflow is required for single-event surge handling.
Does MPLAD18KP36A meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?
Yes - MPLAD18KP36A is explicitly listed for RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection protection with waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at 25 °C. It also meets multi-stroke lightning per Section 22 when mounted per recommended pad layout. Its 18,000 W PPP rating and low clamping ratio ensure compliance with aircraft power system immunity requirements without additional series impedance or filtering.
MPLAD18KP36A 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):
- 36V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 40V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 58.1V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 310A
- 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
MPLAD18KP36A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP36A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP36A 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 MPLAD18KP36A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP36A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP36A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP36A?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP36A?
MPLAD18KP36A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP36A 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 MPLAD18KP36A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP36A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP36A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP36A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP36A 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 MPLAD18KP36A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP36A?
All MPLAD18KP36A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP36A, 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 MPLAD18KP36A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP36A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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