Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP45CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP45CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP45CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 45VWM 72.7VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,720
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP45CA 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 at ≤72.7 V under 248 A peak impulse current, and features a 45 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (50.0–55.3 V). It meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 4) and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP45CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP45CA pinout, MPLAD18KP45CA application, or MPLAD18KP45CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 72.7 V clamping voltage at 248 A, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and qualification to AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device during transients, leveraging avalanche breakdown across both polarities due to its bidirectional construction. Its low RθJC (0.7 °C/W) enables effective heat transfer to the PCB copper pad or heatsink, supporting multi-stroke surge resilience per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.
It is characterized for 10/1000 μs waveform compliance, with clamping validated at IPP = 248 A and VC ≤ 72.7 V. Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at 45 V VWM, and temperature coefficient of V(BR) is +51 mV/°C - critical for stable clamping across –55°C to +150°C operating range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft-grade lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 45 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction begins |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤72.7 V @ 248 A - limits downstream circuit voltage during worst-case surge |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 50.0–55.3 V @ I(BR) - defines precise avalanche onset window for predictable triggering |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat extraction into PCB copper or heatsink |
| Standby Leakage Current | ≤10 μA @ 45 V - negligible power loss in standby, avoids false triggering |
| Temperature Coefficient | +51 mV/°C - ensures clamping voltage rises predictably with junction temperature |
Pinout & Package
Surface-mount package with metal base cathode (bidirectional symmetry); terminals are solderable matte-tin (e3 RoHS) on thermosetting epoxy body (UL94V-0). Recommended pad layout per RF01215 Rev B supports thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional surge path | No polarity marking required; identical clamping behavior in both directions |
| Metal base (bottom) | Thermal & electrical return path | Serves as low-inductance, low-resistance heat sink interface and common node |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional construction (CA suffix) | Enables symmetric surge suppression on AC lines or floating buses without polarity concerns |
| 18 kW peak pulse rating | Meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements for avionics |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive load dump and ISO 7637-2 transient immunity |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Allows >70% of surge energy to be conducted into PCB copper, reducing thermal stress |
| Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and bake-out prior to reflow, lowering assembly cost |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Protection | Automotive Power Distribution |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data bus receivers and sensor inputs against induced lightning transients per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element placed at board edge or connector interface to shunt surge energy before it reaches signal conditioning ICs. Use Value: Enables Level 4 compliance with ≤72.7 V clamping at 248 A, preserving signal integrity and preventing latch-up in downstream receivers. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding 12 V/24 V power rails in engine control units (ECUs) during alternator load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp parallel to bulk input capacitor, activated within <5 ns to limit rail overshoot. Use Value: Withstands 18,000 W surges and maintains ≤72.7 V clamping, protecting MCU, CAN transceivers, and analog front-ends from destructive overvoltage. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Inputs | Railway Signaling Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Shielding PLC analog I/O modules connected to long field wiring exposed to EFT and lightning-induced surges (IEC 61000-4-4/5). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-line TVS on terminal block inputs, coordinated with series impedance to shape transient response. Use Value: 10 μA leakage at 45 V VWM prevents measurement drift, while 248 A IPP rating handles repetitive fast transients without degradation. | Use Scenario: Protecting 75 Ω coaxial video or RS-485 signaling lines in train-mounted CCTV and PIS systems against track-side EMI and coupling surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient limiter mounted directly at connector, minimizing stub inductance to preserve signal rise time. Use Value: Symmetric clamping ensures equal protection for positive/negative signal swings, maintaining signal fidelity up to 10 MHz bandwidth. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ45CA | 600 W rating, 45 V VWM, same bidirectional polarity but lower IPP (32.3 A) and higher VC (73.0 V) | Not suitable for DO-160F Level 4 or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4+; limited to consumer/industrial single-stroke use | Select only when surge energy is <100 mJ and multi-stroke endurance is not required |
| SMCJ45CA | 1500 W rating, 45 V VWM, bidirectional, VC = 73.0 V @ 209 A, RθJC ≈ 2.5 °C/W | Lacks AEC-Q101 and DO-160 qualification; insufficient for avionics or automotive safety-critical rails | Acceptable for non-safety industrial controls where qualification traceability is not mandated |
Compared with SMBJ45CA and SMCJ45CA, the MPLAD18KP45CA provides 30× higher peak power, 7.5× greater impulse current handling, and certified aerospace/automotive qualifications - making it the sole option for systems requiring RTCA DO-160F Level 4 or ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5 compliance.
Availability
MPLAD18KP45CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECUs, industrial motor drives, and railway signaling systems requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP45CA 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 semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened, high-power, and qualified components.
The MPLAD18KP45CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load-dump protection in mission-critical platforms where failure is not an option.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP45CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP45CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 72.7 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 248 A 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 circuits during worst-case surge events. The MPLAD18KP45CA maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is MPLAD18KP45CA qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP45CA is qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTRB, HTSL, and temperature cycling. It is explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a/b and supports design-in for engine control units, battery management systems, and ADAS power supplies. Its 18,000 W rating and 248 A IPP make it suitable for 24 V commercial vehicle systems.
Does MPLAD18KP45CA require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - the MPLAD18KP45CA requires adherence to the recommended pad layout in RF01215 Rev B to achieve specified thermal and surge performance. Its metal base must be connected to a minimum 1 in² copper area (2 oz) for optimal heat dissipation. Short, wide traces to ground/power planes are essential to minimize inductance and preserve <5 ns response time. Avoid thermal reliefs on the base pad.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MPLAD18KP45CA?
The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP45CA denotes bidirectional polarity - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD18KP45A), the CA version has no designated anode/cathode and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity, making it ideal for AC lines, differential buses, and floating interfaces.
Can MPLAD18KP45CA be used in RTCA DO-160F Level 5 applications?
No - the MPLAD18KP45CA is rated for RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection protection (Waveform 4) per documentation in RF01215 Rev B. For Level 5 compliance, Microsemi specifies MPLAD18KP7.0A to MPLAD18KP130CA only. The 45 V VWM of MPLAD18KP45CA exceeds the voltage threshold required for Level 5 Waveform 4, limiting its applicability to Level 4 and below in that test category.
MPLAD18KP45CA 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):
- 45V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 50V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 72.7V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 248A
- 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
MPLAD18KP45CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP45CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP45CA 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 MPLAD18KP45CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP45CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP45CA is usually 5 days.
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MPLAD18KP45CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP45CA 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 MPLAD18KP45CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP45CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP45CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP45CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP45CA 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 MPLAD18KP45CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP45CA?
All MPLAD18KP45CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP45CA, 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 MPLAD18KP45CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP45CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP45CA Tags

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