Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP48A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP48A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP48A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 48VWM 77.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,828
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP48A 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 to ≤77.4 V at 233 A peak impulse current, and features a 48 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 53.3–58.9 V breakdown range. 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 MPLAD18KP48A datasheet, MPLAD18KP48A pinout, MPLAD18KP48A application, or MPLAD18KP48A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection where low clamping voltage, sub-100 ps response time, and multi-stroke lightning resilience are critical - especially in avionics power distribution units, 48 V battery management systems, and railway traction control interfaces.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP48A operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS, leveraging controlled breakdown behavior to shunt transients above its V(BR) threshold while maintaining low dynamic impedance during clamping. Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, achieving 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.
It is characterized for operation across –55 °C to +150 °C, supports steady-state dissipation of 2.5 W at 25 °C ambient (derated to 71 W at 100 °C case temperature), and exhibits a +0.055 %/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage - enabling stable clamping performance under wide thermal excursions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains full-rated lightning surge energy without degradation |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 48 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 53.3–58.9 V @ I(BR) - defines precise avalanche initiation threshold for predictable clamping onset |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 77.4 V @ 233 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge events |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink |
| Standby Current (ID) | 10 μA @ 48 V - ensures negligible leakage in standby, preserving system efficiency |
| Response Time | <100 ps - reacts faster than most switching transients and ESD events |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode Down) with metal base cathode on underside; void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; weight ≈1 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top-side metallization) | Transient current entry point for unidirectional operation | Connected to protected line; conducts only when voltage exceeds V(BR) in forward direction relative to cathode |
| Cathode (metal base / bottom surface) | Transient current return path and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink for thermal management; serves as primary ground reference for clamping |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 18 kW surge rating at 10/1000 μs | Enables single-device protection against RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning waveforms |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates reliability for automotive under-hood and battery-system applications with extended temperature cycling and humidity exposure |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Allows >70 W steady-state power handling at 100 °C case temperature - supports hybrid surge + bias operation |
| Level 4 pin injection per DO-160F Waveform 4 | Protects against 6.4/69 μs induced transients in aircraft wiring harnesses without additional filtering |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 compliance (42 Ω source) | Meets global secondary lightning immunity requirements for industrial control cabinets and telecom power supplies |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Distribution | Automotive 48 V Battery Management |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC main bus and auxiliary power feeds in commercial aircraft avionics bays subject to DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS clamp placed between bus rail and chassis ground to limit transient overvoltage to <80 V during multi-pulse events. Use Value: Eliminates need for series inductors or RC snubbers by providing sub-100 ps response and 18 kW energy absorption - reducing BOM count and board area. | Use Scenario: Surge suppression on high-side switch outputs and DC-DC converter inputs in 48 V mild-hybrid vehicle architectures exposed to load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage protector on 48 V rail, triggered before MOSFET breakdown, with cathode thermally anchored to chassis ground plane. Use Value: Withstands 233 A peak impulse at 77.4 V clamping, preventing gate oxide damage in SiC power stages and ensuring ASIL-B functional safety compliance. |
| Railway Traction Control Interface | Industrial UPS DC Bus Protection |
Use Scenario: Guarding digital I/O and analog sensor lines connected to 48–72 V traction motor controllers subjected to commutation spikes and electromagnetic coupling from adjacent high-current cables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-entry TVS on signal/power hybrids, mounted directly at connector footprint with cathode tied to isolated chassis ground. Use Value: 5 μA max ID at 48 V ensures no signal offset drift; 0.7 °C/W RθJC allows sustained operation in sealed enclosures up to +70 °C ambient. | Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on the 48–60 V DC link of online double-conversion UPS systems facing utility grid transients and generator switching surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-connected TVS across DC bus capacitors to clamp fast-rising transients before they propagate to inverter stage. Use Value: 18,000 W PPP rating handles repeated 6 kV/3 kA surges per IEC 61000-4-5 without parameter shift - extending capacitor lifetime and reducing maintenance intervals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ48A | 600 W PPP rating, 70 V clamping at 10.3 A - 30× lower energy capacity | Only suitable for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160F lightning or load dump | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer electronics with sub-1 kV surge exposure |
| SMCJ48A | 1500 W PPP rating, 77.4 V clamping at 19.9 A - 12× lower peak power than MPLAD18KP48A | Limited to single-stroke IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3; fails multi-stroke validation | Acceptable for industrial PLC I/O modules but not for aerospace or automotive power rails |
Compared with SMBJ48A and SMCJ48A, the MPLAD18KP48A provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling certified multi-stroke lightning resilience and eliminating cascaded protection stages in mission-critical 48 V systems.
Availability
MPLAD18KP48A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive 48 V battery management, and industrial UPS DC bus protection requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP48A 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, timing, and power solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP48A belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical platforms where failure is not an option.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP48A at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP48A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V at 233 A peak pulse current (IPP), measured under standard 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value ensures downstream components see limited overvoltage during worst-case transients. The MPLAD18KP48A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C, with minimal derating required.
Is the MPLAD18KP48A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP48A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2. Its 18,000 W peak pulse power, 48 V standoff, and robust thermal design make it appropriate for 48 V mild-hybrid systems, battery disconnect units, and DC-DC converter inputs. The MPLAD18KP48A also meets RTCA DO-160F pin injection requirements, supporting dual-use in both automotive and aerospace platforms.
How is thermal management handled for the MPLAD18KP48A?
The MPLAD18KP48A uses a metal-base PLAD package where the cathode forms the thermal interface. For optimal performance, the cathode must be soldered to a minimum 1 in² copper pour or attached to an external heatsink. Its 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance enables 71 W steady-state dissipation at 100 °C case temperature. The MPLAD18KP48A datasheet specifies pad layout dimensions to ensure consistent thermal transfer and mechanical reliability.
Does the MPLAD18KP48A meet IEC 61000-4-5 lightning surge standards?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP48A is certified for IEC 61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection across Classes 1–5 with 42 Ω source impedance, and Classes 1–4 with 12 Ω source impedance. It achieves this with verified clamping performance at 233 A and sub-100 ps response. The MPLAD18KP48A is listed in Microsemi's compliance documentation for these exact test configurations - no derating or external circuitry is needed to pass.
What is the polarity configuration and marking convention for the MPLAD18KP48A?
The MPLAD18KP48A is unidirectional, indicated by the "A" suffix (versus "CA" for bidirectional). Its cathode is the metal base (underside), and the anode is the top-side metallization. Polarity is marked on the body per Microsemi's standard PLAD labeling; orientation must be verified during placement since incorrect mounting renders the device nonfunctional. The MPLAD18KP48A requires correct anode-to-line and cathode-to-ground connection to operate as intended.
MPLAD18KP48A 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):
- 48V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 53.3V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 77.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 233A
- 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
MPLAD18KP48A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP48A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP48A 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 MPLAD18KP48A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP48A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP48A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP48A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP48A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP48A?
MPLAD18KP48A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP48A 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 MPLAD18KP48A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP48A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP48A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP48A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP48A 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 MPLAD18KP48A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP48A?
All MPLAD18KP48A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP48A, 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 MPLAD18KP48A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP48A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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