Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP48CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP48CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP48CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 48VWM 77.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP48CAE3 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 to ≤77.4 V at 233 A peak impulse current, and features a 48 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (53.3–58.9 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP48CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP48CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP48CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP48CAE3 equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/-4, and load dump suppression in avionics power distribution units where low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) and RoHS-compliant e3 plating are required.
Technical Context
This TVS diode employs an avalanche breakdown structure optimized for multi-stroke lightning transients per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping across both polarities without external polarity management, supporting AC-coupled signal lines and floating bus architectures.
Thermal design is enabled by direct metal-base cathode attachment and low RθJC (0.7 °C/W), allowing efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or heatsinks. The device operates over –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature and maintains <100 ps response time from 0 V to V(BR) min under unidirectional test conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains full-rated surge energy without degradation in aircraft lightning testing. |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 48 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage before conduction begins; matches 28 V aircraft bus derated for transients. |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 77.4 V @ 233 A - limits downstream voltage stress during 10/1000 μs surges to protect 100 V-rated MOSFETs and controllers. |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 53.3–58.9 V @ I(BR) - tight 5% tolerance ensures predictable turn-on across temperature and lot variation. |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables >70 W steady-state dissipation when mounted on 100 mm² 2 oz Cu pad with thermal via array. |
| ESD & EFT Rating | IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 (±15 kV air/±8 kV contact); IEC 61000-4-4 Level 4 (4 kV) - eliminates need for additional front-end protection stages. |
| RoHS Compliance | e3 matte-tin plating - lead-free, solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026, no dry pack required (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1). |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount DO-214AB (SMC) with metal base cathode terminal. Void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; cathode marked on bottom metal surface. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.33 mm (L × W × H).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top surface metallization) | Transient current entry point for positive surges | Connected to protected line; forms one side of bidirectional clamping path. |
| Cathode (metal base underside) | Transient current return path and thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink; serves as primary thermal conduction path (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Enables single-device protection of AC signals, differential buses, and floating grounds without polarity constraints. |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 compliance (Level 4) | Withstands 6.4/69 μs pin-injection surges up to 48 V VWM devices - validated for avionics I/O and sensor interfaces. |
| Multi-impedance lightning protection | Qualified per IEC 61000-4-5 at 42 Ω (Class 1–5), 12 Ω (Class 1–4), and 2 Ω (Class 2–3) source impedances - covers all aircraft wiring harness models. |
| Low-profile SMC package with traceable lot control | 1 g mass, 5.33 mm height, and wafer/assembly lot traceability support high-reliability aerospace deployment and failure analysis. |
| Steady-state power handling | 2.5 W at TA = 25°C and 71 W at TC = 100°C - supports hybrid surge + bias operation in DC-DC converter input stages. |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Distribution | Automotive Load Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 28 V DC main bus in commercial aircraft with multiple LRUs connected via daisy-chained wiring harnesses subject to lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary TVS placed at LRU input connector to clamp induced surges before they reach DC-DC converters and FPGAs. Use Value: Limits transient voltage to ≤77.4 V during 10/1000 μs events, preventing latch-up in 100 V-rated power MOSFETs and ensuring DO-160 Section 22 compliance. |
Use Scenario: 12 V/24 V battery-fed engine control module exposed to ISO 7637-2 Load Dump pulses up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamping device across input rails to absorb 18 kW surge energy without fuse activation or system reset. Use Value: Clamps within <100 ps and sustains 233 A peak current, eliminating need for series resistors or additional TVS staging in compact ECU designs. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Inputs | Railway Signaling Interfaces |
Use Scenario: Variable-frequency drive input stage fed from long cable runs in factory automation, susceptible to switching transients and RFI coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS across AC input terminals to suppress common-mode and differential-mode transients from contactor switching. Use Value: Symmetrical clamping prevents rectification artifacts; 48 V VWM aligns with 400 VAC-derived DC bus derating, enabling direct placement without voltage dividers. |
Use Scenario: Trackside signaling unit interfacing with 75 Ω coaxial data lines in electrified rail corridors, exposed to traction current surges and EMI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Line-to-ground TVS on RS-485 transceiver inputs to meet EN 50121-3-2 immunity requirements. Use Value: 77.4 V clamping voltage ensures receiver ICs (e.g., THVD1550) remain within absolute max ratings during 1 kV/2 kA surge events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ48CA | 600 W PPP rating, 5.0 V clamping margin higher (82.4 V @ 59.3 A), DO-214AA package with higher RθJA (60 °C/W). | Limited to lower-energy transients (e.g., IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2); unsuitable for DO-160F Level 4 or multi-stroke lightning. | Select SMBJ48CA only for cost-sensitive industrial controls where surge energy remains below 1 kW and thermal budget allows higher ambient rise. |
| SMCJ48CA | 1500 W PPP rating, same DO-214AB package but 20× lower energy capacity; clamps at 79.4 V @ 18.9 A. | Valid for basic ESD/EFT and low-duty-cycle switching transients; fails under sustained 10/1000 μs surges above 1.5 kW. | Choose SMCJ48CA for non-safety-critical consumer electronics where DO-160 or IEC 61000-4-5 compliance is not required. |
Compared with SMBJ48CA and SMCJ48CA, the MPLAD18KP48CAE3 provides 30× higher peak pulse power and 12× greater impulse current handling-enabling single-device compliance with aviation lightning standards where alternatives require cascaded TVS arrays or active crowbar circuits.
Availability
MPLAD18KP48CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive inputs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and extended lifecycle support.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP48CAE3 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, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD family was engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection in avionics and mission-critical power systems, emphasizing thermal robustness, lot traceability, and compliance with RTCA DO-160 and IEC 61000-4-5.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP48CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP48CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V at 233 A peak pulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and manufacturing lots, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. The MPLAD18KP48CAE3 achieves this clamping performance while maintaining sub-100 ps response time from zero volts to breakdown threshold.
Is MPLAD18KP48CAE3 certified for RTCA DO-160F lightning testing?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP48CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing. It meets Level 4 for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Level 4 for Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at 25 °C, as documented in Microsemi Application Note RF01215. The MPLAD18KP48CAE3's 18 kW rating and low RθJC enable reliable multi-stroke performance required in aircraft electrical systems.
Does MPLAD18KP48CAE3 require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - the MPLAD18KP48CAE3 requires direct thermal connection of its metal base cathode to ≥100 mm² of 2 oz copper with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) to a solid internal ground plane. The anode pad must be sized per Microsemi's recommended SMC footprint (12.32 × 10.54 mm). Failure to implement this layout risks exceeding junction temperature limits during repeated surges, degrading long-term reliability of the MPLAD18KP48CAE3.
What is the meaning of the 'CA' and 'E3' suffixes in MPLAD18KP48CAE3?
In MPLAD18KP48CAE3, 'CA' denotes bidirectional construction (symmetrical clamping), and 'E3' specifies RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per JEDEC standard, eliminating lead while maintaining solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. These suffixes are integral to the device's qualification - the CA configuration enables AC-line protection without polarity concerns, and the E3 finish ensures compliance with environmental regulations without compromising thermal or electrical performance of the MPLAD18KP48CAE3.
Can MPLAD18KP48CAE3 be used for IEC 61000-4-5 compliance testing?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP48CAE3 is explicitly rated for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances across Class 1–5 (42 Ω), Class 1–4 (12 Ω), and Class 2–3 (2 Ω). Its 18,000 W PPP and 233 A IPP capability allow it to pass full-level surge tests without degradation, making the MPLAD18KP48CAE3 suitable for front-end protection in industrial PLCs, railway electronics, and renewable energy inverters requiring CE marking.
MPLAD18KP48CAE3 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):
- 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
MPLAD18KP48CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP48CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP48CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP48CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP48CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP48CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP48CAE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP48CAE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP48CAE3?
MPLAD18KP48CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP48CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP48CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP48CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP48CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP48CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP48CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP48CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP48CAE3?
All MPLAD18KP48CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP48CAE3, 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 MPLAD18KP48CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP48CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP48CAE3 Tags

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