Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP64A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP64A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP64A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 64VWM 103VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,453
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP64A 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 at ≤103 V under 175 A peak impulse current, and features a 64 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 71.1–78.6 V breakdown range. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP64A datasheet, MPLAD18KP64A pinout, MPLAD18KP64A application, or MPLAD18KP64A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection where low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), minimal clamping overshoot (<100 ps response), and multi-stroke lightning resilience are critical - especially in avionics power distribution units and 24/48 V vehicle control modules.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP64A employs a silicon avalanche diode structure optimized for fast transient response and high energy absorption. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained operation under repetitive surges at ≤0.05% duty factor. The device exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage (αV(BR) = +75 mV/°C), ensuring stable clamping behavior across –55°C to +150°C junction temperatures.
It is rated for 100% surge testing per lot, with 3σ screening on standby current (ID ≤ 10 μA @ 64 V), and complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and RTCA DO-160F pin-injection waveforms. Moisture sensitivity is IPC/JEDEC Level 1 - no dry pack required.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains full-rated lightning surge without failure in single or multi-stroke events |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 64 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage the device blocks before clamping begins |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 71.1–78.6 V @ I(BR) - defines reliable avalanche initiation threshold for predictable clamping onset |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤103 V @ IPP = 175 A - limits protected circuit voltage during worst-case surge, preserving downstream ICs |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or external heatsink, critical for repeated surge duty |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 64 V - negligible leakage ensures no system power drain or false triggering in standby mode |
| Response Time | <100 ps - sub-nanosecond turn-on guarantees protection before sensitive electronics experience overvoltage stress |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Power Low-profile Anode-down) with metal base cathode termination. Void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-lead or RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; polarity marked by cathode on metal bottom surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top-side solder pad) | Transient current entry point during reverse-biased surge | Connected to protected line (e.g., 48 V rail); carries full IPP during clamping event |
| Cathode (Metal base underside) | Current return path and primary thermal interface | Must be soldered to large copper pour or heatsink; serves as both electrical return and thermal conduction path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 18 kW surge rating with validated multi-stroke performance | Meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 lightning standard for aircraft systems without derating |
| Low-profile thermally enhanced PLAD package | RθJC = 0.7 °C/W enables >70% higher power dissipation vs. standard SMB/SMA packages at same footprint |
| AEC-Q101 qualified and lot-traceable fabrication | Wafer-level traceability and 100% surge testing support automotive safety-critical deployment |
| IEC 61000-4-5 compliance (42 Ω, 12 Ω, 2 Ω source) | Validated for Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection across multiple impedance conditions |
| IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture rating | Zero dry-pack requirement simplifies SMT handling and eliminates bake-out delays |
Applications
| Aerospace Power Distribution | Automotive Load Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC bus in flight control actuator power supplies against induced lightning transients per DO-160F Waveform 4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary shunt TVS clamping transient energy before it reaches DC-DC converters and motor drivers. Use Value: Enables compliance with DO-160F Level 4 without external heatsinking due to RθJC = 0.7 °C/W and 18 kW rating. |
Use Scenario: Guarding 12/24 V engine control unit (ECU) inputs against ISO 7637-2 load dump spikes up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional clamping element placed at ECU input filter stage to limit voltage excursion below 103 V. Use Value: Withstands 175 A peak current at 103 V clamp, preventing latch-up or burnout in microcontroller I/O protection circuits. |
| Industrial 48 V DC Power Systems | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Surge suppression on 48 V telecom rectifier outputs exposed to induced surges from nearby lightning strikes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS placed after bulk capacitor to absorb residual transients escaping upstream filters. Use Value: 18,000 W PPP rating allows single-device protection of 48 V bus without parallel stacking or thermal derating. |
Use Scenario: Protecting 64 V track signaling interfaces from EFT bursts and indirect lightning coupling per EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional-capable variant (MPLAD18KP64CA) used for AC-coupled data lines; unidirectional MPLAD18KP64A used for DC bias rails. Use Value: 64 V VWM matches nominal signaling voltage while providing ≥100 V margin to clamping threshold (103 V). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ64A | Lower PPP (400 W), smaller SMA package, RθJA = 50 °C/W (no metal base) | Suitable only for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160F multi-stroke or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 | Select when cost and board space outweigh surge energy requirements; not a drop-in replacement for MPLAD18KP64A |
| Vishay V18MLA0605 | Multi-layer varistor (MLV), 6 kV/3 kA rating, no defined VWM or precise clamping curve | Used for general-purpose board-level ESD; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and RTCA DO-160 validation | Choose for non-safety-critical consumer electronics; avoid where clamping predictability, thermal stability, or aviation certification is required |
Compared with SMAJ64A and V18MLA0605, the MPLAD18KP64A provides 45× higher peak power, metal-base thermal management for repeatable performance, and formal aerospace/automotive qualification - making it the sole option for certified high-reliability 64 V DC bus protection.
Availability
MPLAD18KP64A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive load dump protection, and industrial 48 V DC systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and certified surge resilience.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP64A 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, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MPLAD18KP64A belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in mission-critical platforms where thermal robustness and multi-stroke endurance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP64A under maximum rated surge current?
The MPLAD18KP64A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 103 V when subjected to its peak pulse current (IPP) of 175 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per datasheet Figure 3 and ensures protected circuits remain below critical overvoltage thresholds during worst-case transients. The MPLAD18KP64A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.
Is MPLAD18KP64A suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP64A is explicitly tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards, including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and surge testing. Its construction supports automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2, and its 64 V VWM aligns with 48 V system architectures. The MPLAD18KP64A also offers optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening for extended reliability in harsh environments.
How does the thermal design of MPLAD18KP64A differ from standard SMD TVS diodes?
Unlike conventional SMD TVS devices, the MPLAD18KP64A uses a metal-base PLAD package where the cathode forms the entire bottom surface - enabling direct thermal conduction to PCB copper or external heatsinks. Its junction-to-case thermal resistance is just 0.7 °C/W, over 70× lower than typical SMA/SMB packages. This allows the MPLAD18KP64A to sustain repeated 18 kW surges without thermal runaway, a capability standard TVS diodes cannot match.
Does MPLAD18KP64A meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP64A is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4, as confirmed in Microsemi Application Note RF01215. Its 18,000 W rating and sub-100 ps response ensure compliance with multi-stroke lightning standards for aircraft power systems. The MPLAD18KP64A is listed among approved parts for DO-160F Level 4 up to 130 V variants.
What is the polarity configuration and mounting orientation for MPLAD18KP64A?
The MPLAD18KP64A is a unidirectional TVS with cathode on the metal base (underside) and anode on the top-side solder pad. Correct mounting requires the metal base to be soldered directly to a thermal pad or heatsink - polarity reversal will prevent proper clamping. The device must be placed with the marked side (part number) facing upward for visual inspection and process control. This orientation is essential for both electrical function and thermal performance of the MPLAD18KP64A.
MPLAD18KP64A 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):
- 64V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 71.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 103V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 175A
- 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
MPLAD18KP64A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP64A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP64A 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 MPLAD18KP64A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP64A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP64A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP64A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP64A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP64A?
MPLAD18KP64A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP64A 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 MPLAD18KP64A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP64A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP64A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP64A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP64A 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 MPLAD18KP64A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP64A?
All MPLAD18KP64A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP64A, 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 MPLAD18KP64A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP64A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP64A Tags

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