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Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP78CA
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP78CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP78CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,720
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP78CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤126 V under 100 A peak impulse current, and features a 78 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (86.7–95.8 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP78CA datasheet, MPLAD18KP78CA pinout, MPLAD18KP78CA application, or MPLAD18KP78CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 126 V max clamping voltage at 100 A, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning compliance, and RoHS-compliant e3 plating.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device triggered by avalanche breakdown, with symmetrical bidirectional conduction enabling protection against both positive and negative transients. Its low RθJC (0.7 °C/W) and void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package support high-reliability mounting on FR4 with thermal pad per recommended layout.
It is characterized for multi-stroke lightning immunity per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and supports secondary surge protection per IEC 61000-4-5 across 2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω source impedances - with Class 2/3 coverage at all three, and Class 4/5 at 42 Ω and 12 Ω respectively.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains full-rated surge energy without failure under standard lightning waveform |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 78 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC @ IPP) | 126 V @ 100 A - limits downstream circuit voltage during worst-case 100 A transient |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pour or heatsink for repeated surges |
| Breakdown Voltage Range | 86.7–95.8 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM with controlled process variation |
| Standby Leakage Current | ≤10 μA @ 78 V - negligible power loss and signal interference in standby operation |
| Temperature Coefficient αV(BR) | +94 mV/°C - predictable V(BR) drift over -55°C to +150°C operating range |
Pinout & Package
The MPLAD18KP78CA uses a 2-terminal surface-mount package with metal base cathode contact (bidirectional symmetry eliminates anode/cathode distinction). The case is void-free thermosetting epoxy (UL94V-0), with matte-tin (e3) RoHS-compliant terminations solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Recommended pad layout per RF01215 Rev B specifies 12.32–12.57 mm length × 10.54–10.80 mm width footprint.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (Top-side marking side) | Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional conduction path - either terminal serves as input/output for AC or dual-polarity DC lines |
| Terminal 2 (Metal base / bottom) | Cathode (shared thermal plane) | Primary thermal interface - must be soldered to ≥100 mm² copper pour for RθJC = 0.7 °C/W performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional construction (CA suffix) | Protects AC-coupled or floating DC buses from ± transients without polarity sensitivity |
| 18 kW peak pulse rating | Meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements for aircraft avionics |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Enables >1000 surge cycles at 1 Hz with <10°C junction rise when mounted per spec |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive load dump and ISO 7637-2 transient immunity in engine control units |
| IEC 61000-4-2/4-4/4-5 compliance | Provides integrated ESD, EFT, and lightning surge immunity without external filtering stages |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC bus inputs in flight management computers exposed to DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient clamp on main power rail, absorbing up to 18 kW pulses while holding rail voltage below 126 V. Use Value: Eliminates need for series impedance or RC snubbers; maintains system uptime during multi-stroke events per Section 22. | Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V battery-fed microcontroller power rails in diesel engine ECUs per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response crowbar protecting LDO regulators and CAN transceivers from 120 V/200 ms transients. Use Value: Prevents latch-up and burnout in 3.3 V logic domains; qualified to AEC-Q101 for 15-year field life. |
| Railway Signaling Interface | Industrial Motor Drive Control Board |
Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on 72 V DC signaling lines between trackside sensors and interlocking systems subjected to IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (4 kV, 42 Ω source). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp on RS-485 differential pairs, limiting common-mode voltage excursion during induced surges. Use Value: Maintains data integrity across 1 km cable runs; withstands repeated 4 kV strikes without parameter shift. | Use Scenario: Protection of isolated gate driver supply inputs in 400 V AC motor drives exposed to switching-induced RFI and EFT bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-leakage (≤10 μA) clamp on auxiliary 15 V bias rail, suppressing 40/120 μs transients per IEC 61000-4-4. Use Value: Prevents false triggering of IGBTs; RoHS-compliant e3 plating ensures compatibility with lead-free reflow profiles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ78CA | 600 W rating (vs. 18,000 W); DO-214AA package; RθJA = 40 °C/W (no metal base) | Limited to single-stroke, low-energy transients; unsuitable for DO-160 multi-stroke or load dump | Select only for cost-sensitive consumer electronics with sub-100 A surge exposure |
| SMCJ78CA | 1500 W rating; DO-214AB package; RθJC = 2.5 °C/W; no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Acceptable for industrial I/O protection but lacks aerospace-grade reliability traceability and screening | Choose when full 18 kW capability is unnecessary and MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening is not required |
Compared with SMBJ78CA and SMCJ78CA, the MPLAD18KP78CA provides 30× higher peak power handling, 3.5× lower thermal resistance, and certified compliance with aviation and automotive surge standards - making it the sole option for mission-critical multi-stroke environments.
Availability
MPLAD18KP78CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive engine control units, and industrial motor drive control boards requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP78CA 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 semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and protected power components.
The MPLAD18KP78CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load dump immunity in safety-critical platforms.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP78CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP78CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 100 A under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe voltage limits during surge events. The MPLAD18KP78CA achieves this performance via low-dynamic-resistance avalanche structure and optimized metallization.
Is the MPLAD18KP78CA qualified for automotive applications per AEC-Q101?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP78CA is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, TST, and surge. This qualification confirms its suitability for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units and transmission controllers. The MPLAD18KP78CA also meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump requirements, supporting design-in for Tier 1 suppliers.
Does the MPLAD18KP78CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?
Yes, the MPLAD18KP78CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing and supports Pin Injection Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4. Its 18,000 W rating and low clamping voltage enable compliance across multiple waveforms and classes. The MPLAD18KP78CA is widely deployed in flight management systems and cockpit displays where DO-160F certification is mandatory.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RθJC) for the MPLAD18KP78CA?
The MPLAD18KP78CA has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.7 °C/W, measured with the metal base soldered to a minimum 100 mm² copper area per the recommended pad layout. This low value enables effective heat dissipation during repetitive surge events and is critical for maintaining reliability in high-duty-cycle applications. The MPLAD18KP78CA's RθJC is 3.6× better than standard SMC packages.
How does the bidirectional construction of the MPLAD18KP78CA affect its circuit implementation?
The bidirectional construction (indicated by the "CA" suffix) allows the MPLAD18KP78CA to protect AC-coupled or floating DC lines without regard to polarity - both terminals behave identically under positive or negative transients. This simplifies PCB layout and eliminates orientation errors during assembly. The MPLAD18KP78CA's symmetrical V-I curve ensures consistent clamping in either direction, critical for RS-485, CAN FD, and Ethernet PHY protection.
MPLAD18KP78CA 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):
- 78V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 86.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 126V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 143A
- 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
MPLAD18KP78CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP78CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP78CA 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 MPLAD18KP78CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP78CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP78CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP78CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP78CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP78CA?
MPLAD18KP78CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP78CA 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 MPLAD18KP78CA?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP78CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP78CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP78CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP78CA 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 MPLAD18KP78CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP78CA?
All MPLAD18KP78CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP78CA, 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 MPLAD18KP78CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP78CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP78CA Tags
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