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Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP78CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP78CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP78CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 78VWM 126VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,985
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP78CAE3 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, features a 78 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤126 V at 143 A peak impulse current (IPP), and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP78CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP78CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP78CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP78CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning compliance, and RoHS-compliant e3 plating - all critical for avionics power rail and interface line protection.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device during transients, leveraging avalanche breakdown across its silicon junction to divert surge energy away from protected circuitry. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping on both polarities without external polarity management.
Thermal performance is optimized via direct metal-base cathode mounting and low RθJC (0.7 °C/W), enabling effective heat transfer to PCB copper or heatsinks. It is surge-tested per AEC-Q101 and qualified for multi-stroke lightning per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 with verified 0.05% duty factor endurance.
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 under standard lightning waveform testing |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 78 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage the device blocks before clamping begins |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 126 V @ IPP = 143 A - limits downstream voltage stress to safe levels during worst-case surge events |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat conduction from die to PCB or heatsink, supporting high-reliability thermal design |
| Standby Current (ID) | 10 μA @ 78 V - negligible leakage ensures minimal power loss and signal integrity in standby operation |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 86.7–95.8 V @ I(BR) - defines the minimum voltage at which avalanche conduction initiates, ensuring predictable turn-on margin |
| Temperature Coefficient (αV(BR)) | 94 mV/°C - quantifies voltage drift with temperature, critical for stable clamping across -55°C to +150°C operating range |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode Down) with metal base cathode terminal; void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-plated terminals compliant with MIL-STD-2026; weight ≈1 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top side) | Transient current entry point (bidirectional) | Accepts positive or negative surge polarity; symmetric conduction path relative to cathode |
| Cathode (metal base) | Transient current return path / thermal interface | Directly bonded to PCB copper pour or heatsink; primary thermal conduction path (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional surge suppression | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating lines without polarity awareness or external diodes |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Validated for 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients at 25°C - required for commercial aircraft avionics interfaces |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection | Supports system-level immunity testing with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances across multiple severity levels |
| RoHS-compliant e3 matte-tin plating | Ensures lead-free solder compatibility and long-term intermetallic stability per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms robustness for automotive under-hood and powertrain applications including load dump and switching transients |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC power inputs in flight control computers subjected to DO-160 Section 22 lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient shunt device placed at board edge before DC-DC converters and microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 126 V, preventing damage to downstream 36 V-rated input stages while sustaining 18 kW multi-stroke events. | Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V battery-fed ECU power rails during alternator regulation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy crowbar element absorbing up to 1500 A forward surge (IFSM) without failure. Use Value: Survives 12 V system transients exceeding 120 V for >400 ms, maintaining functional safety integrity per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Protection of RS-485 communication lines in variable-frequency drives exposed to ground potential differences and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional line protector placed differential-mode across A/B bus lines with common-mode choke. Use Value: Clamps ±126 V transients within <5 ns response time, preserving signal integrity and preventing receiver latch-up. | Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on 72 V signaling circuits in European railway signaling cabinets per EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Class 4 IEC 61000-4-5 protector with 42 Ω source impedance, mounted upstream of isolation barriers. Use Value: Withstands 4 kV open-circuit test pulses while limiting let-through energy to <10 mJ, protecting optocoupler inputs. |
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 PPP rating, 5.0 mm × 3.5 mm SMB package, RθJA = 50 °C/W, no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Limited to consumer/industrial single-stroke surges; unsuitable for aviation or automotive multi-stroke requirements | Select only for cost-sensitive, non-safety-critical 78 V line protection where qualification and thermal performance are not mandated |
| SMCJ78CA | 1500 W PPP rating, 7.1 mm × 6.2 mm SMC package, RθJA = 25 °C/W, AEC-Q101 qualified but not DO-160 tested | Supports automotive load dump but lacks RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 validation and 18 kW energy handling | Use when higher power than SMBJ is needed but full 18 kW aerospace-grade surge capability is unnecessary |
Compared with SMBJ78CA and SMCJ78CA, MPLAD18KP78CAE3 provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated multi-stroke endurance, and certified compliance with aviation and industrial secondary lightning standards - making it the sole option for DO-160F Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4–5 deployments requiring 78 V standoff.
Availability
MPLAD18KP78CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive engine control units, industrial motor drive I/O, and railway signaling interface applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP78CAE3 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 analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened, high-voltage, and surge-immune components.
The MPLAD18KP78CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load-dump protection in mission-critical systems where thermal robustness and qualification compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP78CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP78CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 126 V at its peak impulse current (IPP) of 143 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and ensures downstream circuitry remains below destructive voltage thresholds during standardized surge events.
Is MPLAD18KP78CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, MPLAD18KP78CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection. Its 1500 A forward surge current (IFSM) rating and thermal resistance of 0.7 °C/W support sustained operation in under-hood environments, meeting ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements when properly mounted on thermally enhanced PCBs.
Does MPLAD18KP78CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?
Yes, MPLAD18KP78CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning and Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) pin injection at Level 4. The device achieves this with its 18,000 W PPP rating and sub-5 ns response time, as confirmed in Microsemi Application Note RF01215 Rev B.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MPLAD18KP78CAE3?
The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP78CAE3 denotes bidirectional polarity - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression for both positive and negative voltage excursions. This eliminates the need for dual unidirectional devices in AC or floating-line applications and simplifies layout for differential bus protection.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient (RθJA) for MPLAD18KP78CAE3?
The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) for MPLAD18KP78CAE3 is 50 °C/W when mounted on an FR4 PCB with the recommended pad layout per RF01215 Rev B. However, its much lower junction-to-case resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) means actual thermal performance depends critically on heatsinking the metal base cathode to copper or external thermal mass.
MPLAD18KP78CAE3 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
MPLAD18KP78CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP78CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP78CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP78CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP78CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP78CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP78CAE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP78CAE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP78CAE3?
MPLAD18KP78CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP78CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP78CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP78CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP78CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP78CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP78CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP78CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP78CAE3?
All MPLAD18KP78CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP78CAE3, 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 MPLAD18KP78CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP78CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP78CAE3 Tags
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