Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP85A
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP85A
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP85A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 85VWM 137VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,172
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP85A 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 ≤137 V under 100 A peak impulse current, and features a 85 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 94.4–104.0 V breakdown range. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP85A datasheet, MPLAD18KP85A pinout, MPLAD18KP85A application, or MPLAD18KP85A equivalent, this device is selected for lightning robustness in avionics power rails, load-dump immunity in 24 V vehicle ECUs, and secondary IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2–4 protection with 42 Ω source impedance.
Technical Context
The MPLAD18KP85A employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio and minimal thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W). Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks or PCB copper planes, supporting sustained multi-stroke surge handling per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.
It operates as a shunt-type protector triggered above VWM (85 V), with sub-100 ps response time and <137 V clamping at IPP = 100 A (10/1000 μs). Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at VWM, ensuring minimal impact on 24–48 V DC systems during normal operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft lightning-induced transients without degradation |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 85 V - matches nominal 72–96 V DC bus systems in commercial aviation and heavy-duty vehicles |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | ≤137 V @ 100 A - limits downstream IC stress to safe levels during 42 Ω IEC 61000-4-5 surges |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 94.4–104.0 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM for stable protection threshold |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJC) | 0.7 °C/W - enables direct mounting to heatsink or large copper pour for thermal management |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ VWM - avoids measurable power loss or voltage drift in always-on 24/48 V control circuits |
| Response Time | <100 ps - activates before sensitive analog or digital circuitry can be damaged by fast-rising transients |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Low-profile Anode-down) with metal base cathode terminal. Dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.33 mm (L × W × H); weight ≈1 g; RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating; UL94V-0 epoxy body.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (top surface pad) | Positive input terminal | Soldered to protected line (e.g., 24 V rail); forms low-inductance path to cathode during clamping |
| Cathode (metal base) | Ground reference / return path | Must be soldered to large copper plane or heatsink; serves as primary thermal and electrical return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-reliability wafer lot traceability | Full fabrication and assembly lot tracking supports aerospace configuration management and failure analysis |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive ECU environments including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Withstands 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients up to 100 V at 25 °C - required for flight-critical avionics |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2–4 support (42 Ω) | Enables use as secondary protector behind front-end filters in industrial PLCs and motor drives |
| Moisture sensitivity Level 1 | No dry-pack or baking required prior to reflow - simplifies SMT manufacturing and reduces cost |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Commercial Vehicle ECUs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC main bus in regional aircraft against lightning-induced surges per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed directly across bus input, clamping transients before they reach upstream DC-DC converters and avionics LRUs. Use Value: Enables compliance with Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 4) and multi-stroke lightning testing without derating or parallel devices. | Use Scenario: Load-dump suppression in 24 V engine control units exposed to ISO 16750-2 pulses up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary clamp on battery feed line, activated within 100 ps to limit voltage excursion below 137 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or gate oxide damage in MCU power supplies and CAN transceivers during alternator disconnection events. |
| Industrial Motor Drives | Railway Signaling Power |
Use Scenario: Secondary surge protection on 48 V auxiliary supply feeding IGBT gate drivers in variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downstream TVS after MOV-based front-end filter, absorbing residual energy from IEC 61000-4-5 42 Ω surges. Use Value: Maintains clamping performance over repeated 10/1000 μs surges (duty factor ≤0.05%), critical for factory automation uptime. | Use Scenario: Protection of 72 V DC signaling power in trackside interlocking cabinets subjected to induced lightning currents. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Unidirectional TVS mounted across input terminals, referenced to chassis ground via metal base. Use Value: Achieves IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 compliance with 42 Ω source impedance while fitting constrained PCB space. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ85A | 600 W PPP rating, SMB package, RθJC ≈ 35 °C/W | Limited to single-stroke surges; unsuitable for RTCA DO-160 multi-stroke or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 | Select only for cost-sensitive, low-energy consumer-grade 24 V systems where 18 kW capability is unnecessary |
| SMCJ85A | 1500 W PPP, SMC package, RθJC ≈ 15 °C/W, no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 certification | Requires external heatsinking for >100 A surges; lacks flight-certification documentation | Acceptable for industrial controls with lower surge repetition rates but not for aerospace or automotive safety-critical use |
Compared with SMBJ85A and SMCJ85A, the MPLAD18KP85A provides 30× higher peak power, 50× lower junction-to-case thermal resistance, and certified compliance with RTCA DO-160F and AEC-Q101 - making it the only viable choice for multi-stroke lightning protection in certified avionics and automotive power modules.
Availability
MPLAD18KP85A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, commercial vehicle ECUs, and industrial motor drives requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP85A 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 ruggedized discrete components.
The MPLAD18KP85A belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection in certified airborne and automotive systems where thermal robustness and regulatory compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MPLAD18KP85A under standard test conditions?
The MPLAD18KP85A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 137 V when subjected to a 100 A peak pulse current with a 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed per the manufacturer's datasheet and reflects worst-case performance across temperature and process variation. The MPLAD18KP85A achieves this clamping level while maintaining low thermal resistance, enabling reliable operation in high-repetition surge environments.
Is the MPLAD18KP85A suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?
No, the MPLAD18KP85A is a unidirectional TVS diode, intended for DC power rail protection where polarity is fixed. For bidirectional AC or data-line protection, Microsemi offers the MPLAD18KP85CA variant. Using the MPLAD18KP85A on bidirectional lines risks forward conduction during negative excursions and invalidates its specified clamping behavior. Always match polarity suffix (A vs CA) to system architecture.
Does the MPLAD18KP85A require a heatsink for standard operation?
The MPLAD18KP85A does not require an external heatsink for single-event surge suppression, but its metal base must be soldered to ≥25 cm² of 2 oz copper for effective thermal dissipation during multi-stroke events. The 0.7 °C/W RθJC rating assumes direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or a heatsink. Without adequate copper area, junction temperature rise may exceed 150 °C during repeated 10/1000 μs surges, risking parametric shift or failure.
What certifications apply to the MPLAD18KP85A?
The MPLAD18KP85A is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive reliability and tested per RTCA DO-160F Section 22 for lightning-induced transient immunity. It also meets IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (surge) standards. These certifications are documented in Microsemi's RF01215 datasheet and supported by lot-level traceability - essential for DO-178/DO-254 and ISO 26262 compliance workflows.
How does the MPLAD18KP85A compare to standard SMA/SMB/SMC TVS diodes in surge handling?
The MPLAD18KP85A delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power - 30× higher than typical SMCJ85A (1500 W) and 300× higher than SMBJ85A (600 W). Its PLAD package's 0.7 °C/W RθJC enables rapid heat extraction, whereas SMA/SMB/SMC packages exhibit RθJC >15 °C/W. This allows the MPLAD18KP85A to survive multi-stroke lightning tests that would thermally saturate smaller packages, making it uniquely suited for aerospace and heavy-vehicle applications.
MPLAD18KP85A 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):
- 85V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 94.4V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 137V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 132A
- 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
MPLAD18KP85A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP85A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP85A 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 MPLAD18KP85A reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP85A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP85A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP85A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP85A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP85A?
MPLAD18KP85A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP85A 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 MPLAD18KP85A?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP85A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP85A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP85A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP85A 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 MPLAD18KP85A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP85A?
All MPLAD18KP85A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP85A, 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 MPLAD18KP85A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP85A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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