Microchip Technology MPLAD18KP85CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD18KP85CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD18KP85CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 85VWM 137VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,289
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD18KP85CAE3 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, features a 85 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤137 V at 100 A peak impulse current, and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–4 secondary lightning protection requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD18KP85CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD18KP85CAE3 pinout, MPLAD18KP85CAE3 application, or MPLAD18KP85CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, 126 V minimum breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and compatibility with FR4 PCB mounting per recommended pad layout.
Technical Context
This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp transient overvoltages within nanoseconds. Its metal-base cathode construction enables low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) and efficient heat dissipation into the PCB ground plane when mounted on FR4 with specified copper pad area.
It is characterized for multi-stroke lightning immunity per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and supports dual-source impedance testing per IEC 61000-4-5 (2 Ω, 12 Ω, and 42 Ω). Standby leakage current is controlled to ≤10 μA at 85 V, and temperature coefficient of V(BR) is +102 mV/°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains aircraft-grade lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 85 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 137 V @ 100 A - limits downstream circuit voltage during surge events |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 94.4–104.0 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable avalanche conduction onset |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables direct PCB heat sinking for high-repetition transients |
| Standby Current (ID) | ≤10 μA @ 85 V - negligible leakage in standby, critical for low-power systems |
| Temperature Coefficient αV(BR) | +102 mV/°C - predictable V(BR) drift across -55°C to +150°C operating range |
Pinout & Package
Package: Surface-mount PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode/Cathode) with metal base cathode terminal. Void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body; tin-plated terminals compliant with MIL-STD-750 Method 2026; weight ≈1 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Base (Bottom) | Cathode | Primary heat path to PCB; must be soldered to large copper pour for thermal management |
| Top Surface Terminal | Anode | Signal/power line connection point; bidirectional operation requires symmetric layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects AC and differential signal lines without polarity constraints |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 compliance (Level 4) | Withstands 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients up to 85 V VWM devices |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–4 support (42 Ω source) | Validated for secondary lightning protection in avionics and rail control cabinets |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | No dry-pack required - simplifies handling and eliminates bake-out prior to reflow |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified for automotive under-hood applications per stress test requirements |
Applications
| Aerospace Avionics Power Bus | Automotive Load Dump Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC distribution buses in commercial aircraft against DO-160 Section 22 lightning-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary surge suppression device placed at bus entry points to limit voltage excursions to <140 V. Use Value: Enables compliance with Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 4) and multi-stroke lightning standards without derating. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control units (ECUs) during alternator load dump events in 12 V/24 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element across battery input to absorb 120 V/200 V spikes lasting up to 400 ms. Use Value: Prevents ECU reset or latch-up by clamping within 5 ns while sustaining 18 kW peak power. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Shielding IGBT gate drivers and feedback sensors from switching-induced transients in 400–800 V DC link circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transient voltage suppressor mounted directly at DC bus terminals to reduce dV/dt stress on downstream components. Use Value: Low RθJC (0.7 °C/W) allows direct thermal coupling to heatsink-equipped PCBs, maintaining reliability under repetitive surges. |
Use Scenario: Securing Ethernet and RS-485 communication ports in wayside signaling equipment exposed to track-side lightning coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary protection stage after gas discharge tube (GDT), clamping residual energy to safe levels. Use Value: Validated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω source) ensures interoperability with legacy GDT-based architectures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ85CA | Lower PPP (600 W), SMA package, RθJC ≈ 40 °C/W | Not suitable for DO-160 Level 4 or multi-stroke lightning; limited to consumer/industrial grade | Select only for cost-sensitive, low-energy surge environments where 18 kW rating is unnecessary |
| SMCJ85CA | PPP = 1500 W, SMC package, RθJC ≈ 10 °C/W, no AEC-Q101 or DO-160 qualification | Lacks aviation-grade validation; insufficient for RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 | Acceptable for general-purpose industrial I/O protection but not for certified aerospace or automotive safety-critical systems |
Compared with SMBJ85CA and SMCJ85CA, the MPLAD18KP85CAE3 provides 30× higher peak pulse power, 57× lower thermal resistance, and formal qualification for aviation lightning standards-making it the only option among the three for certified high-reliability platforms.
Availability
MPLAD18KP85CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical applications.
Supply support for MPLAD18KP85CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP85CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in mission-critical systems where thermal performance and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD18KP85CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MPLAD18KP85CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 137 V at 100 A peak impulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01215 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The clamping performance remains stable across its full operating temperature range (-55°C to +150°C).
Is MPLAD18KP85CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, MPLAD18KP85CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive under-hood and powertrain applications. It meets stress test requirements including high-temperature reverse bias, temperature cycling, and humidity bias life testing. Its 85 V VWM and bidirectional capability make it appropriate for 24 V system load dump protection in commercial and heavy-duty vehicles.
Does MPLAD18KP85CAE3 require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - the MPLAD18KP85CAE3 requires a dedicated thermal pad layout per the RF01215 datasheet's "PAD LAYOUT" section. The metal base (cathode) must be soldered to a minimum 12.32 mm × 10.54 mm copper area with thermal vias to internal ground planes. Failure to follow this layout risks thermal runaway during repetitive surges due to its 18 kW rating and reliance on PCB conduction for heat dissipation.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MPLAD18KP85CAE3?
The "CA" suffix in MPLAD18KP85CAE3 denotes bidirectional construction - meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD18KP85AE3), it has no polarity dependence and can protect AC-coupled or differential signal paths without orientation constraints. This is confirmed in the "PART NOMENCLATURE" section of RF01215 Rev B.
How does MPLAD18KP85CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning requirements?
MPLAD18KP85CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at Level 4 for VWM up to 85 V. Its 18,000 W PPP rating, sub-5 ns response time, and low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.61) enable compliance without external series impedance. Testing was performed per the standard's ambient temperature and mounting conditions specified in RF01215.
MPLAD18KP85CAE3 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):
- 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
MPLAD18KP85CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD18KP85CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD18KP85CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP85CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD18KP85CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD18KP85CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD18KP85CAE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPLAD18KP85CAE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD18KP85CAE3?
MPLAD18KP85CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD18KP85CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP85CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD18KP85CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD18KP85CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD18KP85CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD18KP85CAE3 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 MPLAD18KP85CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD18KP85CAE3?
All MPLAD18KP85CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD18KP85CAE3, 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 MPLAD18KP85CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD18KP85CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD18KP85CAE3 Tags

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