Microchip Technology MPLAD36KP18CAE3
- Part No.:
- MPLAD36KP18CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MPLAD36KP18CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 30.8VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,019
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Product details
Overview
MPLAD36KP18CAE3 from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 18 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤30.8 V at 1169 A peak impulse current, and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.
For engineers reviewing the MPLAD36KP18CAE3 datasheet, MPLAD36KP18CAE3 pinout, MPLAD36KP18CAE3 application, or MPLAD36KP18CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance with 42 Ω source impedance, and RoHS-compliant e3 termination plating.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device during transients, leveraging avalanche breakdown to divert surge energy away from sensitive circuitry. Its metal-base cathode construction enables low thermal resistance and direct heat sinking to PCB copper or external heatsinks.
It is characterized for operation across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, supports pin-injection protection per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4 up to 400 V), and provides ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 and EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-4.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 36,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains full-rated surge without degradation under single-event testing per Figure 1 |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 18 V - maximum continuous DC or peak AC voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 20.0–22.1 V @ 5 mA - onset of controlled avalanche conduction, defining clamping threshold margin |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 30.8 V @ 1169 A - maximum voltage seen by protected circuit during worst-case 10/1000 μs surge |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 1.0 °C/W - enables direct thermal coupling to heatsink or large copper pour for sustained multi-pulse operation |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | MSL Level 1 - no dry-pack or bake-out required prior to reflow, simplifying SMT assembly |
| RoHS Compliance | e3 designation - matte-tin plating compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU |
Pinout & Package
Package: PLAD (Plastic Leaded Anode Down) - void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body with metal base acting as cathode terminal; dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H); weight: ~1.7–2.0 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Base (Bottom Surface) | Cathode | Primary current return path and thermal interface; must be soldered to large copper area or heatsink |
| Top Surface Pad | Anode | Signal-side connection; routed to protected line (e.g., aircraft avionics bus, automotive battery rail) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Protects AC-coupled or floating lines (e.g., differential data buses, sensor inputs) against ± polarity surges without polarity biasing |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Withstands 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients up to 400 V standoff variants - validated for aircraft flight control and navigation systems |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 (42 Ω) | Meets secondary lightning protection for long-distance wiring in commercial aircraft and heavy-duty vehicles |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified for automotive underhood and powertrain applications requiring robustness to thermal cycling and mechanical shock |
| Low RθJC = 1.0 °C/W | Enables >5× higher pulse repetition rate than standard SMB/SMA packages before thermal runaway |
Applications
| Avionics Lightning Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data receivers and MIL-STD-1553 bus transceivers from induced lightning currents on airframe-mounted wiring harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamping element placed at connector entry point to shunt surge energy to chassis ground. Use Value: Enables compliance with RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning test without derating or parallel device stacking. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control unit (ECU) power inputs during alternator load dump events in 12 V and 24 V vehicle electrical systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary overvoltage clamp on main battery rail, activated within <5 ns to limit voltage excursion to ≤30.8 V. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and CAN transceivers downstream of the clamp. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O Protection | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding encoder feedback lines and analog current loop inputs in variable-frequency drives exposed to switching transients from IGBT inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional transient suppressor bridging signal pair to common-mode ground, suppressing common-mode surges. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity under 4 kV EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) while preserving sub-mV noise floor in 20-bit ADC interfaces. | Use Scenario: Protecting track circuit receiver inputs in European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 balise communication modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge protector installed after primary gas discharge tube (GDT), handling residual energy and fast-rising edges. Use Value: Achieves coordinated protection with <100 ps response time and clamping below EN 50121-3-2 immunity thresholds for signaling safety integrity levels (SIL-4). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | 600 W PPP rating, SMA package, RθJC ≈ 35 °C/W, same VWM and polarity | Limited to single-stroke or low-duty-cycle surges; unsuitable for DO-160 multi-stroke validation | Select only for cost-sensitive industrial controls where 36 kW capability is unnecessary |
| SMCJ18CA | 1500 W PPP, SMC package, RθJC ≈ 12 °C/W, identical VWM and bidirectional configuration | Validated for AEC-Q101 but lacks DO-160F Waveform 4/5 certification and MSL Level 1 handling | Prefer for automotive infotainment or body electronics where aerospace qualification is not required |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and SMCJ18CA, the MPLAD36KP18CAE3 uniquely supports multi-stroke lightning testing, offers 30× higher PPP, and integrates MSL Level 1 manufacturability - making it irreplaceable in certified avionics and high-reliability vehicle power systems.
Availability
MPLAD36KP18CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics lightning protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial motor drive I/O protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MPLAD36KP18CAE3 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 surge protection components.
The MPLAD36KP18CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for certified airborne equipment and mission-critical automotive systems requiring multi-stroke surge endurance and zero moisture sensitivity.
FAQ
What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in MPLAD36KP18CAE3?
The 'CA' suffix in MPLAD36KP18CAE3 denotes bidirectional polarity - meaning the device clamps transient overvoltages of either polarity symmetrically across its terminals. This distinguishes it from unidirectional variants (e.g., MPLAD36KP18AE3), which conduct only in reverse bias and require correct orientation in-circuit. The CA configuration is essential for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal paths.
Is MPLAD36KP18CAE3 qualified to AEC-Q101?
Yes, MPLAD36KP18CAE3 is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. This qualification covers stress tests including HTGB, HTRB, AC/DC life test, temperature cycling, and mechanical shock - confirming suitability for automotive underhood and powertrain applications where reliability under thermal and vibration stress is mandatory.
What is the thermal interface requirement for MPLAD36KP18CAE3?
MPLAD36KP18CAE3 requires direct thermal coupling of its metal base (cathode) to a heatsink or ≥250 mm² copper pour on the PCB to maintain junction temperature within –55 °C to +150 °C limits. Its 1.0 °C/W RθJC rating assumes full-surface solder contact; insufficient thermal land area or voided solder joints will cause premature thermal failure during repetitive surges.
Does MPLAD36KP18CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160 Section 22?
Yes, MPLAD36KP18CAE3 is explicitly rated for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Per documentation RF01216 Rev B, it satisfies Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 4) and Level 4/5 waveform 5A requirements when applied within its VWM range, making it suitable for flight-critical avionics subsystems requiring formal certification evidence.
What is the clamping voltage of MPLAD36KP18CAE3 at rated peak current?
The maximum clamping voltage (VC) of MPLAD36KP18CAE3 is 30.8 V at 1169 A peak impulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lot variation, and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring downstream ICs remain within absolute maximum ratings.
MPLAD36KP18CAE3 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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 30.8V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 1169A (1.169kA)
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 36000W (36kW)
- 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
MPLAD36KP18CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPLAD36KP18CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPLAD36KP18CAE3 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 MPLAD36KP18CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MPLAD36KP18CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPLAD36KP18CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPLAD36KP18CAE3?
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4.How is shipping managed for MPLAD36KP18CAE3?
MPLAD36KP18CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPLAD36KP18CAE3 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 MPLAD36KP18CAE3?
For technical support, including MPLAD36KP18CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPLAD36KP18CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPLAD36KP18CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPLAD36KP18CAE3 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 MPLAD36KP18CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPLAD36KP18CAE3?
All MPLAD36KP18CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPLAD36KP18CAE3, 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 MPLAD36KP18CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPLAD36KP18CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MPLAD36KP18CAE3 Tags

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