Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP100CA

Overview

MAPLAD18KP100CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) rated for 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, with 100 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 111–123 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 162 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 112 A peak pulse current - designed for secondary lightning protection and load dump suppression in aerospace avionics per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP100CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP100CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP100CA application, or MAPLAD18KP100CA equivalent, key selection criteria include IEC 61000-4-5 compliance at 42 Ω/12 Ω source impedance, bidirectional polarity, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and thermal resistance of 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case - critical for high-reliability aircraft power bus and engine control interface protection.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP100CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for multi-stroke lightning transients, delivering sub-5 ns response time and clamping within 162 V at 112 A under 10/1000 μs waveform. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting continuous operation with RθJC = 0.7 °C/W and steady-state dissipation up to 71 W at TC = 100°C.

It meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 for multi-stroke lightning (Waveform 4, Level 4), IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 (42 Ω), Class 1–4 (12 Ω), and ESD/EFT per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4. Standby leakage is ≤10 μA at 100 V, and temperature coefficient αV(BR) is +122 mV/°C - enabling stable clamping across –55°C to +150°C operating range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP100CA uses a low-profile surface-mount plastic package with metal baseplate (cathode side). The device has two terminals: anode and cathode, with polarity marked by cathode on the metal underside. Package dimensions: 12.32–12.57 mm × 10.54–10.80 mm × 3.68–3.94 mm (L×W×H), compliant with IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B moisture level 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.

Compared with SMBJ100CA and SMCJ100CA, MAPLAD18KP100CA delivers 30× higher pulse power handling, 35× lower thermal resistance, and formal qualification to RTCA DO-160F and AEC-Q101 - making it the only viable option for certified aircraft power interface protection.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP100CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive engine control, industrial motor drives, and high-reliability power supply design requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP100CA 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, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD18KP100CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for certified aircraft systems requiring multi-stroke lightning resilience and AEC-Q101 reliability.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP100CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP100CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 162 V at 112 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream circuitry will not experience voltages exceeding 162 V during specified surge events - a critical parameter for protecting 100 V-rated power management ICs and microcontrollers in MAPLAD18KP100CA-based designs.

Is MAPLAD18KP100CA qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP100CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including temperature cycling, highly accelerated stress testing (HAST), and surge endurance. Its 100 V standoff and 162 V clamping make it suitable for 24 V/48 V hybrid vehicle power distribution units and engine control modules - though its primary qualification focus remains RTCA DO-160F for aerospace use. MAPLAD18KP100CA meets both automotive and aviation reliability benchmarks.

How does the metal baseplate of MAPLAD18KP100CA improve thermal performance?

The metal baseplate of MAPLAD18KP100CA serves as the cathode terminal and provides a direct thermal conduction path from the silicon die to the PCB copper pour or external heatsink. With a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of just 0.7 °C/W, MAPLAD18KP100CA achieves 35× better thermal efficiency than standard SMC/SMB packages - enabling 71 W steady-state dissipation at 100°C case temperature and preventing thermal runaway during repetitive 18 kW surges.

Does MAPLAD18KP100CA meet IEC 61000-4-5 for secondary lightning protection?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP100CA is explicitly rated for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances across multiple test classes. At 42 Ω, it supports Class 1–5; at 12 Ω, Class 1–4; and at 2 Ω, Class 2–3. These ratings are confirmed in the RF01215 datasheet and validated through factory surge testing - ensuring MAPLAD18KP100CA delivers certified protection for grounded equipment in industrial and aerospace infrastructure.

What is the polarity configuration of MAPLAD18KP100CA and how is it identified?

MAPLAD18KP100CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "CA" suffix in its part number. Polarity is defined by the metal baseplate, which functions as the cathode terminal. The anode is the top-side metallization. During assembly, the metal baseplate must be soldered to a thermally robust copper area - serving simultaneously as the electrical return path and thermal interface. This dual-role construction is intrinsic to MAPLAD18KP100CA's low-inductance, high-power architecture.