Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP10CA

Overview

MAPLAD18KP10CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤17.0 V under 1059 A peak impulse current, and features a 10 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (11.1–12.3 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning standards.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP10CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP10CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP10CA application, or MAPLAD18KP10CA equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus, avionics power rail, and automotive load dump protection where low clamping voltage, sub-100 ps response, and multi-stroke surge endurance are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP10CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for fast transient response (<5 ns rise time) and low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), enabling efficient heat transfer to the PCB copper pad. Its bidirectional construction provides symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal/power lines without polarity dependency.

It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature, supports steady-state dissipation up to 2.5 W at 25°C ambient, and maintains stable breakdown voltage with a +9.0 mV/°C temperature coefficient - critical for thermal stability in unheated avionics bays or engine-compartment electronics.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP10CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: cathode and anode symmetrically arranged on opposite edges of the metal base. The metal base serves as the thermal and electrical return path, requiring direct soldering to a minimum 12.32 mm × 10.54 mm copper pad per datasheet layout.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ10CA and SMCJ10CA, MAPLAD18KP10CA delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance enabling direct PCB heat sinking - making it the only option qualified for certified aerospace lightning protection and high-repetition automotive load dump scenarios.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP10CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive load dump protection, industrial motor drive DC bus, and railway signaling interface applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and certified surge performance.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP10CA 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 (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, RF, timing, and radiation-hardened solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD18KP10CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for certified lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical platforms where multi-stroke endurance and thermal robustness are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP10CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP10CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 17.0 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 1059 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per datasheet Figure 3 and ensures downstream circuitry remains below safe operating thresholds during worst-case surge events. The MAPLAD18KP10CA achieves this with sub-5 ns response time and symmetrical bidirectional behavior.

Is MAPLAD18KP10CA compliant with RTCA DO-160F for aircraft applications?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP10CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing and meets Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 requirements at 25°C. Its 18,000 W peak pulse power rating and low clamping voltage enable compliance with multi-stroke test profiles required for commercial avionics. MAPLAD18KP10CA documentation explicitly lists this qualification in RF01215 Rev B.

What is the thermal resistance junction-to-case (RθJC) for MAPLAD18KP10CA, and how does it affect PCB layout?

The MAPLAD18KP10CA has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.7 °C/W, measured from die to the metal base. This ultra-low value requires direct soldering of the metal base to a large, thermally robust copper pad (minimum 12.32 mm × 10.54 mm) to realize full 18 kW surge capability. Inadequate copper area increases effective RθJA and risks thermal failure during repetitive surges. MAPLAD18KP10CA's pad layout is specified in RF01215 Rev B.

Does MAPLAD18KP10CA meet IEC 61000-4-5 for industrial surge immunity?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP10CA is certified for IEC 61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection across Classes 1–5 with 42 Ω source impedance, and Classes 1–4 with 12 Ω source impedance. Its 10 V VWM and 17.0 V clamping voltage provide sufficient margin for 24 V and 48 V industrial systems. MAPLAD18KP10CA's qualification is explicitly stated in the "Secondary lightning protection" section of RF01215 Rev B.

What packaging and marking options are available for MAPLAD18KP10CA?

MAPLAD18KP10CA is supplied in bulk or tape-and-reel format (add "TR" suffix for EIA-481-B compliant reels). The body is marked with the full part number, and the metal base identifies the cathode terminal. RoHS-compliant versions use matte-tin plating (e3 suffix); non-RoHS versions use tin-lead. Moisture sensitivity is Level 1 - no dry pack or bake-out is required prior to reflow. MAPLAD18KP10CA's marking and packaging details are defined in RF01215 Rev B Section "MECHANICAL and PACKAGING".