Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP110CA

Overview

MAPLAD18KP110CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤177 V under 1000 A impulse, and features a 110 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (122–135 V). It meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP110CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP110CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP110CA application, or MAPLAD18KP110CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 110 V working voltage, 177 V max clamping at 1000 A, thermal resistance of 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case, and qualification to AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP110CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio and minimal thermal resistance. Its metal-base package enables direct heatsinking, achieving RθJC = 0.7 °C/W - critical for sustained multi-pulse operation in aircraft avionics and vehicle load-dump circuits.

It supports dual-standard compliance: RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 protection up to 110 V standoff, and IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances across Classes 1–5. Standby current ID is ≤10 μA at VWM, ensuring minimal leakage in always-on power rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP110CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode formed on opposite sides of the metal base. The cathode is the metal base (bottom side), and the anode is the top-side metallization. No internal die bonding wire; conduction path is through the silicon die directly to the baseplate.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SP1003-110 and SMAJ110CA, MAPLAD18KP110CA uniquely combines bidirectional operation, 18 kW pulse power, and 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance - making it the only option qualified for multi-stroke lightning protection in certified avionics and high-reliability automotive ECUs.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP110CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive engine control units, industrial motor drives, and railway signaling systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP110CA 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 semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing solutions, and robust discrete components.

The MAPLAD18KP110CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning survivability and automotive load-dump immunity in safety-critical platforms.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP110CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP110CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 177 V when subjected to a 1000 A peak impulse current under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01215 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The clamping performance is guaranteed across temperature and lifetime, supporting design margining for downstream 200 V-rated components.

Is MAPLAD18KP110CA qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP110CA is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use and supports load-dump protection per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. Its construction includes wafer lot traceability, 3σ standby current screening, and surge testing per AEC-Q101 stress conditions. The device is commonly deployed in engine control units and transmission control modules where high ambient temperature and vibration resilience are required.

How does the metal-base package of MAPLAD18KP110CA improve thermal performance?

The MAPLAD18KP110CA uses a metal-base PLAD package where the cathode serves as both electrical terminal and thermal interface. With a junction-to-case thermal resistance of just 0.7 °C/W, heat generated during surge events transfers directly from the silicon die into the PCB copper pour or external heatsink. This enables reliable operation under repetitive surge conditions - such as those defined in RTCA DO-160 Section 22 - without thermal runaway.

Does MAPLAD18KP110CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP110CA is explicitly rated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing at Level 4 for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and supports Level 4/5 for Waveform 5A depending on VWM selection. Per RF01215 Rev B, MAPLAD18KP110CA qualifies for Level 4 up to 110 V VWM, making it suitable for primary or secondary lightning protection in commercial and military avionics power inputs.

What is the polarity configuration indicated by the "CA" suffix in MAPLAD18KP110CA?

The "CA" suffix in MAPLAD18KP110CA denotes bidirectional polarity - meaning the device provides symmetrical surge suppression for both positive and negative transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MAPLAD18KP110A), the CA version has no inherent anode/cathode orientation relative to ground; instead, it functions as a back-to-back diode pair, making it ideal for AC lines, differential buses, or floating power domains where polarity reversal is possible.