Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP11CA

Overview

MAPLAD18KP11CA 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 ≤18.2 V under 989 A peak impulse current, and features a 11 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (12.2–13.5 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for aircraft lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP11CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP11CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP11CA application, or MAPLAD18KP11CA equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/-4, and load dump suppression where low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) and RoHS-compliant matte-tin terminations are required.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP11CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for multi-stroke lightning transients, with sub-5 ns response time and clamping voltage tightly specified at 18.2 V max under 989 A IPP. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained operation under repetitive surges at ≤0.05% duty factor.

It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and maintains stable breakdown voltage with αV(BR) = 10 mV/°C. Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at 11 V VWM, ensuring minimal system loading during normal operation while preserving fast turn-on during overvoltage events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP11CA 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 underside; polarity marking is absent due to symmetric bidirectional construction. Package dimensions: 11.94 × 5.85 × 2.44 mm (L × W × H), with recommended FR4 pad layout per RF01215 Rev B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ11CA and SMCJ11CA, MAPLAD18KP11CA provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling certified lightning protection in safety-critical aerospace platforms where thermal management and multi-event survivability are mandatory design requirements.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP11CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive powertrain electronics, and railway signaling systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP11CA 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 robust discrete components.

The MAPLAD family was developed specifically for high-power, surface-mount transient suppression in mission-critical platforms where DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-5 compliance are non-negotiable requirements.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP11CA under maximum rated surge current?

The MAPLAD18KP11CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 18.2 V when subjected to its peak impulse current (IPP) of 989 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream components remain within safe voltage limits during surge events. The MAPLAD18KP11CA achieves this performance via low dynamic impedance and optimized silicon geometry.

Is MAPLAD18KP11CA qualified for automotive under-hood use?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP11CA is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation from –55°C to +150°C junction temperature, making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units and transmission control modules. Its 18,000 W surge capability directly addresses ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump requirements. The MAPLAD18KP11CA also supports moisture sensitivity level 1, eliminating dry-pack handling.

How does the PLAD package of MAPLAD18KP11CA improve thermal performance compared to standard SMC or SMB packages?

The PLAD package of MAPLAD18KP11CA features a metal base that serves as both the cathode terminal and primary thermal conduction path, achieving a junction-to-case thermal resistance of just 0.7 °C/W - over 17× lower than typical SMC packages. This allows >90% of surge energy to be conducted into the PCB copper or external heatsink. The MAPLAD18KP11CA's thermal design eliminates hot-spot formation during repetitive surges.

Can MAPLAD18KP11CA be used for bidirectional data line protection?

No - although MAPLAD18KP11CA is bidirectional in surge conduction, its 11 V standoff voltage and 18.2 V clamping voltage make it unsuitable for protecting low-voltage data lines (e.g., USB, CAN, RS-485) which operate below 5 V. It is intended for power rail protection only. For data line protection, dedicated low-capacitance TVS arrays like Microsemi's UniGuard series should be used instead of MAPLAD18KP11CA.

Does MAPLAD18KP11CA meet RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning test requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP11CA is explicitly rated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at Level 4 for VWM selections from 7.0 V to 130 V. Its 18,000 W rating, sub-5 ns response, and low clamping voltage ensure compliance without external derating. The MAPLAD18KP11CA is referenced in Microsemi's RF01215 documentation for this purpose.