Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP13CA

Overview

MAPLAD18KP13CA 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 ≤21.5 V under 838 A peak impulse current, and features a 13 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±12 mV/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage. It meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP13CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP13CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP13CA application, or MAPLAD18KP13CA equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus and avionics signal line protection where multi-stroke lightning immunity, low thermal resistance (0.7 °C/W junction-to-case), and RoHS-compliant surface-mount packaging are critical design constraints.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP13CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode-based TVS, optimized for fast clamping (<5 ns response time) and low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.45). Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained operation under repetitive transients at ≤0.05% duty factor.

It complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options. The device is rated for -55°C to +150°C junction temperature, with 3σ lot norm screening on standby current (ID ≤ 10 μA @ 13 V) and moisture sensitivity level 1 per J-STD-020B.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP13CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal for bidirectional operation. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode, both accessible via solderable matte-tin plated leads compliant with MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Thermal performance relies on mounting the metal base directly to a thermally enhanced PCB pad per recommended layout (Ref: RF01215 Rev B, Page 7).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ13CA and SMCJ13CA, the MAPLAD18KP13CA delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with verified DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance-making it the only suitable choice for aerospace-grade multi-stroke lightning protection where thermal robustness and regulatory validation are mandatory.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP13CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power rail, and industrial motor drive applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle management, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical designs.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP13CA 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 solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD18KP13CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection in mission-critical platforms where thermal stability, regulatory compliance, and long-term reliability outweigh cost or footprint constraints.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP13CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP13CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 21.5 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 838 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe voltage margins during high-energy transients. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of -55°C to +150°C.

Is MAPLAD18KP13CA certified for RTCA DO-160F lightning testing?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP13CA is certified for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4, as documented in RF01215 Rev B. It is also validated for Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at Level 4 for 7.0–36 V variants. This certification confirms its suitability for aircraft avionics interfaces where pin-injection lightning immunity is mandated.

Does MAPLAD18KP13CA require dry pack packaging per J-STD-020B?

No, MAPLAD18KP13CA has IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B moisture sensitivity level 1, meaning it does not require dry pack packaging or baking prior to reflow soldering. Its void-free epoxy body and annealed matte-tin plating ensure robust manufacturability in standard SMT processes without moisture-related popcorning risk.

What thermal management is required for MAPLAD18KP13CA in continuous surge environments?

MAPLAD18KP13CA requires direct thermal coupling of its metal base to a large copper area or external heatsink. With RθJC = 0.7 °C/W, it can dissipate 18 kW pulses efficiently-but steady-state power must remain below 2.5 W at TA = 25°C. For repetitive surges, derating per Figure 3 (RF01215 Rev B) and limiting duty factor to ≤0.05% is essential to prevent junction overheating.

Can MAPLAD18KP13CA be used as a direct replacement for unidirectional TVS diodes like MPLAD18KP13A?

No, MAPLAD18KP13CA is bidirectional and cannot replace unidirectional devices like MPLAD18KP13A in DC-biased circuits without redesign. Its symmetrical clamping behavior protects both polarities, but introduces reverse conduction paths that may disrupt bias networks or cause unintended current flow in single-polarity applications.