Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP150CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 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 ≤243 V under 75 A peak impulse current, and features a 150 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (167–185 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 application, or MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 150 V working voltage, 243 V max clamping at 75 A, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 2–5 secondary lightning compliance, and RoHS-compliant e3 plating - all critical for avionics power rail and data line protection.

Technical Context

This TVS diode employs an avalanche breakdown mechanism optimized for fast response (<5 ns turn-on) and low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.45), enabling effective suppression of multi-stroke lightning transients per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. Its metal-base package provides direct thermal path to PCB copper, achieving RθJC = 0.7 °C/W and supporting sustained operation up to +150 °C junction temperature.

It operates as a voltage-clamped shunt device across protected lines, conducting only when transient voltage exceeds V(BR); standby leakage ID is ≤10 μA at 150 V. The bidirectional construction (CA suffix) ensures symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or differential signal paths without polarity dependency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with metal base acting as cathode terminal for unidirectional variants; for bidirectional CA devices like this one, both terminals are symmetrical and non-polarized. The package measures 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.33 mm (L × W × H) with tin-plated terminations compliant with MIL-STD-2026.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ150CA and SMCJ150CA, MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling certified lightning protection in safety-critical avionics and heavy-duty automotive systems - a difference that determines pass/fail in DO-160 Section 22 and ISO 7637-2 testing.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive engine control units, and industrial motor drive I/O requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 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, high-power, and safety-certified components.

The MPLAD family targets mission-critical surge protection, specifically engineered to meet RTCA DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-5 requirements in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 243 V at 75 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and lot variations, ensuring consistent overvoltage protection for downstream 28 V or 150 V-rated circuits. The clamping performance is validated per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B.

Is MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2. Its 150 V standoff voltage provides margin above 24 V nominal systems, and its 18,000 W pulse rating handles worst-case alternator transients. The device also supports pin injection testing per RTCA DO-160F, making it suitable for dual-use automotive/avionics platforms.

Does MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 require special PCB layout considerations?

Yes - MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 requires adherence to the recommended pad layout in RF01215 Rev B (Page 7) to achieve specified thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W). A minimum 100 mm² copper pour connected to the metal base is mandatory; traces must be wide (>2 mm) and short (<5 mm) to minimize inductance and ensure sub-5 ns response. Thermal vias under the base are strongly recommended for high-reliability deployments.

What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in MAPLAD18KP150CAE3?

The 'CA' suffix in MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 denotes bidirectional construction, meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity orientation constraints. This differs from unidirectional 'A' variants (e.g., MAPLAD18KP150AE3), which conduct only in reverse bias and require correct anode/cathode placement. The CA version simplifies layout in AC-coupled or differential interfaces.

How does MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 perform under repeated lightning strikes?

MAPLAD18KP150CAE3 is specifically designed for multi-stroke lightning per RTCA DO-160 Section 22, with verified performance at 0.05% duty factor (≤1 stroke per 2000 pulses). Its low thermal resistance (0.7 °C/W) and void-free epoxy body prevent cumulative heating failure. All units undergo 100% surge testing, and 3σ lot norm screening on standby current ensures long-term reliability across repeated 18 kW events.