Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP15CAE3
- Part No.:
- MAPLAD18KP15CAE3
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15VWM 24.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,169
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Product details
Overview
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 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 ≤24.4 V under 738 A peak impulse current, and features a 15 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (16.7–18.5 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for aircraft lightning protection.
For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 application, or MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 15 V VWM rating, 24.4 V max clamping voltage at 738 A, MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening capability, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 (Class 1–5, 42 Ω source) and RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A.
Technical Context
This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device during transients, leveraging avalanche breakdown to divert surge energy away from protected circuitry. Its low RθJC of 0.7 °C/W enables effective thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, while its <100 ps response time ensures sub-nanosecond turn-on for fast-rising ESD and lightning-induced surges.
The bidirectional construction (indicated by "CA") allows symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines, and its 1 g mass and void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package support high-reliability mounting on FR4 with recommended pad layout per RF01215 Rev B. It is rated for -55°C to +150°C junction temperature and passes 100% surge testing per specification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (PPP) | 18,000 W @ 10/1000 μs - sustains multi-stroke lightning events without degradation |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 15 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before conduction begins |
| Clamping Voltage (VC) | 24.4 V @ 738 A - limits downstream voltage stress during worst-case surge |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 16.7–18.5 V @ I(BR) - defines precise avalanche onset window for predictable triggering |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB ground plane or heatsink |
| Surge Current Rating (IPP) | 738 A @ 10/1000 μs - quantifies maximum single-event current-handling capacity |
| Temperature Range | -55°C to +150°C - supports operation in extreme environmental conditions |
Pinout & Package
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 uses a surface-mount plastic package with metal base cathode contact (bidirectional symmetry means both terminals are functionally identical; no anode/cathode distinction applies). The metal base serves as the primary thermal path and electrical terminal. Package dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (Top-side marking side) | Active Surge Terminal | One half of bidirectional clamping path; connects to line or signal being protected |
| Terminal 2 (Metal base / bottom) | Common Reference / Thermal Path | Shared return path for both directions; primary thermal interface to PCB copper pour or heatsink |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping architecture | Enables symmetric protection of AC signals, differential buses, or ungrounded interfaces without polarity constraints |
| 18 kW peak pulse power rating | Meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements for commercial aircraft avionics |
| 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance | Allows sustained surge duty cycles when mounted on ≥2 oz copper with thermal vias, minimizing thermal runaway risk |
| AEC-Q101 qualification & MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening option | Supports deployment in automotive powertrain and aerospace flight-critical subsystems requiring lot traceability and reliability screening |
| RoHS-compliant e3 matte-tin plating | Ensures lead-free solder compatibility and long-term intermetallic stability under thermal cycling |
Applications
| Avionics Lightning Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting ARINC 429 data bus receivers and sensor inputs in commercial aircraft against DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) pin injection surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary transient shunt device placed at connector entry point to clamp induced surges before reaching downstream interface ICs. Use Value: Enables Level 4/5 compliance with 15 V VWM matching typical avionics supply rails, reducing need for additional series impedance or filtering stages. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control unit (ECU) analog sensor inputs and CAN transceivers during 12 V battery load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power parallel clamping element across protected node and chassis ground, activated within <100 ps of overvoltage onset. Use Value: Withstands 738 A peak current and clamps to ≤24.4 V, preventing damage to 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers and analog front-ends without derating. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O Protection | Railway Signaling Interface Protection |
Use Scenario: Shielding encoder feedback lines and digital I/O on variable-frequency drives from switching transients generated by IGBT commutation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential encoder channels (A/B/Z) to suppress common-mode and differential-mode noise spikes. Use Value: 15 V VWM aligns with 24 V industrial logic levels; 24.4 V clamping prevents latch-up in RS-422 receivers while maintaining signal integrity. | Use Scenario: Protecting track circuit detection inputs in European railway signaling systems (EN 50121-3-2) against induced surges from nearby traction currents and lightning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary surge protector installed at field termination box, downstream of gas discharge tube (GDT) primary stage. Use Value: Meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω source) with 24.4 V clamping, ensuring residual voltage stays below 30 V threshold for SIL-2 compliant safety interfaces. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ15CA | 600 W PPP rating (vs. 18,000 W); same 15 V VWM and bidirectional CA configuration | Intended for board-level ESD and low-energy transients-not suitable for lightning or load dump | Select SMBJ15CA only for consumer-grade or non-safety-critical applications where surge energy is <10 J |
| SMCJ15CA | 1500 W PPP rating; identical package outline but lower thermal performance (RθJC ≈ 2.5 °C/W vs. 0.7 °C/W) | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and RTCA DO-160F certification evidence; limited to industrial automation | Choose SMCJ15CA for cost-sensitive industrial designs where full aerospace qualification is not required |
Compared with SMBJ15CA and SMCJ15CA, MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with superior thermal management enabling repeated surge endurance-critical for certified aviation and automotive safety systems where single-event failure is unacceptable.
Availability
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics lightning protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial motor drive I/O protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 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 MAPLAD family was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in mission-critical platforms-prioritizing surge endurance, thermal robustness, and qualification to RTCA DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-5 standards.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?
The MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 24.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 738 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table of RF01215 Rev B and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.
Is MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS sensors. Its 15 V VWM and 24.4 V clamping voltage align with 12 V system architectures, and it meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump immunity requirements when properly mounted.
Does MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 require a heatsink for standard operation?
No external heatsink is required for single-pulse or low-duty-cycle surge events due to its 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance and efficient PCB thermal coupling. However, for repetitive surges (>0.05% duty factor), thermal design must include ≥2 oz copper planes with thermal vias to the internal ground layer to maintain junction temperature below +150°C.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MAPLAD18KP15CAE3?
"CA" denotes bidirectional construction, meaning MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MAPLAD18KP15AE3), it has no designated anode or cathode and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity applied across its terminals.
How does MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 comply with RTCA DO-160F lightning standards?
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 complies with RTCA DO-160F Section 22 for multi-stroke lightning by meeting Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at 25°C. Its 18,000 W PPP rating and low clamping voltage ensure protected circuits remain within safe operating limits during aircraft-level surge events.
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 16.7V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 24.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 738A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 18000W (18kW)
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Military
- Qualification:
- MIL-PRF-19500
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- PLAD
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3?
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3?
For technical support, including MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAPLAD18KP15CAE3?
All MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAPLAD18KP15CAE3, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAPLAD18KP15CAE3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAPLAD18KP15CAE3 Tags

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