Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP180AE3

Overview

MAPLAD18KP180AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional 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, features a 180 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤291 V at 100 A peak impulse current, and exhibits <100 ps response time. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP180AE3 datasheet, MAPLAD18KP180AE3 pinout, MAPLAD18KP180AE3 application, or MAPLAD18KP180AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 180 V VWM rating, 291 V max clamping voltage at 100 A, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and qualification for aircraft secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω source impedance.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with sensitive circuitry, activating above its 180 V standoff threshold to divert surge energy to ground. Its silicon avalanche structure enables sub-100 ps response and stable breakdown voltage (200–221 V at I(BR)), with temperature coefficient of +5.0 mV/°C.

It is optimized for high-reliability environments requiring multi-stroke survivability - validated per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4) and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 (42 Ω source). Thermal performance is enhanced by direct metal-base cathode attachment and low RθJC (0.7 °C/W), enabling effective heat transfer to PCB copper or heatsink.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP180AE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with exposed metal cathode base. The device has two terminals: anode (top metallization) and cathode (entire bottom metal surface). Mounting requires full-surface soldering of the cathode to a large copper pour for thermal and electrical performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ180A and SMCJ180A, MAPLAD18KP180AE3 provides 30× higher peak pulse power, 3.6× lower junction-to-case thermal resistance, and formal qualification for aviation lightning standards - making it the only suitable choice for certified airborne equipment and high-reliability automotive power modules.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP180AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power input protection, automotive 24 V load dump suppression, and industrial motor drive DC bus protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP180AE3 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 (now part of Microchip Technology) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog, mixed-signal, and radiation-hardened ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in certified avionics and automotive systems, emphasizing multi-stroke survivability, low thermal resistance, and qualification to RTCA DO-160 and AEC-Q101 standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP180AE3 at 100 A peak impulse current?

The maximum clamping voltage VC of MAPLAD18KP180AE3 is 291 V at 100 A peak impulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table of RF01215 Rev B and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during surge events. Designers use this parameter to verify that downstream components remain within their absolute maximum voltage ratings when MAPLAD18KP180AE3 is active.

Is MAPLAD18KP180AE3 qualified for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 lightning testing?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP180AE3 is explicitly rated for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Per RF01215 Rev B, it meets Level 4 pin injection protection for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and supports multi-stroke capability due to its 18,000 W peak pulse power rating and low thermal resistance. This qualification makes MAPLAD18KP180AE3 suitable for primary or secondary lightning protection in flight-critical avionics systems.

What does the "E3" suffix in MAPLAD18KP180AE3 indicate?

The "E3" suffix in MAPLAD18KP180AE3 denotes RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating on the terminals, per JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity and IPC/JEDEC standard requirements. This plating replaces traditional tin-lead finishes and ensures compatibility with lead-free reflow soldering processes. The E3 marking is defined in the Part Nomenclature section of RF01215 Rev B and confirms full compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU.

How is thermal management implemented for MAPLAD18KP180AE3 in PCB layout?

Thermal management for MAPLAD18KP180AE3 relies on soldering its exposed metal cathode base to a large copper area - minimum 1 in² recommended - with multiple thermal vias to inner ground planes. Its RθJC of 0.7 °C/W requires this low-impedance path to dissipate surge energy without exceeding 150 °C junction temperature. The pad layout in RF01215 Rev B specifies dimensions for optimal thermal and mechanical reliability, and FR4 mounting with recommended pads achieves the rated 50 °C/W RθJA.

Does MAPLAD18KP180AE3 meet IEC 61000-4-5 for secondary lightning protection?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP180AE3 is certified for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω source impedance across Classes 1–5, and with 12 Ω and 2 Ω sources for selected classes. This is confirmed in the Applications/Benefits section of RF01215 Rev B. Its 180 V VWM and 291 V clamping enable robust protection of 200 V-rated interfaces in industrial and transportation systems subject to conducted surges.