Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP18CA
- Part No.:
- MAPLAD18KP18CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MAPLAD18KP18CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 18VWM 29.2VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,050
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Product details
Overview
MAPLAD18KP18CA 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 ≤29.2 V under 617 A peak impulse current, and features a 18 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (20.0–22.1 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.
For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP18CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP18CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP18CA application, or MAPLAD18KP18CA 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 61000-4-2/4-4, and load dump suppression in avionics power distribution units.
Technical Context
The MAPLAD18KP18CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.46) and sub-100 ps response time, enabling effective suppression of fast-rising transients such as lightning-induced surges and switching spikes. Its metal-base thermal design achieves 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, supporting sustained multi-stroke operation under RTCA DO-160 Section 22 test conditions.
As a bidirectional TVS, it provides symmetrical clamping in both polarities without external polarity constraints, making it suitable for AC-coupled signal lines and ungrounded bus architectures. The device operates across –55 °C to +150 °C and maintains <10 μA standby current at rated VWM, minimizing leakage impact on high-impedance sensing circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains full-rated surge energy without degradation in aircraft lightning testing per DO-160F Section 22. |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 18 V - maximum continuous operating voltage before clamping initiates; matches 15 V nominal avionics buses with margin. |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 20.0–22.1 V @ I(BR) - tight 5% tolerance ensures predictable turn-on and avoids false triggering during voltage transients. |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 29.2 V @ 617 A - limits downstream voltage stress to safe levels for 30 V-rated power management ICs and FET drivers. |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pour or heatsink, critical for repeated surge duty cycles. |
| Standby Current (ID) | <10 μA @ 18 V - negligible leakage in battery-backed or low-power monitoring circuits over full temperature range. |
| Response Time | <100 ps - suppresses nanosecond-scale ESD and RFI-induced transients before sensitive analog front-ends are disturbed. |
Pinout & Package
MAPLAD18KP18CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal for bidirectional operation. The package features void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body, matte-tin-plated terminals solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026, and polarity marking via cathode location on the bottom metal surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Top Surface Pad | Anode (Bidirectional Terminal) | Common connection point for differential or floating-line protection; symmetric conduction path with metal base. |
| Metal Base (Bottom) | Cathode / Heat Sink Interface | Primary thermal path to PCB copper pour; electrically serves as second bidirectional terminal and must be connected to reference plane. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | Enables protection of AC-coupled data lines (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD) without polarity-sensitive layout constraints. |
| RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance | Validated for 6.4/69 μs pin-injection transients at 25 °C - required for flight-critical avionics I/O protection. |
| IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 support (42 Ω source) | Withstands 4 kV surge tests in industrial control backplanes and airborne power converters with minimal PCB area. |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates dry-pack requirement and floor-life limitations - simplifies SMT assembly and reduces handling overhead. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Confirms reliability for automotive under-hood applications including engine control modules and ADAS power supplies. |
Applications
| Avionics Power Distribution | Automotive Engine Control Unit (ECU) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protection of 28 V DC main bus inputs in airborne power management units against lightning-induced surges per DO-160 Section 22. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary secondary surge suppressor placed upstream of DC-DC controllers and bus monitors. Use Value: Limits clamped voltage to 29.2 V, ensuring downstream 30 V-rated PMICs remain within absolute maximum ratings during multi-stroke events. |
Use Scenario: Load dump suppression on 12 V battery-fed ECU power rails exposed to alternator transients up to 120 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-energy TVS absorbing >18 kW pulses without failure, replacing bulkier through-hole alternatives. Use Value: Enables compact SMT layout while meeting ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements with no derating needed below +105 °C. |
| Industrial Motor Drive I/O | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Surge protection for isolated RS-485 communication ports in variable-frequency drives subjected to ground potential differences. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamp on differential pair, referenced to local ground plane via metal base. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity by clamping common-mode transients to <30 V while preserving >12 kV ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2. |
Use Scenario: Secondary protection for 75 Ω coaxial track circuit interfaces exposed to induced lightning surges in rail infrastructure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response TVS bridging signal line to chassis ground, compliant with EN 50121-3-2 Class 4. Use Value: Achieves 4 kV surge withstand (IEC 61000-4-5, 42 Ω) with <100 ps response, preventing latch-up in FPGA-based signal conditioners. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ18CA | Lower PPP rating (400 W), smaller SMA package, higher RθJA (65 °C/W), unidirectional/bidirectional variants available. | Suitable for consumer-grade I/O protection but not certified for DO-160 or AEC-Q101; lacks multi-stroke validation. | Select when cost and board space are prioritized over aerospace/automotive qualification and 18 kW surge capacity. |
| Vishay V26MLA0603NH | MLV-based (not avalanche diode), 120 J energy rating, slower response (~ns), lower clamping ratio (≈1.8×VWM), RoHS-compliant only. | Used in telecom power entry stages; not rated for RTCA DO-160 pin injection or IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 with 42 Ω source. | Choose for high-energy, low-frequency surge environments where sub-100 ps response is unnecessary and qualification is non-critical. |
Compared with SMAJ18CA and V26MLA0603NH, MAPLAD18KP18CA uniquely combines 18 kW pulse power, DO-160F Level 4 validation, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance - making it the only option for high-reliability, multi-stroke avionics and under-hood automotive surge protection.
Availability
MAPLAD18KP18CA 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 temperature and surge stress conditions.
Supply support for MAPLAD18KP18CA 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, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MAPLAD18KP18CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load dump protection in safety-critical platforms where qualification, thermal performance, and waveform fidelity are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP18CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MAPLAD18KP18CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 29.2 V at 617 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and ensures downstream 30 V-rated components remain within safe operating limits during full-rated surge events.
Is MAPLAD18KP18CA qualified for automotive under-hood applications?
Yes, MAPLAD18KP18CA is AEC-Q101 qualified and rated for operation from –55 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) and robust surge endurance make it suitable for engine control unit power rail protection, including ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a load dump suppression without derating.
Does MAPLAD18KP18CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?
Yes, MAPLAD18KP18CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing and supports Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at specified voltage ranges. Its 18 kW rating directly addresses the energy demands of aircraft-level surge standards.
How is polarity identified on the MAPLAD18KP18CA package?
The MAPLAD18KP18CA is bidirectional, but its metal base serves as the cathode terminal. Polarity is marked by the cathode location on the bottom surface - consistent with the PLAD package convention. No top-side marking indicates directionality, as conduction is symmetrical in both polarities.
What is the thermal interface requirement for optimal performance of MAPLAD18KP18CA?
Optimal thermal performance of MAPLAD18KP18CA requires direct attachment of its metal base to a minimum 1 in² (6.5 cm²) copper pour on the PCB, preferably with thermal vias to inner ground planes. This achieves the specified 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case resistance and prevents thermal runaway during repetitive surge events.
MAPLAD18KP18CA 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):
- 18V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 20V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 29.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 617A
- 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
MAPLAD18KP18CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAPLAD18KP18CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAPLAD18KP18CA 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 MAPLAD18KP18CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAPLAD18KP18CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAPLAD18KP18CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAPLAD18KP18CA?
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4.How is shipping managed for MAPLAD18KP18CA?
MAPLAD18KP18CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAPLAD18KP18CA 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 MAPLAD18KP18CA?
For technical support, including MAPLAD18KP18CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAPLAD18KP18CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAPLAD18KP18CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAPLAD18KP18CA 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 MAPLAD18KP18CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAPLAD18KP18CA?
All MAPLAD18KP18CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAPLAD18KP18CA, 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 MAPLAD18KP18CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAPLAD18KP18CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAPLAD18KP18CA Tags

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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