Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP20CA
- Part No.:
- MAPLAD18KP20CA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- Nonstandard SMD
- Datasheet:
-
MAPLAD18KP20CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 20VWM 32.4VC PLAD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,719
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Product details
Overview
MAPLAD18KP20CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial power rails. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤32.4 V under 556 A peak impulse current, and features a 20 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (22.2–24.5 V). 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 MAPLAD18KP20CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP20CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP20CA application, or MAPLAD18KP20CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 20 V working voltage, 32.4 V max clamping at 556 A, thermal resistance of 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case, and qualification to AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels.
Technical Context
The MAPLAD18KP20CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for low clamping ratio and minimal thermal resistance. Its metal-base package enables direct heat sinking, supporting sustained multi-stroke surge events per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. The device operates bidirectionally with symmetrical breakdown characteristics and exhibits <5 ns response time from 0 V to V(BR) min.
It is rated for junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C and features moisture sensitivity level 1 (no dry pack required). Standby leakage current is ≤10 μA at 20 V, and it complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT), and IEC 61000-4-5 (lightning) across multiple source impedances (2 Ω, 12 Ω, 42 Ω).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peak Pulse Power (10/1000 μs) | 18,000 W - sustains aircraft-grade lightning surges without failure |
| Reverse Standoff Voltage (VWM) | 20 V - maximum continuous DC or RMS AC voltage before conduction |
| Breakdown Voltage (V(BR)) | 22.2–24.5 V @ I(BR) - ensures reliable turn-on margin above VWM |
| Max Clamping Voltage (VC) | 32.4 V @ 556 A - limits downstream IC voltage stress during surge |
| Peak Pulse Current (IPP) | 556 A - quantifies surge current handling capability at rated waveform |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.7 °C/W - enables efficient heat transfer to PCB copper or heatsink |
| Standby Leakage Current | ≤10 μA @ 20 V - negligible power loss in standby operation |
Pinout & Package
MAPLAD18KP20CA uses a surface-mount, metal-base PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode formed on opposite sides of the molded body. The metal base serves as the cathode for unidirectional variants; for bidirectional devices like MAPLAD18KP20CA, both terminals are symmetrical and non-polarized. Mounting requires the recommended FR4 pad layout per RF01215 Rev B (page 7) to ensure thermal performance and mechanical reliability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Top Surface) | Surge Input/Output Terminal | Symmetrical terminal for bidirectional clamping; connects to protected line |
| Cathode (Metal Base) | Surge Return / Ground Reference | Low-inductance thermal path to PCB ground plane or heatsink; must be soldered to large copper area |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping architecture | Enables single-device protection of AC lines or differential buses without polarity concerns |
| 18 kW peak pulse rating | Meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements for avionics |
| 0.7 °C/W RθJC | Supports >1000 surge cycles with proper PCB copper thermal mass |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive under-hood and powertrain applications per stress test conditions |
| MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options | Enables use in military/aerospace programs requiring lot traceability and extended reliability screening |
Applications
| Avionics Power Bus Protection | Automotive Load Dump Suppression |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 28 V DC distribution networks in commercial aircraft against induced lightning transients per DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary bidirectional TVS clamp placed at bus entry point upstream of DC-DC converters and avionics modules. Use Value: Limits transient overvoltage to ≤32.4 V, preventing latch-up or damage to downstream 3.3 V/5 V logic and FPGAs. | Use Scenario: Safeguarding engine control units (ECUs) and infotainment systems during alternator load dump events (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-power TVS mounted directly across battery input rail to absorb 12 V system surges up to 18,000 W. Use Value: Clamps 12 V bus to <32.4 V within <5 ns, eliminating need for series resistors or additional filtering stages. |
| Industrial Motor Drive DC Link | Railway Signaling Interface |
Use Scenario: Protecting IGBT gate drivers and current sensors on 20–40 V DC link rails in variable-frequency drives subjected to switching-induced transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across DC link capacitor to suppress repetitive commutation spikes. Use Value: Withstands ≥1000 surge cycles at 0.05% duty factor while maintaining clamping stability below 32.4 V. | Use Scenario: Securing 24 V signaling lines in railway signaling cabinets against EFT and lightning-induced surges per EN 50121-4. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS deployed on field-side I/O ports to meet IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 (42 Ω source) immunity. Use Value: Provides certified secondary lightning protection without derating at full operating temperature range (–55 °C to +150 °C). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ20CA | 600 W rating, 38.9 V clamping @ 17.3 A - 30× lower peak power | Suitable only for low-energy ESD/EFT; cannot meet DO-160 lightning or load dump | Select MAPLAD18KP20CA when surge energy exceeds 100 J or peak current exceeds 200 A. |
| SMCJ20CA | 1500 W rating, 32.4 V clamping @ 46.1 A - 12× lower peak power than MAPLAD18KP20CA | Acceptable for basic automotive ESD but fails RTCA DO-160F Level 4 multi-stroke testing | Choose MAPLAD18KP20CA for aerospace, heavy-duty automotive, or industrial systems requiring verified 18 kW surge capacity. |
Compared with SMBJ20CA and SMCJ20CA, MAPLAD18KP20CA delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling compliance with stringent aviation and automotive surge standards where lower-rated TVS diodes would fail catastrophically under repeated multi-stroke events.
Availability
MAPLAD18KP20CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power bus protection, automotive load dump suppression, and industrial motor drive DC link protection requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for MAPLAD18KP20CA 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 analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The MAPLAD18KP20CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge protection where multi-kilowatt transient energy, low thermal resistance, and AEC-Q101/MIL-qualified reliability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP20CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The MAPLAD18KP20CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 32.4 V at its rated peak pulse current of 556 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per the electrical characteristics table in RF01215 Rev B and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The clamping performance remains stable across the full operating temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C.
Is MAPLAD18KP20CA qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, MAPLAD18KP20CA is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive applications. It undergoes stress testing including high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and surge robustness per the AEC standard. Its 20 V standoff and 32.4 V clamping make it suitable for 12 V and 24 V vehicle subsystems, particularly for load dump protection in ECUs, ADAS modules, and body control units where high-energy transients occur.
Does MAPLAD18KP20CA require a heatsink for standard operation?
No external heatsink is required for single-event surge operation, as the device's 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance allows effective heat dissipation into the PCB copper via its metal base. However, for repetitive surge applications (e.g., >1 Hz repetition rate), thermal design must follow the derating curve in Figure 3 of RF01215 Rev B, and mounting on ≥2 oz copper with thermal vias is strongly recommended to maintain junction temperature below 150 °C.
How does MAPLAD18KP20CA differ from unidirectional variants like MPLAD18KP20A?
MAPLAD18KP20CA is bidirectional, meaning it clamps symmetrically for both positive and negative transients, making it ideal for AC lines, differential signals, or floating DC rails. In contrast, MPLAD18KP20A is unidirectional and conducts only during reverse-biased surges. Both share identical 20 V standoff, 32.4 V clamping, and 18 kW rating, but their polarity marking, circuit placement, and application scope differ fundamentally - MAPLAD18KP20CA eliminates polarity-checking during assembly and supports bidirectional protection in one device.
Can MAPLAD18KP20CA be used in aerospace designs compliant with RTCA DO-160?
Yes, MAPLAD18KP20CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 up to 130 V variants. Its 18 kW rating, low clamping voltage, and multi-stroke capability meet the most demanding aircraft power bus protection requirements. Full test data is documented in Microsemi Application Note AN-132 and RF01215 Rev B.
MAPLAD18KP20CA 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):
- 20V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 22.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 32.4V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 556A
- 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
MAPLAD18KP20CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAPLAD18KP20CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAPLAD18KP20CA 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 MAPLAD18KP20CA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAPLAD18KP20CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAPLAD18KP20CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAPLAD18KP20CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAPLAD18KP20CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAPLAD18KP20CA?
MAPLAD18KP20CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAPLAD18KP20CA 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 MAPLAD18KP20CA?
For technical support, including MAPLAD18KP20CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAPLAD18KP20CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAPLAD18KP20CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAPLAD18KP20CA 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 MAPLAD18KP20CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAPLAD18KP20CA?
All MAPLAD18KP20CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAPLAD18KP20CA, 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 MAPLAD18KP20CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAPLAD18KP20CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAPLAD18KP20CA Tags

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ESD9B5.0ST5G
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DESD3V3E1BL-7B
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Diodes Incorporated

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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Diodes Incorporated

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Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage

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Diodes Incorporated
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