Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP24CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 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 ≤38.9 V under 463 A peak impulse current, and features a 24 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (26.7–29.5 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 lightning standards.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 application, or MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, 1 g mass, and suitability for secondary lightning protection in avionics power distribution and engine control units.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp transients within nanoseconds, with <5 ns response time for bidirectional operation. Its low R_θJC (0.7 °C/W) enables efficient heat transfer to the PCB copper pad or heatsink, supporting multi-stroke surge endurance per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.

The device operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, maintains <10 μA standby current at 24 V, and exhibits a +27 mV/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage - enabling predictable derating in high-temperature avionics bays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 is housed in a surface-mount PLAD package (plastic leadless anode/cathode) with metal base cathode termination on the bottom surface. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode, with polarity marked by the metal base (cathode) per Microsemi documentation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ24CA and SMCJ24CA, MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 provides 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, full DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 validation, lot-traceable wafer fabrication, and 0.7 °C/W thermal resistance - making it the only option qualified for primary lightning protection in certified avionics hardware.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft engine control units, avionics power distribution panels, and automotive ADAS camera power inputs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and aerospace-grade reliability.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 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 ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD series belongs to Microsemi's high-power surface-mount TVS product line, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load dump protection in certified avionics and mission-critical automotive systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage specification for MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 under peak surge conditions?

The MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 38.9 V at 463 A peak pulse current (I_PP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures downstream 24 V logic and power circuits remain within safe overvoltage limits during lightning or load dump events. The MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 achieves this with sub-5 ns response time and bidirectional symmetry.

Does MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 is explicitly qualified for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing. It meets Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 per the datasheet, and supports multi-stroke endurance validation. The MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 achieves this via low-inductance metal-base cathode construction and 18 kW pulse power rating - critical for aircraft power and data bus protection.

What is the thermal resistance and how does it impact PCB layout for MAPLAD18KP24CAE3?

MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (R_θJC) of 0.7 °C/W, measured from die to the metal base. This requires direct thermal coupling to a large copper pour or heatsink on the PCB bottom side - the cathode metal base must be soldered to ≥250 mm² of 2 oz copper. Poor thermal design risks exceeding 150 °C junction temperature during repeated surges, degrading MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 reliability and clamping consistency.

Is MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 RoHS compliant and what does the 'e3' suffix indicate?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 is RoHS compliant, as confirmed by the 'e3' suffix in its part number. This denotes annealed matte-tin plating per J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity, eliminating lead content while maintaining solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. The MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 also complies with IPC/JEDEC standards for reflow and offers no dry-pack requirement - simplifying manufacturing logistics for aerospace contract manufacturers.

How does the bidirectional configuration of MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 affect its use in DC power lines?

The bidirectional configuration of MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 allows it to protect both positive and negative polarity transients on a single 24 V DC line without polarity-sensitive placement - ideal for floating or AC-coupled interfaces. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, MAPLAD18KP24CAE3 clamps symmetrically around 0 V, making it suitable for CAN bus power rails, isolated sensor supplies, and redundant power feeds where reverse voltage events may occur. Its cathode is the metal base, simplifying grounding.