Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP36CA

Overview

MAPLAD18KP36CA 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 transients to ≤58.1 V at 310 A, and features a 36 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (40.0–44.2 V). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection for Waveform 4.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP36CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP36CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP36CA application, or MAPLAD18KP36CA 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 high-reliability avionics power rail protection where thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W) and low-profile mounting are critical.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP36CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<5 ns clamping time) and multi-stroke survivability under repetitive lightning transients. Its metal-base package enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting junction-to-case thermal resistance of 0.7 °C/W and steady-state dissipation up to 71 W at TC = 100°C.

It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and complies with moisture sensitivity Level 1 (no dry pack required). The bidirectional configuration provides symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled lines and differential signal protection without polarity constraints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP36CA uses a surface-mount plastic package with metal baseplate (cathode connection). The device has two terminals: Anode and Cathode. The cathode is the metal base underside; the anode is the top-side metallized pad. Mounting requires FR4 PCB with recommended thermal pad layout per RF01215 Rev B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ36CA and V18MLA1005, MAPLAD18KP36CA delivers 45× higher peak power, 36× lower thermal resistance, and full certification for aviation and automotive safety-critical systems-making it the sole option for designs requiring multi-stroke lightning resilience and traceable lot-level reliability data.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP36CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution units, automotive engine control modules, and industrial motor drive gate drivers requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP36CA 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 MAPLAD18KP36CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection in avionics and mission-critical automotive systems where thermal stability and lot-traceable reliability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP36CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP36CA exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 58.1 V at its rated peak pulse current (IPP) of 310 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and ensures protected circuits remain below 60 V during worst-case lightning transients. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of –55°C to +150°C.

Is MAPLAD18KP36CA qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP36CA is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use. It passes stress tests including high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), temperature cycling, and humidity bias HAST-validating suitability for engine control modules, battery management systems, and ADAS power supplies exposed to load dump and jump-start transients.

How does the metal baseplate of MAPLAD18KP36CA improve thermal performance?

The metal baseplate of MAPLAD18KP36CA serves as both the cathode terminal and primary thermal conduction path, achieving a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of just 0.7 °C/W. When mounted on a thermally enhanced PCB pad per RF01215 Rev B, this allows >95% of surge energy to dissipate directly into the board or heatsink-enabling sustained multi-pulse operation without thermal runaway.

Does MAPLAD18KP36CA meet RTCA DO-160 lightning protection standards?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP36CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing. It achieves Level 4 pin injection protection for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and meets multi-stroke requirements per the standard's cumulative heating criteria-confirmed by Microsemi's internal test reports referenced in RF01215 Rev B.

What is the difference between MAPLAD18KP36CA and unidirectional MAPLAD18KP36A?

The MAPLAD18KP36CA is bidirectional, providing symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients, while MAPLAD18KP36A is unidirectional and clamps only in reverse bias. The CA suffix denotes bidirectional construction, making MAPLAD18KP36CA ideal for AC-coupled data lines and differential buses where polarity cannot be guaranteed-whereas MAPLAD18KP36A suits DC power rails with defined polarity.