Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP43CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 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 ≤69.4 V under 260 A peak impulse current, and features a 43 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (47.8–52.8 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 MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 application, or MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 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 validated performance under multi-stroke lightning stress per DO-160 Section 22.

Technical Context

This TVS diode uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to clamp transients rapidly-response time <5 ns-with low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.37) and minimal thermal resistance for sustained surge handling. Its void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package enables direct metal-base heat sinking, supporting junction temperatures from –55°C to +150°C.

It is rated for 100% surge testing per lot, includes 3σ screening on standby current (ID), and supports optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening. Pin injection protection is verified per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs), with derating guidance provided in MicroNote 132 and 134.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The cathode is the metal base (bottom side), enabling direct thermal coupling to PCB copper pour or heatsink. Package dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), weight ≈1 g.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ43CA and SMCJ43CA, MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 provides 30× higher peak pulse power, 3.5× lower thermal resistance, and certified aerospace-grade surge immunity-making it irreplaceable in safety-critical avionics and high-reliability industrial platforms.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive I/O requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 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 MAPLAD series was developed specifically for high-energy transient suppression in mission-critical systems, emphasizing DO-160 compliance, thermal robustness, and lot-level traceability for aviation and rail applications.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 69.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 260 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed per datasheet Figure 3 and ensures downstream circuitry remains below safe voltage thresholds during surge events. The MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 achieves this with a low clamping ratio relative to its breakdown voltage range of 47.8–52.8 V.

Is MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 certified for RTCA DO-160F lightning testing?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing, specifically Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at Level 4 for 43 V systems. This certification is documented in Microsemi Application Note RF01215 Rev B and supported by lot-level surge testing. The MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 meets multi-stroke requirements essential for aircraft avionics.

Does MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 require a heatsink for standard operation?

No, MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 does not require an external heatsink for single-event surge suppression due to its 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance and metal-base construction. However, for repetitive surge duty cycles (>0.05% duty factor), thermal design must account for steady-state power dissipation (2.5 W at TA = 25°C). The MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 relies on PCB copper area for heat spreading, per recommended pad layout in RF01215.

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MAPLAD18KP43CAE3?

The "CA" suffix in MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 denotes bidirectional polarity - meaning the device suppresses transients of either polarity symmetrically, unlike unidirectional variants ending in "A". This is critical for protecting AC-coupled or differential interfaces. The "E3" suffix confirms RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating. The MAPLAD18KP43CAE3's bidirectional behavior is intrinsic to its internal structure and verified per IEC 61000-4-5 testing protocols.

Can MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 replace older PLAD-series TVS diodes in existing designs?

MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 is a direct form-fit-function replacement for legacy PLAD18KP43CA devices, sharing identical package dimensions, pinout, and electrical specifications. It retains the same 12.32 × 10.54 mm footprint and metal-base thermal interface. No PCB redesign is needed. The MAPLAD18KP43CAE3 also adds enhanced process controls and updated RoHS compliance (e3 plating), making it suitable for new designs and obsolescence mitigation programs.