Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP48CA

Overview

MAPLAD18KP48CA 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 ≤77.4 V at 233 A, and features a 48 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (53.3–58.9 V). It meets RTCA DO-160F Level 4 pin injection and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP48CA datasheet, MAPLAD18KP48CA pinout, MAPLAD18KP48CA application, or MAPLAD18KP48CA equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, low thermal resistance (RθJC = 0.7 °C/W), RoHS-compliant e3 plating, 1 g weight, and qualification per AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening options.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP48CA employs an avalanche diode structure optimized for multi-stroke lightning transients per RTCA DO-160 Section 22. Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct thermal coupling to heatsinks, supporting sustained energy dissipation under ≤0.05% duty cycle impulses.

It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and maintains clamping performance with <5 ns response time for bidirectional surges. Standby current is limited to 10 μA at 48 V, and temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage is +55 mV/°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP48CA uses a low-profile surface-mount plastic package with void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body and matte-tin (e3) RoHS-compliant terminations. The metal base serves as the cathode terminal for bidirectional operation; polarity is marked on body per Microsemi nomenclature.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ48CA and V260LA20AP, MAPLAD18KP48CA uniquely combines 18 kW pulse capability, DO-160F Level 4 compliance, and bidirectional sub-5 ns response in a surface-mount package qualified for automotive and aerospace use-enabling single-device protection where reliability, speed, and regulatory alignment are mandatory.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP48CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive control boards requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP48CA 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 semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and protected power components.

The MAPLAD18KP48CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load-dump survivability in safety-critical platforms.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage specification for MAPLAD18KP48CA under peak surge conditions?

The MAPLAD18KP48CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V at 233 A peak pulse current under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transients. The device achieves this while maintaining sub-5 ns response time, ensuring minimal overvoltage exposure to downstream components.

Is MAPLAD18KP48CA qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP48CA is qualified per AEC-Q101 for automotive applications. It undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HALT), and mechanical shock per the standard. Its bidirectional construction, 48 V standoff, and 18 kW surge rating make it suitable for protecting 24 V battery-fed systems against load dump and ISO 7637-2 transients in engine control units and ADAS power modules.

How does the CA suffix in MAPLAD18KP48CA indicate device polarity and function?

The "CA" suffix in MAPLAD18KP48CA explicitly denotes a bidirectional configuration. Unlike unidirectional variants ending in "A", the CA version provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without requiring external polarity orientation. Internally, it implements a back-to-back diode structure with the metal base serving as the common cathode node-enabling simplified placement on differential or AC-coupled signal/power lines.

What thermal management considerations apply to MAPLAD18KP48CA in PCB layout?

MAPLAD18KP48CA requires a thermally robust PCB layout due to its 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case resistance. The metal base must be soldered to a minimum 100 mm² copper pad with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to internal ground planes. Per RF01215 Rev B, derating begins above 100°C case temperature, and steady-state power dissipation drops to 71 W at TC = 100°C-making heatsink integration essential for repeated surge events.

Does MAPLAD18KP48CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP48CA is certified for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient susceptibility, including Level 4 pin injection (Waveform 4: 6.4/69 μs) and Level 4 conducted susceptibility (Waveform 5A: 40/120 μs) at 25°C. Its 18 kW pulse rating and <5 ns response ensure compliance across the full 48 V VWM range, and Microsemi documentation confirms applicability to MAPLAD18KP48CA specifically-not just the family.