Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP64AE3

Overview

MAPLAD18KP64AE3 from Microsemi is a surface-mount unidirectional 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 ≤103 V under 175 A peak impulse current, and features a 64 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 71.1–78.6 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP64AE3 datasheet, MAPLAD18KP64AE3 pinout, MAPLAD18KP64AE3 application, or MAPLAD18KP64AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 compliance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 secondary lightning protection capability with 42 Ω source impedance, and suitability for high-reliability avionics power rail and signal line protection where thermal management and multi-stroke surge endurance are critical.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, triggering when transient voltage exceeds its breakdown threshold (V(BR)) to divert surge current away from sensitive components. Its low RθJC (0.7 °C/W) enables effective heat transfer to a heatsink, supporting sustained operation under repetitive surges at ≤0.05% duty factor.

It meets RTCA DO-160F Section 22 for multi-stroke lightning immunity and provides ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), EFT (IEC 61000-4-4), and induced RFI suppression. The metal-base cathode configuration requires mounting on thermally conductive PCB pads per specified layout to maintain rated PPP and thermal performance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAPLAD18KP64AE3 uses a surface-mount plastic package with metal base cathode termination. The case is void-free thermosetting epoxy (UL94V-0), with matte-tin RoHS-compliant plating (e3 suffix). Polarity is unidirectional: cathode is the metal base (bottom side); anode is the top-side metallized pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ64A and SMCJ64A, MAPLAD18KP64AE3 delivers 30× and 12× higher peak pulse power respectively, with documented DO-160F and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 1–5 compliance - making it the only viable option for certified avionics and mission-critical automotive load dump protection.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP64AE3 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 product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP64AE3 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, radiation-tolerant, and timing-critical solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD18KP64AE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and DO-160F compliance in safety-critical airborne systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP64AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP64AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 103 V at its peak impulse current (IPP) of 175 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01215 Rev B and ensures downstream circuitry remains below destructive voltage thresholds during certified lightning transients. The MAPLAD18KP64AE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range when mounted per recommended pad layout.

Does MAPLAD18KP64AE3 meet RTCA DO-160F Section 22 requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP64AE3 is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 compliance at 25 °C. The device's 18,000 W PPP rating and low thermal resistance enable it to withstand repeated surges without degradation. MAPLAD18KP64AE3 data sheet RF01215 Rev B confirms its qualification for aircraft design applications requiring this standard.

What is the thermal resistance specification for MAPLAD18KP64AE3, and how does it impact layout?

MAPLAD18KP64AE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.7 °C/W, enabling efficient heat transfer from die to heatsink or PCB copper. To achieve rated PPP, the metal base (cathode) must be soldered to a thermally optimized pad per the RF01215 Rev B layout - insufficient copper area or poor solder joint quality will cause thermal derating. MAPLAD18KP64AE3 performance degrades above 100 °C case temperature per Figure 6 derating curve.

Is MAPLAD18KP64AE3 RoHS compliant, and what does the 'E3' suffix indicate?

Yes, MAPLAD18KP64AE3 is RoHS compliant, as confirmed by the 'E3' suffix in its part number per Microsemi nomenclature. The 'E3' denotes annealed matte-tin plating meeting JEDEC/IPC standards, with no lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, or PBDE. This ensures compatibility with lead-free reflow processes and environmental compliance for global aerospace and automotive deployments using MAPLAD18KP64AE3.

Can MAPLAD18KP64AE3 be used in bidirectional configurations?

No, MAPLAD18KP64AE3 is unidirectional, indicated by the 'A' (not 'CA') suffix. Bidirectional variants exist in the same family (e.g., MPLAD18KP64CA), but MAPLAD18KP64AE3 is polarity-specific with cathode on the metal base. Using it in AC or bipolar signal paths would result in forward conduction and failure. For bidirectional protection, select MAPLAD18KP64CA - MAPLAD18KP64AE3 must be oriented correctly in DC circuits with defined ground reference.