Microchip Technology MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial systems. It delivers 18,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 9.0 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤15.4 V at 1169 A peak current, and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 application, or MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 0.7 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 secondary lightning protection with 42 Ω source impedance, and RoHS-compliant e3 plating - all critical for high-reliability avionics and load-dump hardened designs.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS, leveraging low-thermal-resistance packaging to sustain repeated high-energy transients. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping across both polarities, supporting AC-coupled signal lines and differential bus protection without polarity constraints.

It is characterized by a breakdown voltage range of 10.0–11.1 V at I(BR), a maximum clamping voltage VC of 15.4 V at IPP = 1169 A (10/1000 μs), and a temperature coefficient αV(BR) of +8.0 mV/°C - enabling predictable voltage drift over operating temperature ranges from –55 °C to +150 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode formed on opposite sides of the metal base. The device is bidirectional; polarity is non-directional, and the metal base serves as the common thermal and electrical path for both terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ9.0CA and SMCJ9.0CA, the MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 provides 30× higher peak power handling, certified multi-stroke lightning performance, and a thermally optimized PLAD package - making it the only viable option for aerospace-grade 9 V rail protection where single-event survivability and thermal recovery are mandatory.

Availability

MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics integration, automotive ECU design, and industrial motor drive development requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.

Supply support for MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 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 components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load-dump immunity in mission-critical systems where thermal robustness and certification readiness are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 15.4 V when subjected to its peak pulse current of 1169 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is guaranteed across temperature and ensures downstream circuitry remains below safe operating thresholds during surge events. The MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 achieves this with minimal voltage overshoot due to its low-inductance PLAD package geometry.

Does MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160F lightning test requirements?

Yes, the MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 at 25 °C. Its 18,000 W rating and thermal design allow it to survive repeated strokes without parameter shift - a requirement explicitly confirmed in Microsemi RF01215 Rev B documentation for the MPLAD18KP9.0CA series.

What is the thermal resistance and how should MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 be mounted for optimal heat dissipation?

The MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 0.7 °C/W. For optimal heat dissipation, the metal base (cathode) must be soldered to a minimum 1.5 cm² copper pour on the PCB using the recommended pad layout from RF01215 Rev B. This configuration ensures thermal recovery between pulses and supports the full 18 kW rating at ≤0.05% duty factor - critical for lightning test compliance.

Is MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 suitable for bidirectional signal line protection?

Yes, the "CA" suffix confirms MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 is a bidirectional TVS, making it suitable for protecting AC-coupled or differential signal lines such as RS-485, CAN, or Ethernet PHY interfaces. Its symmetrical clamping behavior ensures equal protection against positive and negative transients without requiring external polarity alignment - unlike unidirectional variants like MAPLAD18KP9.0AE3.

What does the "e3" suffix in MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 indicate?

The "e3" suffix in MAPLAD18KP9.0CAE3 denotes RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per JEDEC J-STD-020B Level 1 moisture sensitivity. This means the device requires no dry-packaging or baking prior to reflow soldering and is fully compatible with lead-free assembly processes. The e3 finish also ensures solderability per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026 and supports long-term reliability in humid environments.