Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP120CA

Overview

MAPLAD36KP120CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features a 120 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤193 V at 187 A peak impulse current (IPP), and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP120CA datasheet, MAPLAD36KP120CA pinout, MAPLAD36KP120CA application, or MAPLAD36KP120CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 secondary lightning compliance with 12 Ω and 42 Ω source impedances, thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W (junction-to-case), and RoHS-compliant e3 plating.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protection device in parallel with sensitive circuitry, activating when transients exceed its 120 V standoff threshold. Its silicon avalanche structure enables sub-5 ns response time and low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.45), critical for safeguarding avionics power rails and data lines against induced RFI, ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), and EFT (IEC 61000-4-4).

Designed for high-reliability environments, MAPLAD36KP120CA supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening and AEC-Q101 qualification. Its void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package and metal-base cathode construction optimize thermal dissipation, enabling stable operation under repetitive surges at ≤0.05% duty factor on FR4 PCBs with recommended pad layout.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP120CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with metal-base cathode construction. The case serves as the cathode terminal, and the top-side metallization is the anode. Package dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), with 0.200″ pad spacing and 0.470″ × 0.230″ recommended footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ120CA and SMCJ120CA, MAPLAD36KP120CA provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated performance under multi-stroke lightning, and direct qualification for mission-critical avionics and automotive ECUs-enabling single-device protection where others require cascaded stages.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP120CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive engine control units, and industrial motor drive controls requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP120CA 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.

MAPLAD36KP120CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD family of high-power surface-mount TVS diodes, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load-dump immunity in safety-critical systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP120CA at its rated peak pulse current?

MAPLAD36KP120CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 193 V at 187 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per JEDEC standards and guarantees that downstream circuitry sees no more than 193 V during worst-case transients, protecting 200 V-rated components on the same rail. The clamping occurs within <5 ns of transient onset.

Does MAPLAD36KP120CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP120CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing and supports Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4 compliance per Microsemi documentation RF01216 Rev B. Its 36 kW rating and thermal design enable repeated stroke endurance without degradation, making it suitable for flight-critical avionics power inputs.

Is MAPLAD36KP120CA RoHS compliant and what plating option does it use?

MAPLAD36KP120CA is RoHS compliant and carries the "e3" designation, indicating annealed matte-tin plating per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. This finish ensures reliable solderability with lead-free reflow profiles up to 260°C for 10 seconds and eliminates tin whisker risk in high-reliability applications. Non-RoHS versions are marked without the "e3" suffix.

How is thermal management handled for MAPLAD36KP120CA in high-power surge events?

MAPLAD36KP120CA achieves 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance via its metal-base construction, requiring direct soldering of the cathode base to a large copper pour or heatsink. When mounted per the recommended 0.470″ × 0.230″ pad layout on FR4, it sustains 36 kW pulses at ≤0.05% duty factor without exceeding 150°C junction temperature, per Figure 3 derating curve in RF01216.

What is the polarity configuration and physical orientation requirement for MAPLAD36KP120CA?

MAPLAD36KP120CA is a bidirectional TVS diode (denoted by "CA" suffix), meaning it protects both positive and negative transients symmetrically. Unlike unidirectional variants, it has no polarity marking-the metal base serves as common terminal, and top metallization is the active terminal. Orientation is non-critical, but the base must be fully soldered to maximize thermal conduction and surge current capacity.