Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP150AE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP150AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive power systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤243 V under 149 A peak impulse current, and features a 150 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 167–185 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP150AE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP150AE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP150AE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP150AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 150 V VWM rating, bidirectional-capable family variants (e.g., MAPLAD36KP150CAE3), IEC 61000-4-5 Class 3/4 secondary lightning compliance with 2–42 Ω source impedance, and RoHS-compliant e3 termination plating.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with sensitive circuitry, activating above its 150 V standoff threshold to divert transients up to 36,000 W. Its low RθJC (1.0 °C/W) enables effective heat transfer to an external heatsink when mounted per recommended pad layout on FR4 PCB.

It supports both unidirectional (A-suffix) and bidirectional (CA-suffix) configurations; MAPLAD36KP150AE3 is unidirectional with cathode on the metal base. It complies with ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), EFT (IEC 61000-4-4), and pin-injection waveforms 4 and 5A per RTCA/DO-160F, with temperature-derated PPP performance documented in MicroNote 132 and 134.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP150AE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The cathode is the metal base (bottom side) of the device; polarity is marked only on unidirectional versions. Package dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), with void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body and annealed matte-tin (e3) RoHS-compliant plating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMCJ150A and SP3050-014, MAPLAD36KP150AE3 uniquely combines 36 kW surge capacity, AEC-Q101 qualification, DO-160F compliance, and 1.0 °C/W thermal resistance - making it irreplaceable for certified aerospace and high-reliability automotive power protection where single-event energy absorption and thermal management are non-negotiable.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP150AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics lightning hardening, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive input conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP150AE3 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 semiconductors for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing solutions, and power protection devices.

The PLAD-series TVS family, including MAPLAD36KP150AE3, was engineered specifically for high-energy transient suppression in safety-critical platforms where DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-5 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP150AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

MAPLAD36KP150AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 243 V at 149 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during a full-power surge event. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the operating temperature range and forms the basis for downstream component voltage rating selection.

Is MAPLAD36KP150AE3 suitable for bidirectional transient protection?

No, MAPLAD36KP150AE3 is a unidirectional TVS diode, indicated by the "A" suffix and absence of "CA". Its cathode is the metal base, and it conducts only during positive transients relative to that terminal. For bidirectional protection at 150 V standoff, the functionally matched part is MAPLAD36KP150CAE3, which provides symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating lines.

Does MAPLAD36KP150AE3 require a heatsink for reliable operation?

Yes - while MAPLAD36KP150AE3 has low RθJC (1.0 °C/W), its 36 kW PPP rating assumes effective heat transfer to a heatsink or thermally enhanced PCB. Without external thermal management, steady-state power dissipation is limited to 2.5 W at TA = 25°C. Mounting per the specified pad layout (Ref. A = 11.94 mm, B = 5.85 mm) is mandatory to achieve rated pulse performance and avoid thermal runaway during repetitive surges.

What certifications does MAPLAD36KP150AE3 meet for automotive use?

MAPLAD36KP150AE3 is qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing of discrete semiconductors, covering high-temperature operating life, temperature cycling, and surge robustness. It also meets IEC 61000-4-5 (lightning surge), IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), and IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) - all essential for automotive power electronics in engine control, battery management, and ADAS subsystems.

How does the "E3" suffix in MAPLAD36KP150AE3 affect assembly compatibility?

The "E3" suffix denotes RoHS-compliant annealed matte-tin plating per J-STD-020B Level 1, eliminating the need for dry-pack moisture barrier bags and enabling standard reflow profiles without pre-bake. This plating is fully compatible with leaded and lead-free solder processes, supports >1000 thermal cycles, and maintains solderability after extended storage - critical for high-mix, low-volume aerospace manufacturing.