Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP16CA

Overview

MAPLAD36KP16CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, features 16 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤27.2 V at 1324 A peak pulse current (IPP), and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP16CA datasheet, MAPLAD36KP16CA pinout, MAPLAD36KP16CA application, or MAPLAD36KP16CA equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (with 2 Ω, 12 Ω, or 42 Ω source impedance), pin injection protection per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 & 5A, and ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protection device in parallel with sensitive circuitry. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal lines, and its low R_θJC of 1.0 °C/W supports thermal management under repeated surges when mounted on FR4 with recommended pad layout.

It is characterized by a breakdown voltage range of 17.8–19.7 V at I(BR) = 5 mA, maximum clamping voltage V_C = 27.2 V at I_PP = 1324 A (10/1000 μs), and standby current ID ≤ 450 μA at V_WM = 16 V - enabling reliable hold-off during normal operation while responding within <5 ns to transients.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP16CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The metal base serves as the cathode for unidirectional variants; for bidirectional devices like MAPLAD36KP16CA, polarity is symmetric and both terminals are functionally identical under reverse/forward surge conditions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ16CA and SMCJ16CA, MAPLAD36KP16CA provides 60× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling single-device compliance with aviation lightning standards and automotive load dump waveforms - eliminating cascaded protection schemes and reducing BOM count.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP16CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power distribution, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive I/O requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP16CA 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, and industrial markets, with emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and surge protection components.

MAPLAD36KP16CA belongs to the PLAD-series high-power TVS family engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning hardening and DO-160F-compliant avionics protection - prioritizing thermal robustness, low clamping overshoot, and long-term reliability under cyclic surge stress.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP16CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP16CA has a maximum clamping voltage (V_C) of 27.2 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1324 A under the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is guaranteed across temperature and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 36 V-rated power management ICs and interface receivers in avionics systems.

Is MAPLAD36KP16CA compliant with AEC-Q101 for automotive use?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP16CA is tested in accordance with AEC-Q101 requirements for discrete semiconductors. Its qualification includes surge testing, temperature cycling, and humidity bias life testing - confirming suitability for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units and body control modules where load dump and ISO 7637-2 immunity are mandatory.

Does MAPLAD36KP16CA require a heatsink for standard operation?

No external heatsink is required for single-event surge handling, as the MAPLAD36KP16CA relies on PCB copper area for thermal dissipation. Its R_θJC of 1.0 °C/W and R_θJA of 50 °C/W assume mounting on FR4 with the recommended pad layout (11.94 mm × 5.85 mm). For repetitive surges above 0.05% duty factor, derating per Figure 3 is necessary - but no bolt-on heatsink is specified in the datasheet.

How does the CA suffix in MAPLAD36KP16CA indicate device functionality?

The "CA" suffix in MAPLAD36KP16CA explicitly denotes bidirectional construction. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MAPLAD36KP16A), which conduct only during reverse-biased transients, the CA version provides symmetrical clamping for both polarities - making it ideal for protecting AC-coupled data lines, transformer-isolated interfaces, and floating power rails where voltage reversals may occur during fault conditions.

Can MAPLAD36KP16CA be used for IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 and Level 5 testing?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP16CA is validated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 (Level 5) with 42 Ω source impedance in short-distance configurations and Class 4 with 2 Ω source impedance - covering the most demanding industrial and transportation surge immunity requirements. Its 36 kW rating and sub-5 ns response ensure compliance without supplemental protection, provided layout follows Microsemi's recommended pad dimensions and grounding practices.