Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP17CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 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 17 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps to ≤28.8 V at 1250 A IPP, and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance with 42 Ω source impedance, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device during transients, leveraging avalanche breakdown to shunt surge current away from protected circuitry. Its metal-base package enables low RθJC (1.0 °C/W) and direct thermal coupling to heatsinks or PCB copper planes.

It supports dual-standard compliance: RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 up to 400 V standoff, and IEC 61000-4-5 secondary lightning protection across 12 Ω, 42 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances - with validated performance up to Class 5 at 17 V standoff in short-distance configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 uses a PLAD (Power Leadless Array Device) surface-mount package with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal for bidirectional operation. The device has two terminals: anode and cathode, both accessible via solderable bottom-side metallization. No discrete leads - thermal and electrical interface is achieved through full-metal underside contact and top-side edge terminations.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ17CA and SMCJ17CA, MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 delivers 60× higher peak power handling, 15× better thermal resistance, and certified compliance with aviation and automotive safety standards - making it the sole option for mission-critical, multi-stroke surge environments.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive powertrain systems, and industrial motor drive designs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 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 solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load-dump protection in safety-critical platforms where thermal robustness and qualification traceability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 28.8 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 1250 A 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 worst-case surge events. The low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.69) confirms strong voltage limiting capability essential for safeguarding 24 V–36 V system components.

Is MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified, confirming its suitability for automotive powertrain and chassis applications. It undergoes wafer fabrication and assembly lot traceability, 3σ standby current screening, and surge testing per AEC-Q101 stress requirements. Its bidirectional construction and 17 V standoff make it ideal for protecting 12 V battery-fed ECUs against load dump and ISO 7637-2 transients.

How does the PLAD package of MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 improve thermal performance?

The PLAD package of MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 uses a void-free thermosetting epoxy body with a full metal base serving as the cathode and primary thermal interface. This achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of just 1.0 °C/W - over 15× lower than standard SMC packages. Engineers can mount it directly onto heatsinks or large copper pours to sustain repeated 36 kW surges without thermal runaway.

Does MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160 lightning standards?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP17CAE3 is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. It meets Level 4 pin injection protection for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and supports Level 5 compliance up to 300 V standoff. Its 36 kW rating and fast response (<5 ns) ensure robust immunity in avionics power inputs, navigation systems, and flight control interfaces.

What is the meaning of the 'CA' and 'E3' suffixes in MAPLAD36KP17CAE3?

In MAPLAD36KP17CAE3, 'CA' denotes bidirectional polarity (as opposed to 'A' for unidirectional), and 'E3' specifies RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating per JEDEC J-STD-020B moisture sensitivity Level 1 - eliminating dry-pack requirements. These suffixes are defined in the MPLAD nomenclature table of RF01216 Rev B and confirm the device's symmetrical clamping behavior and lead-free solder compatibility.