Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP180CA

Overview

MAPLAD36KP180CA 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 180 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), clamps transients to ≤291 V at 124 A peak pulse current (IPP), and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP180CA datasheet, MAPLAD36KP180CA pinout, MAPLAD36KP180CA application, or MAPLAD36KP180CA equivalent, this device serves as a high-reliability secondary lightning protector in avionics power inputs, automotive ECU front-ends, and industrial DC bus lines where low-profile SMT mounting and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 compliance are mandatory.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates in bidirectional avalanche mode with symmetrical clamping behavior across both polarities. Its thermal resistance junction-to-case is 1.0 °C/W, enabling effective heat transfer to PCB copper when mounted per recommended pad layout - critical for sustaining repetitive 36 kW surges at ≤0.05% duty factor.

The device complies with AEC-Q101 stress testing and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options. It provides pin-injection protection per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4 up to 180 V) and Waveform 5A (Level 4 up to 78 V), with derating guidance available in MicroNote 132.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP180CA uses a low-profile surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode (bidirectional symmetry eliminates polarity distinction). The package measures 12.32–12.57 mm × 10.54–10.80 mm × 3.68–3.94 mm (L×W×H) and weighs 1.7–2.0 g. Mounting requires symmetric thermal pad layout per datasheet Figure "PAD LAYOUT".

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with RCLAMP3324P.TCT and SP3050-01UTG, MAPLAD36KP180CA uniquely delivers 36 kW bidirectional clamping at 180 V standoff - a capability absent in low-power signal TVS devices - making it irreplaceable for aerospace and heavy-duty automotive surge protection where energy handling dominates selection criteria.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP180CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power inputs, automotive ECU front-ends, and industrial DC bus systems requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles and high-reliability qualification.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP180CA 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 robust discrete components.

The MAPLAD36KP180CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for DO-160-compliant lightning protection and automotive load dump suppression in mission-critical environments.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP180CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP180CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 291 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 124 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per standard TVS test methodology and ensures downstream circuitry remains below destructive voltage thresholds during surge events. The MAPLAD36KP180CA maintains this clamping performance across its specified operating temperature range.

Is MAPLAD36KP180CA suitable for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP180CA is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for stress testing of discrete semiconductors. It is explicitly listed in the datasheet as AEC-Q101 compliant, making it suitable for automotive engine control units, body control modules, and other under-hood applications where reliability under thermal cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock is mandatory. The MAPLAD36KP180CA also supports optional MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening for enhanced automotive or aerospace programs.

How does the bidirectional construction of MAPLAD36KP180CA affect its PCB layout compared to unidirectional TVS diodes?

The bidirectional construction of MAPLAD36KP180CA eliminates polarity sensitivity - both terminals are electrically symmetrical, so orientation on the PCB does not affect functionality. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes that require strict anode/cathode placement relative to ground, the MAPLAD36KP180CA can be placed without regard to direction, simplifying layout and reducing assembly errors. Its metal base serves as the common reference terminal for both polarities, and the MAPLAD36KP180CA's thermal pad layout remains identical regardless of orientation.

Does MAPLAD36KP180CA meet IEC 61000-4-5 for industrial surge immunity testing?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP180CA is certified for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with multiple source impedances: it supports Class 1–4 at 42 Ω, Class 1–3 at 12 Ω, and Class 2–4 at 2 Ω source impedance. At 180 V VWM, it qualifies for Class 4 (42 Ω) and Class 3 (12 Ω), enabling use in industrial programmable logic controllers and motor drives subject to high-energy surges. The MAPLAD36KP180CA's 36 kW rating directly addresses the energy requirements of these test levels.

What is the thermal resistance specification for MAPLAD36KP180CA, and why is it critical for high-power surge handling?

MAPLAD36KP180CA has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W, which is essential for dissipating heat generated during 36 kW transient events. This low value allows rapid conduction of surge-induced thermal energy from the silicon die to the PCB copper or external heatsink. Without this thermal path, cumulative heating would exceed junction temperature limits (−55°C to +150°C), causing parametric shift or failure. Proper mounting per the recommended pad layout ensures the MAPLAD36KP180CA achieves its full 36 kW rating.