Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP24CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 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, clamps transients to ≤39.8 V at 905 A, and features a 24 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 26.7–29.5 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 MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 24 V working standoff, sub-100 ns response time, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 compliance with 42 Ω source impedance, and RoHS-compliant e3 termination plating.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamping protector in parallel with sensitive circuitry, activating when transient voltage exceeds its V(BR) range of 26.7–29.5 V. Its low RθJC (1.0 °C/W) enables effective heat dissipation into a heatsink-mounted PCB pad layout, supporting repetitive surge handling under ≤0.05% duty factor per Figure 2.

It conforms to bidirectional construction (CA suffix), supports pin-injection protection per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4 up to 400 V) and Waveform 5A (Level 4 up to 78 V), and provides ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 with full lot surge testing to 1000 A.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode (bidirectional symmetry eliminates polarity dependency). The device has two terminals: anode and cathode, both accessible via the bottom metal slug and top metallized pads. Mounting requires the recommended FR4 pad layout (A = 0.470", B = 0.230", C = 0.100") per RF01216 Rev B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ24CA and SMCJ24CA, MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, certified thermal performance (1.0 °C/W), and documented compliance with RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4/5A - making it the only option qualified for primary lightning protection in commercial aircraft systems.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power inputs, railway signaling interfaces, and industrial motor drive control systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 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 components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge protection in environments demanding DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-x compliance.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 exhibits a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 39.8 V at its peak pulse current (IPP) of 905 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01216 Rev B and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case transients. The low clamping ratio (VC/VWM ≈ 1.66) ensures effective downstream component protection without overdesigning upstream filtering.

Is MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use. It undergoes wafer fabrication and assembly lot traceability, 3σ standby current screening, and surge testing per AEC-Q101 stress conditions. Its 24 V VWM and 905 A IPP rating make it suitable for protecting 24 V engine control units against load dump and ISO 7637-2 pulses, especially where high-reliability and extended temperature operation (−55°C to +150°C) are required.

Does MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 require a heatsink for standard operation?

MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 does not require an external heatsink for single-event surge suppression, but its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance is only achieved when mounted per the specified FR4 pad layout (0.470" × 0.230") with thermal vias to internal ground planes. For repetitive surges (>0.05% duty factor), thermal derating per Figure 5 in RF01216 Rev B applies - sustained operation above 25°C ambient requires either increased copper area or active cooling to maintain TJ ≤ 150°C.

What does the "CA" suffix indicate in MAPLAD36KP24CAE3?

The "CA" suffix in MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 denotes bidirectional construction, meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MAPLAD36KP24AE3), this version has no polarity marking and functions identically regardless of voltage polarity - critical for protecting AC-coupled or floating signal lines in avionics and industrial communications interfaces.

How does MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 meet RTCA DO-160 Section 22 requirements?

MAPLAD36KP24CAE3 meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning standards by delivering 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, sustaining ≥50 strokes with <5% parameter shift, and passing pin-injection tests per Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) Level 4. Its bidirectional CA configuration and 24 V VWM align directly with DO-160F Table 22-1 requirements for 28 V nominal systems, and all units are lot-surge-tested per specification.