Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP280CA

Overview

MAPLAD36KP280CA 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, clamps transients to ≤451 V at 80 A peak impulse current, and features a 280 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP280CA datasheet, MAPLAD36KP280CA pinout, MAPLAD36KP280CA application, or MAPLAD36KP280CA equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), pin-injection immunity per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4/5), and ESD/EFT compliance per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD36KP280CA implements an avalanche diode architecture optimized for low clamping ratio and minimal thermal resistance. Its void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package enables direct metal-base heat sinking, achieving 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance. The bidirectional construction supports symmetrical transient suppression on AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity constraints.

It operates across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and maintains stable breakdown voltage with a temperature coefficient of 344 mV/°C. Standby leakage is limited to 10 μA at 280 V, ensuring minimal system loading during normal operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP280CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal for unidirectional variants; for bidirectional devices like MAPLAD36KP280CA, both terminals are electrically symmetrical and non-polarized. The package measures 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H) with tin-plated terminations solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ280CA and SMCJ280CA, MAPLAD36KP280CA provides 60× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, full DO-160F Section 22 validation, and 1.0 °C/W thermal resistance enabling reliable operation under sustained surge duty cycles.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP280CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive powertrain electronics, and industrial motor drive systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP280CA 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 MAPLAD36KP280CA belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection and automotive load dump compliance in mission-critical platforms.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP280CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP280CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 451 V at 80 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe operating voltage limits during high-energy transients. The clamping performance is verified per Figure 3 in RF01216 Rev B and applies across the full operating temperature range.

Is MAPLAD36KP280CA qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP280CA is qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTSL, TCT, and HTRB. It is explicitly rated for automotive load dump protection per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a and supports under-hood ambient temperatures up to +150 °C. Its bidirectional construction and 280 V standoff make it suitable for 24 V system protection in ECUs and ADAS modules.

Does MAPLAD36KP280CA meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP280CA is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing, including Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 and Level 5. Its 36 kW rating and low clamping ratio enable compliance with aircraft power bus surge immunity requirements. Documentation is provided in Microsemi Application Note AN-132 and datasheet RF01216 Rev B.

What is the thermal resistance and recommended mounting method for MAPLAD36KP280CA?

MAPLAD36KP280CA has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W. It must be mounted on a large copper pad per the specified pad layout (Ref. A = 11.94 mm, B = 5.85 mm) to achieve rated power dissipation. The metal base serves as both thermal interface and electrical terminal, requiring direct thermal connection to PCB ground or heatsink for optimal performance.

How does the bidirectional construction of MAPLAD36KP280CA affect circuit design?

The bidirectional construction of MAPLAD36KP280CA eliminates polarity concerns during placement, allowing symmetric placement across AC-coupled lines, differential buses, or ungrounded power rails. Unlike unidirectional TVS diodes, it conducts equally in both directions above its breakdown threshold, making it ideal for protecting balanced interfaces such as RS-485, CAN FD, or aviation MIL-STD-1553 data lines without additional biasing.