Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP280CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 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), RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case - deployed in lightning protection circuits per RTCA DO-160 Section 22.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 compliance with 12 Ω source impedance, RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 capability, and thermal derating behavior above 100°C case temperature.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, triggering at breakdown voltage (V(BR) = 311–345 V) when transient overvoltage exceeds VWM. Its low RθJC (1.0 °C/W) enables effective heat transfer to a heatsink, supporting multi-stroke surge endurance under ≤0.05% duty factor per Figure 2.

It meets secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 12 Ω source impedance up to Class 4 (VWM ≤ 280 V), and satisfies RTCA DO-160F pin injection immunity for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) at Level 4 - validated across -55°C to +150°C operating range with full lot traceability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package (void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body) with two terminals: anode and cathode. The metal base serves as the cathode for unidirectional variants; for bidirectional devices like MAPLAD36KP280CAE3, both terminals are symmetrical and non-polarized - polarity marking is omitted. Package dimensions: 12.32–12.57 mm × 10.54–10.80 mm × 3.68–3.94 mm (L×W×H).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ280CA and SMCJ280CA, MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, validated clamping performance under RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4, and thermal design enabling direct heatsink integration - critical for aerospace and heavy-duty automotive deployments.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive engine control units, railway signaling interfaces, and industrial motor drive DC bus protection requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 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 MAPLAD series is engineered for extreme transient suppression in safety-critical platforms, with design focus on multi-stroke lightning resilience, thermal robustness, and full traceability per MIL-PRF-19500 standards.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The clamping voltage (VC) of MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 is 451 V at 80 A peak impulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value represents the maximum voltage seen across the device during worst-case surge events and ensures downstream circuitry remains within safe operating limits. MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range (-55°C to +150°C) with no derating required below 100°C case temperature.

Is MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 suitable for RTCA DO-160F lightning protection testing?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 is specifically validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing. It meets Level 4 for Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and supports multi-stroke capability per documented test reports. Its 36 kW peak pulse power rating, low thermal resistance, and bidirectional symmetry make it appropriate for primary or secondary protection in avionics power and signal lines. MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 data sheet RF01216 Rev B confirms compliance with this standard.

Does MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 require heatsinking in typical applications?

MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 benefits significantly from heatsinking in applications involving repetitive surges or elevated ambient temperatures. With RθJC = 1.0 °C/W, direct mounting to a heatsink enables sustained operation at 100°C case temperature per Figure 3 derating curve. For single-event lightning protection, PCB copper pour per recommended pad layout may suffice. MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 thermal performance must be evaluated using actual duty factor and pulse repetition rate - not assumed from datasheet single-pulse ratings alone.

What does the 'CA' suffix indicate in MAPLAD36KP280CAE3?

The 'CA' suffix in MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 denotes bidirectional construction, meaning the device provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients without polarity sensitivity. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., MAPLAD36KP280AE3), MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 has no cathode/anode marking and can be mounted in either orientation. This simplifies layout in differential or AC-coupled protection schemes and eliminates risk of reverse installation error.

How does MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 compare to standard SMCJ-series TVS diodes?

MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 delivers 36 kW peak pulse power - 24× higher than the 1.5 kW rating of SMCJ280CA - with superior thermal management (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W vs. ~25 °C/W). It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and validated for RTCA DO-160F, whereas SMCJ280CA lacks DO-160F certification and multi-stroke lightning endurance. MAPLAD36KP280CAE3 is purpose-built for mission-critical infrastructure where single-event energy absorption and long-term reliability outweigh cost or footprint constraints.