Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP300AE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP300AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive power systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps transients to ≤483 V at 75 A peak impulse current, and features a 300 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 333–369 V breakdown range. It is qualified to AEC-Q101 and meets RTCA DO-160F Level 5 pin injection for Waveform 4.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP300AE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP300AE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP300AE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP300AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 300 V VWM rating, 483 V max clamping voltage at IPP = 75 A, low 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and qualification for aircraft secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω source impedance (Class 5, short distance).

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, activating above its 300 V standoff threshold to divert surge energy away from sensitive components. Its silicon avalanche structure enables sub-100 ps response time and stable breakdown behavior across -55°C to +150°C operating range.

Designed for high-reliability mounting on FR4 PCBs with specified pad layout, it leverages void-free UL94V-0 epoxy packaging and metal-base cathode construction for optimal thermal conduction. The device sustains repeated 36 kW surges at ≤0.05% duty factor without degradation when heatsinked per spec.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP300AE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The cathode is the metal base (bottom side) of the device; polarity marking is present only on unidirectional versions. Package dimensions: 12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm (L × W × H), with recommended pad layout per RF01216 Rev B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAPLAD36KP300AE3, SMAJ300A offers lower cost and size but cannot meet multi-stroke lightning standards, while VMM36K300A matches power specs yet lacks documented aerospace compliance and RoHS status-making MAPLAD36KP300AE3 the sole choice for certified avionics and high-reliability automotive deployments.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP300AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft power distribution, automotive load dump protection, and industrial motor drive DC bus applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and full traceability.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP300AE3 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 ICs for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD36KP300AE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning and load dump protection in safety-critical platforms where thermal stability and qualification evidence are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP300AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP300AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 483 V when subjected to its rated peak impulse current of 75 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 surge events. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range of -55°C to +150°C.

Is MAPLAD36KP300AE3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP300AE3 is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 for stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling. Its 300 V VWM and 483 V clamping voltage make it suitable for 24 V commercial vehicle load dump protection, and its RoHS-compliant e3 plating supports lead-free manufacturing. Documentation confirms compliance with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a when used with appropriate PCB layout and thermal management.

Does MAPLAD36KP300AE3 meet RTCA DO-160 lightning protection requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP300AE3 is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing and specifically rated for Level 5 pin injection protection per Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) up to 300 V VWM devices. It also supports secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 with 42 Ω source impedance (Class 5, short distance), as confirmed in the RF01216 datasheet.

What is the thermal resistance specification for MAPLAD36KP300AE3?

MAPLAD36KP300AE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W, measured with case temperature controlled on a heatsink per specification. This low value enables efficient heat transfer from the silicon die through the metal base to PCB copper or external heatsinks-critical for sustaining repeated 36 kW surges without thermal runaway in high-duty-cycle applications.

How is polarity identified on MAPLAD36KP300AE3?

MAPLAD36KP300AE3 is a unidirectional TVS diode with polarity marked on the top surface: a band or stripe indicates the cathode. However, the functional cathode is the metal base (bottom side) of the device, which must be soldered to the system ground plane or heatsink. The anode connects to the protected line. This configuration is defined in the "POLARITY" section of RF01216 Rev B and confirmed in the mechanical drawings.