Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP300CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 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 at ≤483 V under 75 A peak impulse current, and features a 300 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 333–369 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance - enabling robust secondary lightning protection per RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 5 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 (short distance).

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional polarity, 300 V VWM compatibility with 280–300 V DC bus systems, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and validation for multi-stroke lightning events in avionics power distribution and engine control units.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, activating when transient voltage exceeds its V(BR) range of 333–369 V to divert surge current away from sensitive components. Its low RθJC (1.0 °C/W) and void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package enable efficient heat dissipation during repetitive 36 kW surges.

It meets RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 5 pin injection requirements up to 300 V VWM and supports IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection with 42 Ω source impedance in short-distance configurations - confirmed for MPLAD36KP14A to 300CA variants per datasheet Table on page 3.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode formed on opposite sides of the metal base. The device has no internal leads; current flows between the top metallization (anode) and bottom metal slug (cathode). Polarity marking applies only to unidirectional versions; bidirectional devices like MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 are symmetric and non-polarized.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ300CA and SMCJ300CA, MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 provides 36 kW pulse capability and DO-160F Level 5 validation - making it the only option for primary lightning protection in airborne equipment where multi-stroke survivability is mandated.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive engine control units, industrial motor drive DC links, and railway signaling interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 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 PLAD family was engineered specifically for high-power transient suppression in mission-critical platforms - prioritizing thermal robustness, multi-stroke endurance, and compliance with RTCA DO-160 and IEC 61000-4-x standards.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The clamping voltage (VC) of MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 is 483 V at 75 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3 of RF01216 Rev B and defines the maximum voltage imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range of –55°C to +150°C.

Does MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 require a heatsink for standard operation?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 requires direct thermal coupling to a PCB copper pour or external heatsink due to its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC). While the device can dissipate 2.5 W continuously at 25°C ambient, sustained multi-pulse operation at 36 kW demands low-impedance thermal paths to prevent junction temperature exceedance. The recommended pad layout on page 6 specifies minimum copper area for FR4 boards.

Is MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 certified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified per the "High-Reliability screening available in reference to MIL-PRF-19500" and "Tested in accordance with the requirements of AEC-Q101" statements on page 1 of RF01216 Rev B. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and humidity testing - confirming suitability for under-hood automotive environments such as engine control units and transmission control modules.

How does the e3 suffix in MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 affect assembly?

The e3 suffix in MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 indicates RoHS-compliant annealed matte-tin plating, which is fully compatible with lead-free reflow soldering profiles (peak 260°C for 10 seconds per JEDEC J-STD-020). Unlike legacy tin-lead finishes, e3 plating eliminates post-solder cleaning requirements and ensures intermetallic formation stability - critical for long-term reliability in high-vibration aerospace and transportation systems where MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 is deployed.

Can MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 be used for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 protection with 2 Ω source impedance?

No, MAPLAD36KP300CAE3 is not rated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 with 2 Ω source impedance. Per page 3 of RF01216 Rev B, the 300 V VWM variant supports only Class 4 under 2 Ω conditions. For Class 5 at 2 Ω, Microsemi specifies MPLAD36KP14A to 130CA - limiting MAPLAD36KP300CAE3's use to 42 Ω (Class 5 short distance) and 12 Ω (Class 3) configurations as validated in the standard compliance tables.