Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP33CAE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 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 at ≤53.3 V under 676 A peak impulse current, and features 33 V reverse standoff voltage with ±5% breakdown tolerance (36.7–40.6 V). It meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its bidirectional polarity, 33 V VWM rating, 53.3 V max clamping voltage at 676 A, RoHS-compliant e3 termination, and qualification to AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a voltage-clamped crowbar device during transients, leveraging avalanche breakdown to shunt energy away from protected circuitry. Its low RθJC of 1.0 °C/W enables effective thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, while its void-free UL94V-0 epoxy package ensures mechanical robustness under repeated surge stress.

It supports bidirectional transient suppression without polarity sensitivity, making it suitable for AC-coupled or floating signal lines. The device is characterized for operation across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature and exhibits a 35 mV/°C temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage - critical for stable clamping performance over wide thermal ranges in avionics and engine bay environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode formed on opposite sides of the metal base. The cathode is the metal base underside (per manufacturer marking convention), and polarity is non-critical for bidirectional operation. 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 voltage suppression applications.

Compared with Littelfuse SP36VB33 and Vishay SMAJ33CA, the MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 uniquely delivers certified 36 kW surge handling with RTCA DO-160F and AEC-Q101 validation - making it the only option among the three qualified for airborne and under-hood automotive primary protection.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive engine control units, and industrial motor drive systems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 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 (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 MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge immunity in environments where failure is not an option - including commercial aviation, military platforms, and heavy-duty automotive systems.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage specification for MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 under standard test conditions?

The MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 53.3 V at 676 A peak pulse current under the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01216 Rev B and represents the worst-case overvoltage imposed on protected circuitry during a full-rated surge event. The device maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range of –55°C to +150°C, with derating applied above 100°C case temperature per the published curve.

Does MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 require special PCB layout considerations for thermal management?

Yes - the MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 relies on its metal base (cathode) for thermal conduction, and achieving the specified RθJC of 1.0 °C/W requires adherence to the recommended pad layout in RF01216 Rev B: a 11.94 × 5.85 mm thermal pad with 2.44 mm solder mask opening. Insufficient copper area or poor solder wetting increases thermal resistance, reducing safe multi-pulse endurance. The device must be mounted on FR4 with no thermal relief on the cathode pad to preserve thermal integrity.

Is MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 qualified for automotive applications, and what standards does it meet?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use and explicitly validated for load dump and switching transient protection per ISO 7637-2. Its 36 kW rating and 676 A peak current capability exceed typical automotive requirements, and its bidirectional design accommodates both battery and alternator-side transients. The device also meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 (42 Ω source) for secondary lightning protection - relevant for vehicle external interfaces such as charging ports or sensor harnesses.

How does the "CA" suffix in MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 affect its electrical behavior compared to unidirectional variants?

The "CA" suffix denotes bidirectional construction, meaning MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative transients - unlike unidirectional "A" versions that conduct only in reverse bias. This eliminates polarity-dependent placement errors and enables protection of AC-coupled or floating lines. Electrically, its VWM (33 V), V(BR), and VC specs apply identically in both directions, and its leakage ID remains ≤10 μA regardless of voltage polarity - confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3 of RF01216 Rev B.

What screening options are available for MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 beyond standard commercial grade?

MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 supports high-reliability screening per MIL-PRF-19500, including M, MA, MX, and MXL levels - covering extended temperature cycling, burn-in, and lot acceptance testing. These options are detailed in the Hirel Non-Hermetic Product Portfolio brochure and require explicit ordering with appropriate screening suffixes. Standard MAPLAD36KP33CAE3 is commercial-grade; screened versions must be specified at order time and carry additional lead time and cost.