Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP350CA

Overview

MAPLAD36KP350CA from Microsemi is a bidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace, automotive, and industrial power systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤564 V under 500 A impulse, and features a 350 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with ±5% breakdown tolerance (389–431 V). Its low-profile thermoset epoxy package enables robust lightning protection per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 (42 Ω source).

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP350CA datasheet, MAPLAD36KP350CA pinout, MAPLAD36KP350CA application, or MAPLAD36KP350CA equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection, load dump suppression, and ESD/EFT hardening where bidirectional clamping, high PPP rating, and thermal resistance of 1.0 °C/W (junction-to-case) are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD36KP350CA operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS, leveraging controlled breakdown behavior to clamp transients above its 350 V working standoff voltage. Its bidirectional construction ensures symmetrical clamping for AC-coupled or floating signal/power lines, with sub-5 ns response time and <100 ps turn-on delay.

It meets AEC-Q101 stress testing and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options. Thermal performance is optimized via metal-base cathode mounting (direct heat path to PCB copper), enabling 71 W steady-state dissipation at TC = 100°C and 50 °C/W junction-to-ambient resistance on FR4 with recommended pad layout.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP350CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode (pin 1) and anode (pin 2) terminals. The metal base serves as the primary thermal and electrical cathode connection, requiring soldered attachment to a large copper area for optimal thermal performance and surge current return path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ350CA and V350CH8, the MAPLAD36KP350CA provides 90× higher peak pulse power, certified DO-160 lightning performance, and a dedicated metal-base thermal path-making it the only option among the three qualified for high-reliability aerospace and heavy-duty automotive load dump applications.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP350CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft avionics, automotive 48V systems, industrial motor drives, and railway signaling applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP350CA 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 MAPLAD36KP350CA belongs to Microsemi's PLAD-series high-power TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge protection where multi-kilowatt pulse handling, thermal robustness, and aviation-grade qualification are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage specification for MAPLAD36KP350CA under standard test conditions?

The MAPLAD36KP350CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 564 V when subjected to a 500 A peak pulse current at the 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured across the device terminals with the metal base (cathode) and top pad (anode) under controlled 25°C ambient conditions and reflects the upper limit of voltage imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events.

Is MAPLAD36KP350CA certified for RTCA DO-160 lightning testing?

Yes, the MAPLAD36KP350CA is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. Its 36 kW peak pulse power rating, bidirectional symmetry, and sub-5 ns response enable compliance with Level 4 and Level 5 pin injection waveforms (Waveform 4 and 5A) when mounted per the recommended pad layout and thermal interface guidelines specified in RF01216 Rev B.

How does the thermal design of MAPLAD36KP350CA differ from standard SMD TVS diodes?

Unlike conventional SMD TVS devices, the MAPLAD36KP350CA uses a metal-base PLAD package where the entire bottom surface serves as the cathode terminal and primary thermal conduction path. With a junction-to-case thermal resistance of just 1.0 °C/W, it requires direct soldering to a large copper area (>100 mm²) to dissipate surge energy-enabling sustained operation far beyond what standard SMC or SMA packages can achieve.

Does MAPLAD36KP350CA meet automotive reliability standards?

Yes, the MAPLAD36KP350CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, having passed stress tests including temperature cycling, humidity bias, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life. Its construction-including void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body, annealed matte-tin plating, and wafer-level lot traceability-supports use in automotive 48V systems subject to ISO 16750 and ISO 7637-2 load dump requirements.

What is the meaning of the "CA" suffix in MAPLAD36KP350CA?

The "CA" suffix in MAPLAD36KP350CA denotes bidirectional construction. Unlike unidirectional variants ending in "A", the CA version provides symmetrical clamping for both positive and negative voltage transients, making it suitable for AC-coupled interfaces, differential buses, or floating power domains where polarity cannot be assumed or controlled.