Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP36A

Overview

MAPLAD36KP36A 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 36,000 W peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤58.1 V under 620 A peak impulse current, and features 36 V reverse standoff voltage with 40.0–44.2 V breakdown range - enabling robust secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 and RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP36A datasheet, MAPLAD36KP36A pinout, MAPLAD36KP36A application, or MAPLAD36KP36A equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability DC bus protection where low thermal resistance (1.0 °C/W junction-to-case), RoHS-compliant matte-tin plating, and MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options are required in avionics and vehicle ECU designs.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD36KP36A operates as a silicon avalanche diode-based TVS, optimized for fast response (<100 ps) and low clamping ratio (VC/V(BR) ≈ 1.45). Its metal-base cathode construction enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper or heatsinks, supporting sustained multi-stroke surge handling per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 when mounted on FR4 with recommended pad layout.

It meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and provides defined protection against ESD (IEC 61000-4-2), EFT (IEC 61000-4-4), and induced RFI - with polarity-specific behavior: unidirectional conduction allows forward surge current up to 1500 A (8.3 ms half-sine) while blocking reverse leakage below 10 μA at 36 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP36A uses a surface-mount PLAD package with metal base cathode configuration: the entire bottom surface serves as the cathode terminal, while the top-side anode is accessed via a single metallized pad. This design minimizes thermal resistance and supports high-current surge dissipation through direct PCB copper contact.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ36A and SMCJ36A, MAPLAD36KP36A delivers 24× higher peak pulse power, 15× lower thermal resistance, and certified compliance with aviation lightning standards - making it the sole choice for DO-160F-certified platforms where multi-stroke survivability is mandatory.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP36A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power conditioning, automotive ECU protection, and industrial motor drive DC link stabilization requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP36A 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, RF, and timing solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD36KP36A belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family, engineered specifically for mission-critical surge environments where multi-kilowatt transient energy absorption and thermal stability under repeated stress are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage specification for MAPLAD36KP36A under peak surge conditions?

The MAPLAD36KP36A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 58.1 V at 620 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured at 25°C and represents the upper limit of voltage seen by downstream circuitry during worst-case surge events - critical for ensuring compatibility with 36 V-rated ICs and MOSFETs in protected systems.

Does MAPLAD36KP36A meet RTCA DO-160F lightning protection requirements?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP36A is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) Level 4 protection at 25°C. Its 36,000 W peak pulse power rating and low clamping ratio enable compliance with multi-stroke lightning standards when mounted per recommended pad layout on FR4 PCBs with thermal vias.

How is polarity configured on MAPLAD36KP36A, and what does the 'A' suffix indicate?

The 'A' suffix in MAPLAD36KP36A denotes unidirectional construction. The cathode is the entire metal base (bottom surface), and the anode is the top metallized pad. This configuration allows forward conduction during positive surges while blocking reverse current - essential for protecting DC power rails where polarity is fixed.

Can MAPLAD36KP36A be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q101 qualification?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP36A is tested and qualified to AEC-Q101 standards for discrete semiconductors. It undergoes stress testing including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and humidity bias life - confirming suitability for under-hood automotive ECUs subject to thermal shock and vibration.

What thermal management practices are recommended for MAPLAD36KP36A in high-duty-cycle applications?

For sustained surge duty cycles, MAPLAD36KP36A requires direct thermal coupling: the metal base must be soldered to ≥2 in² of 2-oz copper with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) to internal ground planes. Derating curves show >50% PPP loss above 100°C case temperature - so heatsink integration is advised for >0.05% impulse repetition rates.