Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP36CA

Overview

MAPLAD36KP36CA 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 ≤58.1 V under 620 A peak impulse current, and features a 36 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), meeting RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP36CA datasheet, MAPLAD36KP36CA pinout, MAPLAD36KP36CA application, or MAPLAD36KP36CA equivalent, this device is selected for secondary lightning protection per IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, and 2 Ω source impedances), pin injection protection per RTCA/DO-160F Waveform 4 (Level 4 up to 400 V), and ESD/EFT immunity per IEC 61000-4-2/4-4.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD36KP36CA uses an avalanche breakdown mechanism to provide fast-response clamping during transients, with <5 ns response time from 0 V to V(BR) min. Its bidirectional construction enables symmetric protection of AC-coupled or differential signal lines without polarity constraints.

Thermal design leverages a low RθJC of 1.0 °C/W and metal-base package for efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pads; junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is 50 °C/W on FR4 with recommended pad layout. It supports steady-state dissipation of 2.5 W at 25°C ambient and is rated for operation from −55°C to +150°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP36CA uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The metal base serves as the cathode for unidirectional variants; for bidirectional devices like MAPLAD36KP36CA, both terminals are symmetrical and non-polarized. Thermal performance relies on direct mounting to large copper pads per recommended layout (A = 0.470", B = 0.230", C = 0.100").

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ36CA and SMCJ36CA, MAPLAD36KP36CA delivers 60× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, enabling compliance with RTCA DO-160F and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5-making it irreplaceable in aerospace and heavy-duty automotive surge protection where energy levels exceed 10 J.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP36CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive ECU power distribution, and industrial motor drive gate driver protection requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP36CA 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) designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with expertise in radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and transient protection.

The PLAD series-including MAPLAD36KP36CA-is engineered specifically for high-energy, high-reliability surge suppression in mission-critical platforms where multi-stroke lightning, load dump, and ESD must be mitigated without derating or redundancy.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP36CA at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP36CA 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 guaranteed per the manufacturer's electrical characteristics table and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The clamping performance is validated across temperature and production lots, ensuring consistent protection behavior in fielded MAPLAD36KP36CA units.

Is MAPLAD36KP36CA compliant with AEC-Q101 for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP36CA is tested in accordance with AEC-Q101 requirements for discrete semiconductors. The device undergoes stress testing including HTGB, HTRB, and surge validation per the standard, confirming suitability for under-hood automotive environments. This qualification supports its use in engine control units and powertrain modules where reliability under thermal cycling and high-energy transients is mandatory-directly applicable to MAPLAD36KP36CA deployment in 12 V/24 V load dump protection.

Does MAPLAD36KP36CA require a heatsink for continuous operation?

No, MAPLAD36KP36CA does not require an external heatsink for transient suppression duty cycles. Its thermal design relies on PCB copper area as the primary heat sink, with RθJC = 1.0 °C/W and RθJA = 50 °C/W on FR4 using the recommended pad layout. Steady-state power dissipation is limited to 2.5 W at 25°C ambient; sustained DC power is not intended. MAPLAD36KP36CA operates within safe junction temperature limits solely through optimized board-level thermal conduction-no additional heatsinking needed.

How does the bidirectional construction of MAPLAD36KP36CA affect PCB layout?

The bidirectional construction of MAPLAD36KP36CA eliminates polarity sensitivity, allowing placement without orientation constraints-no cathode marking or directional routing is required. This simplifies layout for differential buses (e.g., RS-485, CAN FD) and AC-coupled interfaces. The metal base serves as a low-inductance return path; designers must maximize copper area beneath the device per the specified pad dimensions (A = 0.470", B = 0.230") to maintain thermal and surge performance in every MAPLAD36KP36CA implementation.

Can MAPLAD36KP36CA be used for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 lightning protection?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP36CA is validated for IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning protection with 42 Ω source impedance in short-distance configurations. It also supports Class 4 with 2 Ω source impedance and Class 3 with 12 Ω source impedance. These ratings are explicitly listed in the datasheet for the MPLAD36KPxxCA family, confirming MAPLAD36KP36CA's suitability for high-immunity industrial and transportation infrastructure where full Class 5 compliance is mandated.