Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP43AE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP43AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) rated for 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, with 43 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM), 47.8–52.8 V breakdown voltage (V(BR)), and 69.4 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 519 A peak pulse current. It delivers high-reliability lightning and load dump protection in aerospace avionics and automotive power systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP43AE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP43AE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP43AE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP43AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 secondary lightning compliance (42 Ω source), RTCA DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 pin injection rating, and AEC-Q101 qualification.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping-type overvoltage protector, triggered by avalanche breakdown above V(BR). Its metal-base cathode construction enables low thermal resistance (RθJC = 1.0 °C/W) and efficient heat transfer to PCB copper pads or heatsinks under repetitive surge conditions.

It meets multi-stroke lightning immunity per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and supports dual-standard compliance: IEC 61000-4-5 (42 Ω, 12 Ω, 2 Ω source impedances) and IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 for ESD/EFT. Standby current ID is ≤10 μA at 43 V, and temperature coefficient αV(BR) is +50 mV/°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAPLAD36KP43AE3 uses a surface-mount PLAD package with two terminals: anode and cathode. The cathode is the metal base (underside) of the device; polarity marking is present only on unidirectional versions. 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 SMBJ43A and SMCJ43A, MAPLAD36KP43AE3 provides 60× higher peak pulse power, certified DO-160F Waveform 4 Level 4 immunity, and validated multi-stroke endurance-making it the sole option for aerospace-grade 43 V rail protection where single-event robustness and thermal sustainability are non-negotiable.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP43AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics, automotive engine control, industrial motor drive, and railway signaling applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable high-reliability sourcing.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP43AE3 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 MAPLAD series was developed specifically for high-power transient suppression in mission-critical platforms where multi-stroke lightning resilience, thermal sustainability, and qualification to DO-160, AEC-Q101, and IEC 61000-4-x standards are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP43AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP43AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 69.4 V at 519 A peak pulse current (IPP) under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in RF01216 Rev B and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The clamping performance is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and is integral to ensuring downstream components remain within their absolute maximum ratings.

Is MAPLAD36KP43AE3 qualified to AEC-Q101 and RTCA DO-160 standards?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP43AE3 is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive reliability and tested to RTCA DO-160F Section 22 for multi-stroke lightning immunity. It achieves Waveform 4 Level 4 pin injection protection (6.4/69 μs) and meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 5 requirements with 42 Ω source impedance. These qualifications are documented in Microsemi's RF01216 Rev B datasheet and supported by lot-level surge testing and traceable wafer fabrication records.

What is the thermal resistance and recommended mounting for MAPLAD36KP43AE3?

MAPLAD36KP43AE3 has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W, achieved only when the metal cathode base is soldered to a minimum 11.94 mm × 5.85 mm copper pad per the recommended layout in RF01216 Rev B. This low RθJC enables effective heat transfer during repetitive surges. RθJA is 50 °C/W on FR4; however, thermal performance relies primarily on case-to-heatsink conduction-not ambient convection-so PCB copper area and thermal vias are critical for sustained operation.

Does MAPLAD36KP43AE3 have moisture sensitivity level (MSL) restrictions?

No, MAPLAD36KP43AE3 is rated Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020B, meaning it has no floor-life limitation and requires no dry-pack or baking prior to SMT assembly. This eliminates handling complexity and reduces manufacturing risk in high-volume production environments. The void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body and annealed matte-tin (e3) plating further ensure process robustness through standard reflow profiles up to 260 °C for 10 seconds.

How does the polarity marking work on MAPLAD36KP43AE3?

MAPLAD36KP43AE3 is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode on the metal base (underside) of the package. Polarity is marked on the top surface only for unidirectional variants-typically via a band or "K" symbol adjacent to the anode side. The cathode must be connected to system ground or the lower-potential rail; incorrect orientation will prevent clamping function. No polarity marking appears on bidirectional versions (suffix CA), but MAPLAD36KP43AE3 is unidirectional (suffix A) and follows this convention.