Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP48AE3

Overview

MAPLAD36KP48AE3 from Microsemi is a unidirectional surface-mount transient voltage suppressor (TVS) designed for high-energy surge protection in aerospace and automotive systems. It delivers 36 kW peak pulse power at 10/1000 μs, clamps at ≤77.4 V under 466 A peak impulse current, and features a 48 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM) with 53.3–58.9 V breakdown range. It meets RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning requirements and IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4/5 secondary lightning protection.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP48AE3 datasheet, MAPLAD36KP48AE3 pinout, MAPLAD36KP48AE3 application, or MAPLAD36KP48AE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48 V standoff rating, 77.4 V max clamping voltage at 466 A, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, low-profile PLAD package with metal-base cathode, and qualification to AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 screening levels.

Technical Context

This TVS diode operates as a clamping device in parallel with protected circuitry, activating above its 48 V working standoff voltage to divert transients away from sensitive components. Its silicon avalanche structure enables sub-100 ps response time and stable breakdown characteristics across temperature, with ±0.054 %/°C temperature coefficient of V(BR).

The PLAD package integrates a void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body and tin-plated terminals solderable per MIL-STD-750 Method 2026. Thermal resistance is 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case and 50 °C/W junction-to-ambient (on FR4 with recommended pad layout), enabling high-power dissipation without external heatsinking in short-duration events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAPLAD36KP48AE3 uses the PLAD surface-mount package: void-free UL94V-0 epoxy body (12.32 × 10.54 × 5.08 mm), matte-tin (e3) RoHS-compliant plating, and metal base serving as cathode terminal. Polarity marking is present only on unidirectional versions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMAJ48A and SMCJ48A, MAPLAD36KP48AE3 delivers 36 kW clamping capability in a thermally optimized PLAD package, enabling certified protection for mission-critical aerospace and automotive 48 V systems where multi-kA transients demand robust, qualified TVS performance.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP48AE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace avionics power inputs, automotive 48 V battery systems, and industrial motor drive DC buses requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP48AE3 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 analog, mixed-signal, and power semiconductors for aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial markets.

The MAPLAD36KP48AE3 belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD TVS family engineered specifically for certified lightning and load dump protection in safety-critical platforms where AEC-Q101 and MIL-PRF-19500 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the clamping voltage of MAPLAD36KP48AE3 at its rated peak pulse current?

The MAPLAD36KP48AE3 has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 77.4 V when subjected to its rated peak pulse current of 466 A under 10/1000 μs waveform conditions. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuitry during worst-case surge events. The MAPLAD36KP48AE3 maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range of -55°C to +150°C.

Is MAPLAD36KP48AE3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP48AE3 is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use, validating its reliability under temperature cycling, mechanical shock, and humidity testing required for under-hood and chassis-mounted electronics. Its 48 V standoff and 77.4 V clamping make it suitable for 48 V battery systems exposed to load dump transients. MAPLAD36KP48AE3 also supports optional MIL-PRF-19500 screening for enhanced automotive safety-critical deployments.

How does the PLAD package of MAPLAD36KP48AE3 improve thermal performance?

The PLAD package of MAPLAD36KP48AE3 achieves a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RθJC) of 1.0 °C/W by integrating a metal base that serves as the cathode terminal and direct thermal path to the PCB. This design allows rapid heat extraction during high-energy transients, preventing thermal runaway even at 36 kW peak power. MAPLAD36KP48AE3's low-profile geometry (5.08 mm height) maintains board space efficiency without sacrificing thermal integrity.

Does MAPLAD36KP48AE3 meet RTCA DO-160 lightning protection standards?

Yes, MAPLAD36KP48AE3 is explicitly validated for RTCA DO-160 Section 22 multi-stroke lightning testing. It meets Level 4 and Level 5 pin injection protection per Waveform 4 (6.4/69 μs) and Waveform 5A (40/120 μs) at standoff voltages up to 300 V. For MAPLAD36KP48AE3's 48 V rating, this translates to certified performance in aircraft power distribution units and flight control electronics requiring stringent lightning immunity.

What is the polarity configuration and marking convention for MAPLAD36KP48AE3?

MAPLAD36KP48AE3 is a unidirectional TVS diode with cathode on the metal base (bottom side) and anode on the top surface pad. Polarity is marked on the device body per standard Microsemi PLAD labeling. The "A" suffix in MAPLAD36KP48AE3 confirms unidirectional construction, distinguishing it from bidirectional variants ending in "CA". This configuration ensures correct orientation during PCB placement to avoid reverse-bias failure during normal operation.