Microchip Technology MAPLAD36KP60A

Overview

MAPLAD36KP60A 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 transients to ≤96.8 V at 372 A, and operates with 60 V reverse standoff voltage (VWM). Its low-profile PLAD package enables robust lightning protection per RTCA DO-160 Section 22 and secondary IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 compliance in avionics power distribution.

For engineers reviewing the MAPLAD36KP60A datasheet, MAPLAD36KP60A pinout, MAPLAD36KP60A application, or MAPLAD36KP60A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 60 V VWM rating, 372 A IPP capability, 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, RoHS-compliant e3 plating, and verified performance under multi-stroke lightning waveforms per DO-160F Waveform 4 and 5A.

Technical Context

The MAPLAD36KP60A uses an avalanche diode structure optimized for fast response (<100 ps rise time) and high-energy dissipation in unidirectional configuration. Its metal-base cathode construction minimizes thermal resistance, enabling stable operation under repeated 0.05% duty-cycle surges on FR4 PCBs with recommended pad layout.

It meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening options. Electrical behavior is defined by precise breakdown voltage (66.7–73.7 V), clamping voltage (≤96.8 V @ 372 A), and temperature coefficient (72 mV/°C), ensuring predictable protection across -55°C to +150°C junction range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAPLAD36KP60A uses a surface-mount PLAD package with a metal base acting as the cathode terminal. The device has two terminals: anode (top metallization) and cathode (exposed metal bottom surface), requiring thermal pad connection to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal and electrical performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SMBJ60A and SMCJ60A, the MAPLAD36KP60A provides 24× and 24× higher peak pulse power respectively, coupled with superior thermal conduction (1.0 °C/W vs ≥2.5 °C/W) and validated DO-160F lightning compliance - making it the only option for primary surge protection in safety-critical airborne systems.

Availability

MAPLAD36KP60A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for avionics power distribution, automotive battery management, and industrial motor drive inputs requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MAPLAD36KP60A 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 emphasis on radiation-hardened ICs, timing devices, and power protection components.

The MAPLAD36KP60A belongs to Microsemi's high-power PLAD-series TVS family, engineered specifically for multi-stroke lightning protection in certified airborne equipment and high-voltage automotive systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clamping voltage of the MAPLAD36KP60A under rated surge conditions?

The MAPLAD36KP60A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 96.8 V when subjected to its peak pulse current of 372 A at the standard 10/1000 μs waveform. This value is measured per Figure 3 in the RF01216 datasheet and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during worst-case transients. The MAPLAD36KP60A maintains this clamping performance across its full operating temperature range.

Is the MAPLAD36KP60A suitable for bidirectional surge protection applications?

No, the MAPLAD36KP60A is a unidirectional TVS device, indicated by the "A" suffix (versus "CA" for bidirectional versions like MAPLAD36KP60CA). Its cathode is the metal base, and it conducts only during reverse-biased overvoltage events. For AC or bipolar signal line protection, the bidirectional MAPLAD36KP60CA must be used instead - the MAPLAD36KP60A does not provide symmetrical clamping.

Does the MAPLAD36KP60A require special PCB layout considerations?

Yes, the MAPLAD36KP60A requires adherence to the specified pad layout in RF01216 Rev B, including a minimum 11.94 mm × 5.85 mm thermal pad connected to a solid ground plane. The metal cathode base must be soldered directly to this pad to achieve the rated 1.0 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance. Deviations increase thermal impedance and reduce surge endurance - the MAPLAD36KP60A's performance is validated only with this layout.

What industry standards does the MAPLAD36KP60A comply with for lightning protection?

The MAPLAD36KP60A is validated for RTCA DO-160F Section 22 lightning-induced transient testing (Waveform 4 and 5A) and meets IEC 61000-4-5 Class 4 with 42 Ω source impedance. It also satisfies AEC-Q101 stress requirements and supports MIL-PRF-19500 upscreening. These certifications are documented in the RF01216 datasheet and confirm the MAPLAD36KP60A's suitability for primary lightning protection in certified avionics.

How does the temperature coefficient affect the breakdown voltage of the MAPLAD36KP60A?

The MAPLAD36KP60A has a temperature coefficient (αV(BR)) of 72 mV/°C, meaning its breakdown voltage increases linearly with junction temperature. At 100°C above ambient, V(BR) rises by ~7.2 V - shifting from 66.7–73.7 V at 25°C to approximately 74–81 V. This drift must be accounted for in system-level margin analysis, especially in high-temperature avionics bays where the MAPLAD36KP60A operates near its +150°C max junction limit.