Analog Devices Inc. ADP5138W-1-EVALZ

Overview

ADP5138W-1-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADP5138 quad 1 A synchronous step-down regulator with integrated RF LDO, supporting input voltage range of 3 V to 5.5 V, fixed 3.2 MHz PWM switching, 90° inter-channel phase shift, and automotive-grade operation from −40°C to +125°C junction temperature. It enables rapid validation of multi-rail power sequencing in automotive infotainment and ADAS domain controllers.

For engineers reviewing the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ datasheet, ADP5138W-1-EVALZ pinout, ADP5138W-1-EVALZ application, or ADP5138W-1-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides full access to all five regulator channels (four buck + one LDO), precision enable control, SYNC input, POR output, and thermal monitoring - critical for evaluating power integrity, EMI reduction via phase interleaving, and robust startup/shutdown behavior under automotive supply conditions.

Technical Context

The ADP5138W-1-EVALZ implements the full functional interface of the ADP5138 IC: it exposes all 28 pins of the CP-28-5 LFCSP package, including independent EN1–EN5, FB1–FB5, PVINx, SWx, PGNDx, AVIN, SYNC, POR, and GND. The board supports factory-fixed and resistor-programmable output voltages (e.g., VOUT1 = 3.3 V, VOUT2 = 1.0 V, VOUT3 = 1.25 V, VOUT4 = 1.35 V, VOUT5 = 1.8 V) and validates soft-start timing (425–575 µs for bucks, 420–720 µs for LDO), active output discharge (64–120 Ω), and input protection thresholds (UVLO at 2.9–3.0 V, OVLO at 5.6–6.0 V).

It demonstrates key system-level behaviors: 90° out-of-phase switching across four buck channels reduces input ripple current by √2 and allows smaller bulk capacitance; synchronization capability (2.8–3.5 MHz external clock) avoids AM band interference; and integrated POR asserts on input or output fault with 5–6.8 ms deglitch delay. Thermal shutdown triggers at 150°C with 15°C hysteresis, validated via exposed-pad thermal path.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADP5138W-1-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, ADAS domain controllers, and industrial instrumentation requiring stable component supply, pre-validated power architecture, and fast time-to-test for multi-rail PMIC integration.

Supply support for ADP5138W-1-EVALZ 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

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with deep expertise in precision power management and automotive-grade reliability.

The ADP5138W-1-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' automotive-qualified power management evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of compact, low-EMI, multi-rail power supplies for next-generation vehicle ECUs and sensor fusion systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ?

The ADP5138W-1-EVALZ is an evaluation board for the ADP5138 IC - it is not a standalone component but a fully assembled, tested PCB that enables engineers to validate the performance of the quad buck + RF LDO power management IC under real-world conditions. It provides access to all signals, jumpers for configuration, and thermal measurement points to verify startup sequencing, load transient response, and EMI behavior before integrating the ADP5138 into a custom design.

Does the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ support synchronization to an external clock?

Yes, the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ exposes the SYNC pin of the ADP5138 IC and includes a dedicated SMA connector and series resistor for clean external clock injection. It supports synchronization frequencies from 2.8 MHz to 3.5 MHz, allowing alignment with system clocks or avoidance of sensitive frequency bands - a key feature confirmed in the ADP5138 datasheet Rev. A, Table 2 and Figure 45.

Can the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ be used to evaluate all five output rails simultaneously?

Yes, the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ is configured to operate all five channels concurrently: four buck regulators (VOUT1 = 3.3 V, VOUT2 = 1.0 V, VOUT3 = 1.25 V, VOUT4 = 1.35 V) and one RF LDO (VOUT5 = 1.8 V). Each rail has dedicated test points, current sense resistors, and feedback dividers, enabling simultaneous measurement of cross-regulation, phase-shifted ripple cancellation, and POR assertion during multi-rail faults.

What thermal management features does the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ implement?

The ADP5138W-1-EVALZ implements the thermal design specified in the ADP5138 datasheet: the ADP5138 IC's exposed pad is soldered to a large internal ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias connecting to outer layers, achieving θJA = 32.6°C/W. It also includes a thermal pad test point and supports optional heatsink attachment - enabling direct validation of thermal shutdown (150°C trigger) and hysteresis (15°C) under sustained 1 A per buck channel load.

Is the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ qualified for automotive applications?

Yes - the ADP5138W-1-EVALZ evaluates the ADP5138, which is explicitly qualified for automotive applications per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C junction). The board itself uses automotive-grade passives, conforms to IPC-6012 Class 2 standards, and supports testing under ISO 16750-2 electrical stress conditions, making it suitable for validating power solutions in ADAS, body control, and infotainment ECUs.