Renesas EL7536EVAL1

Overview

EL7536EVAL1 from Intersil is a demonstration board for the EL7536 synchronous 1A step-down regulator IC, designed to evaluate its performance in compact DC/DC conversion applications. It supports input voltages from 2.5V to 5.5V (e.g., Li-Ion, 3.3V, or 5V rails), delivers adjustable output from 0.8V to VIN, operates at 1.4MHz, and integrates PWM control, 100ms POR, <1µA shutdown current, and thermal/overcurrent protection.

For engineers reviewing the EL7536EVAL1 datasheet, EL7536EVAL1 pinout, EL7536EVAL1 application, or EL7536EVAL1 equivalent, this evaluation platform enables rapid validation of layout best practices, efficiency measurement (up to 94%), soft-start behavior, transient response, and POR timing under real load conditions with minimal external components.

Technical Context

The EL7536EVAL1 implements a voltage-mode PWM controller with internal compensation, enabling stable operation using only two 10µF ceramic capacitors and a 1.8µH inductor. Its synchronous dual-FET architecture (70mΩ PMOS / 45mΩ NMOS) eliminates external bootstrap circuitry and supports 100% duty cycle operation near VIN.

It features dedicated signal/power ground separation (SGND/PGND), an open-drain POR output with 100ms delay, RSI-triggered reset capability, and thermal shutdown at 145°C with 15°C hysteresis - all validated across –40°C to +85°C ambient.

Key Specifications

Availability

EL7536EVAL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PDA power management, barcode reader DC/DC conversion, and portable test equipment design requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test validation.

Supply support for EL7536EVAL1 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

Intersil Corporation is a U.S.-based analog and power management semiconductor company, now part of Renesas Electronics, specializing in high-performance DC/DC regulators, precision amplifiers, and interface solutions.

The EL7536 product line was engineered for ultra-compact, single-sided PCB power conversion in battery-powered portable electronics - prioritizing minimal footprint (<0.15in²), low profile (1.1mm MSOP10), and robust protection features without external compensation.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EL7536EVAL1?

The EL7536EVAL1 is a fully assembled evaluation board designed specifically to demonstrate and validate the performance of the EL7536 synchronous 1A step-down regulator IC. It implements the recommended reference layout with optimized grounding, component placement, and thermal vias - allowing engineers to measure efficiency, transient response, soft-start timing, and POR functionality without custom PCB development.

Does the EL7536EVAL1 support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the EL7536EVAL1 supports user-adjustable output voltage via an external resistor divider connected to the FB and VO pins. The default configuration delivers 1.8V at 1A, but the output can be set from 0.8V up to VIN by changing R1/R2 values per the formula VO = 0.8V × (1 + R1/R2), as confirmed in the EL7536 datasheet Figure 1 and Applications Information section.

What protection features are implemented and verified on the EL7536EVAL1?

The EL7536EVAL1 validates all key protections of the EL7536 IC: over-temperature shutdown (trip at ~145°C, restart at ~130°C), cycle-by-cycle current limiting (~1.5A peak), short-circuit foldback, and <1µA shutdown current when EN is low. These are demonstrated through thermal imaging, load-step testing, and current-limit waveform capture per FN7396 Rev 8.00 test conditions.

Can the EL7536EVAL1 be used with Li-Ion battery inputs?

Yes, the EL7536EVAL1 is explicitly validated for Li-Ion battery operation, supporting input voltages from 2.5V to 5.5V - covering the full discharge range of a single-cell Li-Ion (typically 3.0V–4.2V). Its 100% duty-cycle capability ensures regulation remains stable even as battery voltage drops near the output setpoint, as detailed in the "100% Duty Ratio Operation" section of FN7396.

Is the EL7536EVAL1 RoHS compliant and what package does it use?

Yes, the EL7536EVAL1 incorporates the EL7536IY or EL7536IYZ variant in a Pb-free 10-lead MSOP package (MDP0043), compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The MSOP10 footprint measures 3.0mm × 4.9mm with 0.5mm pitch, and the board implements fused-lead thermal enhancements per Intersil's specification for improved θJA performance on standard PCBs.