Renesas EL7566AIREZ

Overview

EL7566AIREZ from Intersil is a monolithic synchronous step-down DC/DC regulator delivering up to 6A continuous output current with 96% peak efficiency. It operates from a 3V–6V input, supports adjustable output voltages down to 0.8V, and features integrated PMOS/NMOS power FETs in a thermally enhanced 28-lead HTSSOP package. It is used in FPGA core supplies, DSP/CPU I/O rails, and point-of-load applications requiring tight thermal management and precise voltage margining.

For engineers reviewing the EL7566AIREZ datasheet, EL7566AIREZ pinout, EL7566AIREZ application, or EL7566AIREZ equivalent, key selection considerations include its -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range, built-in junction temperature monitoring (VTJ), ±5% programmable voltage margining via TM/SEL pins, and support for external oscillator synchronization up to 1MHz.

Technical Context

The EL7566AIREZ employs peak current-mode control with on-chip resistorless current sensing derived from the high-side PMOS switch, enabling fast transient response and stable operation across 300–440kHz nominal switching frequency (adjustable to 1MHz via COSC capacitor). Its 100% duty-cycle capability-enabled by the integrated PMOS high-side switch-allows output voltages approaching VIN minus RDSON1 and inductor IR drop.

It integrates multiple start-up control features including digital soft-start (2ms default), programmable delay via EN capacitor, and auxiliary tracking inputs (STP/STN) for synchronized multi-rail sequencing. Protection includes overtemperature shutdown at 135°C (20°C hysteresis), overcurrent limiting at 7.8A peak, and undervoltage lockout with POR at ~2.8V VDD rising threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

EL7566AIREZ is housed in a RoHS-compliant, Pb-free 28-lead HTSSOP package (MDP0048) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation. The package requires soldering of the thermal pad to a PCB ground plane with ≥12 thermal vias for optimal θJA performance (as low as 26°C/W on 2-layer board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down regulator applications.

Compared with TPS54620RGYR and MP2315DJ-LF-Z, EL7566AIREZ uniquely combines -40°C to +85°C operation, integrated VTJ monitoring, ±5% voltage margining, and STP/STN tracking-all in a single 28-pin HTSSOP package-making it optimal for complex, thermally constrained, and production-test-intensive embedded power systems.

Availability

EL7566AIREZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core supplies, DSP/CPU I/O rails, and logic/bus power applications requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long-term BOM continuity.

Supply support for EL7566AIREZ 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 (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a U.S.-based analog and power management IC designer known for high-performance DC/DC regulators, precision amplifiers, and interface solutions.

The EL7566 product line was engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage point-of-load regulation in FPGA, DSP, and CPU subsystems-emphasizing thermal efficiency, sequencing flexibility, and production testability.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the EL7566AIREZ?

The EL7566AIREZ is rated for an operating ambient temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, confirmed in the Ordering Information table on page 2 of FN7102 Rev 7.00. This extended range distinguishes it from the standard EL7566DRE variant (0°C to +85°C) and supports deployment in industrial and outdoor embedded systems where cold-start reliability is critical. The EL7566AIREZ maintains full 6A output capability across this entire range.

Does the EL7566AIREZ include overvoltage protection (OVP)?

No, the EL7566AIREZ does not include overvoltage protection. According to the "EL7566DRE vs. EL7566AIRE" section on page 9 of FN7102 Rev 7.00, OVP is explicitly omitted in the AIRE variant. While the DRE version shuts down if output exceeds 110% of regulation, the AIREZ relies on system-level supervision or external circuitry for OVP. Designers must account for this difference when replacing EL7566DRE with EL7566AIREZ.

How is the switching frequency set on the EL7566AIREZ?

The switching frequency of the EL7566AIREZ is set by an external capacitor connected from the COSC pin (Pin 27) to SGND. As shown in Figure 6 (page 6), a 390pF capacitor yields ~400kHz; values from 100pF to 1000pF tune frequency from ~1MHz down to ~200kHz. External synchronization is supported via the circuit in Figure 20, but the self-switching frequency must be set at least 20% below the sync source to accommodate component tolerances.

What is the purpose of the VTJ pin on the EL7566AIREZ?

The VTJ pin (Pin 5) on the EL7566AIREZ provides an analog voltage proportional to junction temperature: VTJ = 1.2V + 3.84mV/°C × (TJ − 75°C), per Equation 3 on page 11. This enables direct, real-time thermal monitoring without external sensors-critical for validating thermal design, derating analysis, and system-level thermal management. The EL7566AIREZ uses this signal internally for overtemperature shutdown at 135°C.

Can the EL7566AIREZ operate with 100% duty cycle, and what is the minimum output voltage?

Yes, the EL7566AIREZ supports true 100% duty cycle operation due to its integrated PMOS high-side switch, allowing output voltage to approach VIN minus IR drops. The minimum guaranteed output voltage is 0.8V, verified by the VFB initial accuracy specification (0.79–0.81V at ILOAD = 0A) and Table 1 on page 10, which lists R1 = 2kΩ, R2 = open for 0.8V output. This makes EL7566AIREZ suitable for modern low-voltage FPGA and ASIC core rails.