Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ

Overview

EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the LT7170-1 dual-phase, 20 A, 16 V synchronous step-down regulator with PMBus/I²C digital power system management. It supports configurable output voltages from 0.4 V to 5.5 V, switching frequencies up to 4 MHz, and real-time telemetry (VOUT, IOUT, VIN, die temperature). Designed for rapid validation of high-current, low-EMI power delivery in data center and storage applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ datasheet, EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ pinout, EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ application, or EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ equivalent, this board enables full characterization of the LT7170-1's digital control loop, phase interleaving, Silent Switcher EMI performance, and NVM-programmable sequencing - critical for high-density server, SSD, and industrial compute power designs.

Technical Context

The EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ implements the LT7170-1 IC in a dual-phase configuration driving two independent inductors to deliver up to 20 A at a single regulated output. It leverages valley current-mode control with 25 ns minimum on-time and programmable loop compensation via PMBus or external resistors.

Board-level features include differential remote sensing (VSENSEP/VSENSEN), active output discharge during shutdown, programmable UV/OV fault thresholds (±2% accuracy ≥0.6 V), and support for EXTVCC operation down to 1.5 V input. Telemetry readback covers VOUT (±0.2% @ 0.6–1.375 V), IOUT (±300 mA DC accuracy ≤10 A), and frequency (±5% ≥400 kHz).

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data center power supply validation, solid-state drive (SSD) reference design development, and industrial embedded computing power architecture prototyping requiring stable component supply and full digital control verification.

Supply support for EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ 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, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and power management markets.

The LT7170/LT7170-1 product line delivers digitally managed, high-current DC/DC regulation with Silent Switcher architecture - engineered specifically for noise-sensitive, space-constrained applications in cloud infrastructure, enterprise storage, and high-reliability industrial systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform designed to demonstrate and validate the LT7170-1 dual-phase 20 A synchronous step-down regulator. It enables engineers to evaluate key capabilities of the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ including PMBus-controlled voltage/current/frequency programming, real-time telemetry, phase interleaving, Silent Switcher EMI performance, and NVM-based configuration persistence - all without custom PCB design.

Does the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ support both single- and dual-phase operation?

No - the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ is specifically configured for the LT7170-1 dual-phase variant, with separate SW0 and SW1 switch nodes connected to individual inductors and BOOST0/BOOST1 capacitors. It does not support reconfiguration to single-phase mode; that functionality requires the LT7170 (non-"-1") device and its corresponding evaluation board (EVAL-LT7170-AZ).

Can the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ be used to verify EMI performance in compliance testing?

Yes - the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ implements Analog Devices' Silent Switcher architecture with optimized layout, symmetric hot-loop routing, and integrated bypassing to minimize radiated emissions. Its documented CISPR 32 Class B radiated EMI performance (Fig. 33 in the LT7170/LT7170-1 datasheet) was measured directly on the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ board, making it suitable for pre-compliance EMI validation in server and storage power designs.

What software tools are compatible with the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ for configuration and monitoring?

The EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ is fully supported by Analog Devices' LTpowerPlay® GUI, which provides real-time graphical control and telemetry visualization over USB-to-I²C interface. Users can configure VOUT, fSW, current limits, sequencing, loop compensation, and fault thresholds; store settings to the on-board NVM; and log transient waveforms - all through the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ's native PMBus 1.3 interface.

Is remote differential voltage sensing implemented on the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ?

Yes - the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ includes dedicated VSENSEP and VSENSEN terminals routed directly to the LT7170-1's sense inputs, enabling true Kelvin sensing of the output rail at the load. This compensates for PCB trace IR drop and ensures ±0.25% output accuracy at the point-of-load, critical for sub-1 V FPGA/GPU core supplies validated using the EVAL-LT7170-1-AZ.