Renesas ISL6218CRZ

Overview

ISL6218CRZ from Renesas Electronics (formerly Intersil) is a precision single-phase buck PWM controller with integrated half-bridge gate driver, designed for Intel Pentium-M mobile CORE voltage regulation per IMVP-IV™ and IMVP-IV+™ specifications. It delivers 0.700V–1.708V output in 16mV VID steps, supports 250kHz–500kHz switching, and implements lossless MOSFET r_DS(ON) current sensing for notebook CPU power stages.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6218CRZ datasheet, ISL6218CRZ pinout, ISL6218CRZ application, or ISL6218CRZ equivalent, key selection considerations include IMVP-IV compliance, programmable droop compensation, deep/deeper sleep mode logic interface (DSEN/DRSEN), PGOOD delay masking during VID transitions, and QFN-40 package thermal performance (θ_JA = 32°C/W).

Technical Context

The ISL6218CRZ employs average current mode control combined with input voltage feed-forward to achieve fast transient response in mobile CPU core regulation. Its architecture integrates a 6-bit DAC for VID decoding, proprietary droop compensation using an external resistor on EA+, and dual-mode operation-synchronous buck in Active mode and discontinuous conduction (PSI-like) in Deep/Deeper Sleep modes.

Protection is implemented via cycle-by-cycle overcurrent detection (32-cycle latch-off), ±12% overvoltage/±16% undervoltage monitoring relative to VID setpoint, and internal PGOOD delay (3–12ms) synchronized to VCCP/VCC_MCH regulators. The controller accepts STP_CPU (DSEN) and DPRSLPVR (DRSEN) logic inputs to switch between Active, Deep Sleep, and Deeper Sleep voltage setpoints (STV, DSV, DRSV).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ISL6218CRZ is housed in a RoHS-compliant 40-lead 6×6 mm QFN package (PKG DWG L40.6x6) with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows top-view orientation as defined in FN9101 Rev 6.00, Page 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buck PWM controller applications.

Compared with ISL6228CRZ and RT8802AGQW, the ISL6218CRZ provides the most direct implementation path for IMVP-IV-compliant Pentium-M systems, balancing integration (integrated drivers + bootstrap diode), thermal performance (QFN-40), and field-proven reliability without requiring AVP or external driver redesign.

Availability

ISL6218CRZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook CPU core regulation, mobile platform power sequencing, and thermally constrained embedded computing applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for ISL6218CRZ 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

Renesas Electronics Corporation (formerly Intersil) is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, power management, and embedded processing solutions for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The ISL6218CRZ belongs to Renesas' mobile CPU power controller product line, engineered specifically to meet Intel IMVP-IV™ voltage positioning and power state transition requirements for Pentium-M and early Core Duo platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6218CRZ in a notebook power system?

The ISL6218CRZ serves as the precision single-phase buck PWM controller for Intel Pentium-M microprocessor CORE voltage regulation. It decodes VID signals, generates gate drive waveforms for synchronous rectification, implements droop compensation, and manages transitions between Active, Deep Sleep, and Deeper Sleep modes-all while maintaining ±0.8% system accuracy. Its integrated gate drivers and lossless current sensing reduce external component count in compact notebook VRMs.

Does the ISL6218CRZ support IMVP-IV+™ compliance?

Yes, the ISL6218CRZ is explicitly specified for both IMVP-IV™ and IMVP-IV+™ compliance per its official datasheet (FN9101 Rev 6.00). It meets all critical requirements including 6-bit VID decoding, programmable droop, PGOOD delay masking during VID changes, and automatic discontinuous mode entry in low-load sleep states-fully satisfying the extended specification for enhanced mobile processor power management.

How does the ISL6218CRZ implement "loss-less" current sensing?

The ISL6218CRZ implements loss-less current sensing by measuring voltage drop across the low-side MOSFET's r_DS(ON) instead of using a discrete sense resistor. The ISEN pin accepts this scaled signal (full-scale = 32µA), enabling accurate current monitoring without added power loss or board area. This method reduces BOM cost and improves efficiency-especially critical in thermally limited notebook applications where the ISL6218CRZ is deployed.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the ISL6218CRZ use?

The ISL6218CRZ uses a 40-lead 6×6 mm QFN package (PKG DWG L40.6x6) with exposed thermal pad and Pb-free finish. Its thermal resistance is θ_JA = 32°C/W and θ_JC = 4.5°C/W-more than double the thermal performance of the TSSOP-38 variant (θ_JA = 72°C/W). This allows higher power density in space-constrained notebook VRMs without compromising junction temperature limits.

Can the ISL6218CRZ be used with modern Intel processors beyond Pentium-M?

No-the ISL6218CRZ is specifically designed for Intel Pentium-M and early Core Duo platforms compliant with IMVP-IV™/IMVP-IV+™. It does not support later specifications such as IMVP-6, IMVP-7, or VR12/VR13. For newer processors, Renesas offers successors like the ISL62xx series with updated VID tables, faster transient response, and enhanced protection features. Using ISL6218CRZ with incompatible CPUs may result in incorrect voltage setpoints or failure to enter sleep states.