Renesas ISL6236EVAL1

Overview

ISL6236EVAL1 from Intersil is an evaluation board for the ISL6236 dual step-down, switch-mode power-supply controller designed for notebook computers. It supports quad-output voltage regulation (5V/3.3V and 1.5V/1.05V), features constant ON-time PWM control with 100ns load-step response, selectable ultrasonic skip mode (>25kHz), and integrated 3.3V/5V linear regulator with 200mA switchover capability.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6236EVAL1 datasheet, ISL6236EVAL1 pinout, ISL6236EVAL1 application, or ISL6236EVAL1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of dual SMPS sequencing, POK monitoring, LDO switchover behavior, and efficiency optimization across 5.5–25V input in battery-powered computing systems.

Technical Context

The ISL6236EVAL1 implements the full reference design for the ISL6236 IC, including dual synchronous buck controllers (SMPS1 and SMPS2), a programmable LDO with BYP switchover, 2V and 3.3V reference outputs, and independent enable/power-good logic. It supports three operating modes-PWM, pulse-skipping, and ultrasonic skip-via the SKIP pin, and allows frequency selection (200/300/400/500 kHz) via TON.

Board-level implementation includes external MOSFETs, bootstrap capacitors, feedback dividers, charge-pump monitoring (SECFB), and thermal management aligned with the QFN-32 package's θJC = 3.0°C/W. All critical signals-including UGATE1/LGATE1, UGATE2/LGATE2, PHASE1/PHASE2, and POK1/POK2-are accessible via test points and headers for real-time measurement and fault injection.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL6236EVAL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook power architecture validation, DDR memory rail qualification, embedded system bring-up, and multi-rail sequencing verification requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ISL6236EVAL1 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 (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and power management ICs for computing, industrial, and communications applications.

The ISL6236 product line was engineered specifically for high-efficiency, multi-rail power delivery in space-constrained mobile platforms-emphasizing light-load efficiency, ultrasonic noise suppression, and robust sequencing for DDR1/DDR2/DDR3 memory subsystems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6236EVAL1 evaluation board?

The ISL6236EVAL1 evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for validating the ISL6236 dual-output synchronous buck controller. It enables engineers to evaluate SMPS1/SMPS2 voltage regulation accuracy, LDO switchover behavior, POK timing, soft-start/soft-stop sequencing, and efficiency across input voltages (5.5–25V) and load conditions before integrating the ISL6236 into final designs.

Does the ISL6236EVAL1 support all operating modes of the ISL6236 IC?

Yes, the ISL6236EVAL1 supports all three ISL6236 operating modes: PWM (fixed-frequency), pulse-skipping (light-load efficiency), and ultrasonic skip (>25kHz). Mode selection is implemented via the SKIP header and jumper options, and frequency selection (200/300/400/500 kHz) is controlled by the TON pin configuration per the ISL6236 datasheet.

Can the ISL6236EVAL1 be used to test external charge-pump monitoring via SECFB?

Yes, the ISL6236EVAL1 includes circuitry to connect an external 14V charge pump to the SECFB pin. When SECFB drops below its 2.0V threshold, LGATE1 activates for 300ns to refresh the pump-this behavior is observable on the board using oscilloscope probes at the SECFB test point and LGATE1 output.

What are the key test points and connectors provided on the ISL6236EVAL1 board?

The ISL6236EVAL1 provides labeled test points for all critical signals: VIN, OUT1, OUT2, LDO, VREF3, REF, POK1, POK2, EN1, EN2, EN_LDO, SKIP, TON, and all gate-drive outputs (UGATE1/LGATE1/UGATE2/LGATE2). It also includes screw terminals for input power and load connections, plus headers for enabling/disabling each SMPS and the LDO independently.

Is thermal performance data available for the ISL6236EVAL1 under full-load conditions?

Yes-thermal characterization of the ISL6236EVAL1 is based on the ISL6236 QFN-32 package's θJC = 3.0°C/W and θJA = 32°C/W. Under full-load (5A per SMPS), measured junction temperature rise remains within safe limits (<120°C) when mounted on a 2-layer 2oz copper PCB with exposed thermal pad soldered to internal ground plane, as specified in the ISL6236 datasheet.