Renesas ISL62386LOEVAL1Z

Overview

ISL62386LOEVAL1Z from Intersil is a quad-output evaluation board for the ISL62386 high-efficiency system power supply controller, designed to generate 3.3V/5V main rails and two programmable SMPS outputs in notebook computers. It supports input voltage range of +5.5V to +25V, features R3 PWM control, integrated MOSFET drivers, and on-board power-up sequencing with PGOOD monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL62386LOEVAL1Z application notes, ISL62386LOEVAL1Z schematic integration, or ISL62386LOEVAL1Z compatibility with ISL62386-based designs, this evaluation platform enables rapid validation of dual-buck topology performance, soft-start behavior, switchover logic between SMPS2 and LDO5, ultrasonic DCM mode operation, and thermal protection response under real load transients.

Technical Context

The ISL62386LOEVAL1Z implements the ISL62386 controller in a fully assembled 32-lead 5×5 TQFN layout, configured to deliver 3.3V/8A and 5V/8A outputs using IRF7821 (high-side) and IRF7832 (low-side) MOSFETs with inductor DCR current sensing. It demonstrates patented R3 modulation with ±1% output voltage accuracy across –10°C to +100°C and supports both forced CCM and ultrasonic DCM (≥28kHz) via FCCM pin control.

Board-level features include digital soft-start, internal soft-stop output discharge, independent EN1/EN2 sequencing, automatic SMPS2-to-LDO5 switchover at 4.8V threshold, and comprehensive protection: OVP/UVP/OCP/OTP. The design uses 4.7µF ceramic output capacitance per LDO and 330µF bulk electrolytics per SMPS channel.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL62386LOEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook power architecture validation, embedded system bring-up, battery-powered device design verification, and multi-rail DC-DC reference implementation requiring stable component supply and documented thermal/mechanical layout practices.

Supply support for ISL62386LOEVAL1Z 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 precision analog, power management, and interface ICs for computing, industrial, and communications applications.

The ISL62386 product line was engineered specifically for high-density, high-efficiency multi-rail power delivery in ultra-thin notebooks and sub-notebooks, integrating advanced R3 control, seamless LDO/Switcher switchover, and robust fault handling in a compact TQFN package.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z evaluation board?

The ISL62386LOEVAL1Z evaluation board is a fully assembled hardware platform that demonstrates the ISL62386 quad-output power controller in a typical notebook application. It validates dual synchronous buck regulator operation (3.3V/8A and 5V/8A), LDO switchover behavior, R3 transient response, soft-start sequencing, and protection features including OVP, UVP, OCP, and OTP under real thermal and load conditions.

Does the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z support ultrasonic discontinuous conduction mode (DCM)?

Yes, the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z supports ultrasonic DCM operation through the FCCM pin. When FCCM is left floating, the ISL62386 enters ultrasonic DCM mode with minimum switching frequency ≈28kHz-eliminating audible noise while maintaining high light-load efficiency. This behavior is implemented and verified on the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z board using its default FCCM pull-up/pull-down configuration.

How does the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z handle power-up sequencing between SMPS1 and SMPS2?

The ISL62386LOEVAL1Z implements configurable sequencing via EN1 and EN2 pins. When both are pulled high, SMPS1 and SMPS2 start simultaneously. If EN2 is floated, SMPS2 starts only after SMPS1 achieves regulation; if EN1 is floated, SMPS1 starts after SMPS2. This logic is hardwired and tested on the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z board using discrete enable resistors and jumpers per the FN6831 datasheet Table 1.

Can the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z be used to evaluate LDO3 and LDO5 switchover functionality?

Yes, the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z directly supports evaluation of LDO5 switchover to SMPS2: when SMPS2 is programmed to 5V and enabled, it automatically takes over the LDO5 load above 4.63–4.93V, reducing power loss. LDO3 (3.3V/100mA) is independently enabled via LDO3EN and bypassed with 4.7µF ceramic capacitors-both behaviors are implemented and measurable on the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z board.

What MOSFETs are populated on the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z board?

The ISL62386LOEVAL1Z board uses IRF7821 (25V, 9.1mΩ) as the high-side switch and IRF7832 (30V, 4mΩ) as the low-side synchronous rectifier for both SMPS channels. These devices are specified in Figures 1–4 of the FN6831 datasheet and are soldered in dual configurations per channel on the ISL62386LOEVAL1Z PCB to support 8A output capability with measured efficiency curves shown in Figures 5–6.