Renesas ISL6268EVAL1Z

Overview

The ISL6268EVAL1Z from Intersil is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the ISL6268HZ single-phase synchronous-buck PWM controller with Robust Ripple Regulator (R3) technology, operating at a fixed 300kHz switching frequency, delivering 1.2V/5A output, and supporting 7–25V input for notebook CPU core power applications.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6268EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL6268EVAL1Z pinout, ISL6268EVAL1Z application, or ISL6268EVAL1Z equivalent, this board enables transient-load response validation, diode-emulation mode testing, overvoltage/undervoltage/overcurrent protection verification, and loop compensation analysis using on-board dynamic load and comprehensive test points.

Technical Context

The ISL6268EVAL1Z implements a complete DC/DC converter reference design centered on the ISL6268HZ controller and HIP2100B gate driver, with integrated 2.2µH shielded inductor, dual N-channel MOSFET power stage (IRF7821 high-side, IRF7832 low-side), and precision 1.2V output regulation via resistor-divider feedback (RTOP = RBOTTOM = 2.49kΩ).

It features a programmable 300kHz PWM frequency (RFSET = 49.9kΩ), 190% overcurrent protection setpoint (RSEN = 2.1kΩ), and on-board dynamic-load generator applying 250mΩ pulses every 30ms to evaluate 5A load-transient response with ≤2.5ms pulse width and 30% peak-to-peak inductor ripple current.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL6268EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook CPU power validation, buck controller reference design verification, and R3 topology performance benchmarking requiring stable component supply and documented test methodology.

Supply support for ISL6268EVAL1Z 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power conversion, thermal management, and precision analog ICs.

The ISL6268EVAL1Z belongs to Intersil's notebook power management evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of R3-based synchronous buck controllers in mobile computing and high-efficiency point-of-load applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6268EVAL1Z?

The ISL6268EVAL1Z is an evaluation board that demonstrates the ISL6268HZ single-phase synchronous-buck PWM controller. It provides a fully assembled, tested reference design for 1.2V/5A CPU core power with 300kHz operation, enabling engineers to validate transient response, protection features, and loop stability without custom PCB development. The ISL6268EVAL1Z includes on-board dynamic loading and critical test points for oscilloscope access.

Does the ISL6268EVAL1Z support adjustable output voltage?

No - the ISL6268EVAL1Z is factory-programmed for a fixed 1.20V output using matched 2.49kΩ top/bottom feedback resistors, aligned with typical Intel Core processor core voltage requirements. While the underlying ISL6268HZ controller supports adjustable VOUT via external resistor dividers, the ISL6268EVAL1Z board itself is not configured for voltage adjustment; changing output requires hardware modification of RTOP/RBOTTOM.

How is the 300kHz switching frequency implemented on the ISL6268EVAL1Z?

The ISL6268EVAL1Z achieves its 300kHz PWM frequency via a 49.9kΩ resistor (R8/R10) connected to the FSET pin of the ISL6268HZ controller, calculated using Intersil's Equation 2 (RFSET = 1/(K × fSW), where K = 66×10⁻¹²). This fixed resistor value sets the oscillator timing and is verified in Table 1 and Figure 17 schematic of the ISL6268EVAL1Z User Guide.

What protection features can be evaluated using the ISL6268EVAL1Z?

The ISL6268EVAL1Z enables hands-on validation of overvoltage protection (OVP), undervoltage protection (UVP), overcurrent protection (OCP), soft-start, and shutdown sequencing. Waveforms in Figures 14–16 show OVP tripping at ~1.32V, UVP at ~1.08V, and OCP at 11.8A peak choke current - all directly observable at test points TP5 (PGOOD), TP9 (FSET), and P3 (load current sense).

Can the ISL6268EVAL1Z be used with external enable or feedback signals?

Yes - the ISL6268EVAL1Z supports external control via jumper JP2, which isolates the EN pin from onboard switch S1, allowing direct drive of the EN signal (accessible at TP6). Similarly, the FB node is exposed at TP8, and COMP at TP7, enabling closed-loop compensation tuning or external voltage injection. These interfaces are documented in the "Jumper Descriptions" and "Test-point Descriptions" sections of the ISL6268EVAL1Z User Guide.