Renesas ISL6269AEVAL2Z

Overview

The ISL6269AEVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL6269A and ISL6269B single-phase synchronous-buck PWM controllers using Intersil's Robust Ripple Regulator (R3) technology. It ships with the ISL6269A controller installed, supports 300kHz or 600kHz switching frequencies, delivers 1.10V/1.20V output at up to 5A, and includes an on-board dynamic-load generator for transient-response testing.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6269AEVAL2Z datasheet, ISL6269AEVAL2Z pinout, ISL6269AEVAL2Z application, or ISL6269AEVAL2Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of R3-based buck control loop stability, diode-emulation mode behavior, load- and line-transient response, and programmable frequency/voltage configuration in lab and pre-production environments.

Technical Context

The ISL6269AEVAL2Z implements a complete single-phase synchronous-buck converter reference design centered on the ISL6269A PWM controller and HIP2100 high-frequency bridge driver. It supports continuous conduction mode (CCM) and diode-emulation mode (DEM), with FCCM pin control enabling seamless transition between modes based on load conditions.

Key configurable parameters include PWM switching frequency (300kHz or 600kHz via R12/R17 and S2), output voltage (1.10V or 1.20V via R19/R20/R16 and S3), and overcurrent protection setpoint (26µA sense current, 5A full-load, 1.5A peak via R13 = 6.49kΩ). The board features aggressive loop compensation targeting ~100kHz bandwidth and includes test points for critical nodes including COMP, FB, PHASE, and PGOOD.

Key Specifications

Availability

The ISL6269AEVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power management validation, buck controller qualification, and transient-response benchmarking requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for ISL6269AEVAL2Z 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 is a global semiconductor manufacturer delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The ISL6269AEVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' legacy Intersil power management evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of high-efficiency, multi-phase and single-phase VRMs for CPU/GPU core power delivery.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6269AEVAL2Z evaluation board?

The ISL6269AEVAL2Z evaluation board is a fully assembled, tested reference design that demonstrates the operation and performance of the ISL6269A and ISL6269B single-phase synchronous-buck PWM controllers. It enables engineers to evaluate R3 technology, configure switching frequency and output voltage, validate transient response with its integrated dynamic-load generator, and verify protection features such as OCP and FCCM-controlled diode-emulation mode-all without modifying the PCB layout. The ISL6269AEVAL2Z serves as a turnkey platform for lab characterization and pre-compliance testing.

Can the ISL6269AEVAL2Z be used to evaluate both the ISL6269A and ISL6269B controllers?

Yes, the ISL6269AEVAL2Z is explicitly designed to evaluate both the ISL6269A and ISL6269B controllers. It ships with the ISL6269A installed, but the ISL6269B can be substituted directly-no circuit modifications are required beyond replacing the IC. Both variants share identical pinouts, functional blocks, and configuration interfaces, allowing the same board to validate differences in internal timing, startup behavior, or minor parameter thresholds between the two versions. The ISL6269AEVAL2Z user guide confirms full compatibility and provides identical test procedures for both parts.

How does the on-board dynamic-load generator work on the ISL6269AEVAL2Z?

The ISL6269AEVAL2Z integrates a self-contained dynamic-load generator that applies a 2.5ms, 250mΩ resistive pulse across VOUT and GND every 30ms. This is implemented using a dedicated MOSFET stage controlled by logic-level signals derived from the board's timing circuitry-not the main controller-ensuring repeatable, isolated load steps independent of the ISL6269A's operation. The generator is enabled/disabled via switch S5, and its current waveform is accessible at TP26 for oscilloscope measurement. This eliminates dependency on external electronic loads during initial transient-response debugging of the ISL6269AEVAL2Z.

What output voltage options does the ISL6269AEVAL2Z support, and how are they selected?

The ISL6269AEVAL2Z supports two precise output voltage settings: 1.10V and 1.20V. These are selected using jumper-controlled resistor networks: S3 in the LOWER position configures R19 (3.01kΩ) and R20 (3.57kΩ) for 1.10V; S3 in the UPPER position adds R16 (19.1kΩ) in parallel with R20 to yield 1.20V. The feedback divider is designed per Equation 3 in AN1273 Rev 2.00, referencing the controller's 600mV internal VREF. All resistors are 1% tolerance, 0402 SMD components, ensuring accurate, stable voltage programming without trimming. The ISL6269AEVAL2Z schematic confirms no other voltage options are supported on this revision.

Does the ISL6269AEVAL2Z support diode-emulation mode, and how is it controlled?

Yes, the ISL6269AEVAL2Z fully supports diode-emulation mode (DEM) via the FCCM pin of the ISL6269A controller. Switch S4 directly controls this function: DEM position pulls FCCM high to enable discontinuous conduction mode with body-diode emulation during light loads, while CCM position pulls FCCM low to force continuous conduction. Test points TP17 and TP9 allow monitoring of the FCCM signal and its source, respectively. Waveforms in Figures 8–9 of AN1273 Rev 2.00 confirm clean entry/exit from DEM under 250mΩ load-dump and load-step conditions-validating the ISL6269AEVAL2Z's capability to characterize efficiency optimization strategies across load ranges.