Renesas ISL6273EVAL1

Overview

ISL6273EVAL1 from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ISL6273 1.5MHz, 1.2A adjustable-output synchronous step-down DC/DC regulator. It supports configurable output voltage (default 1.6V), forced PWM or PFM light-load operation, and POR/RSI signal evaluation in a compact DFN-10-based layout.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6273EVAL1 datasheet, ISL6273EVAL1 pinout, ISL6273EVAL1 application, or ISL6273EVAL1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of transient response, efficiency curves, soft-start behavior, and mode-switching dynamics under real-world load and input conditions (2.7V–5.5V VIN).

Technical Context

The ISL6273EVAL1 implements the full ISL6273 regulator circuit with external components optimized for stability and measurement fidelity: 1.8µH power inductor (Coilcraft 1008PS-182K), 10µF/0.1µF ceramic input/output capacitors, and precision 100kΩ resistors for feedback and POR pull-up. Jumper H1 controls EN; H2 selects PFM vs. forced PWM mode.

Test points TP1 (VO) and TP2 (PHASE) provide low-noise access to critical switching waveforms. RSI and POR signals are brought out to labeled yellow test points with defined drive requirements-RSI must be actively driven high/low; POR is open-drain with 100kΩ pull-up to VIN.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL6273EVAL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power management validation, DC/DC topology prototyping, and regulator parameter benchmarking requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for ISL6273EVAL1 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 is a global semiconductor leader delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications.

The ISL6273EVAL1 belongs to Renesas' legacy Intersil power evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC/DC converters for portable and space-constrained systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6273EVAL1?

The ISL6273EVAL1 is a dedicated evaluation board for the ISL6273 synchronous buck regulator. It provides a fully assembled, tested, and characterized platform to measure electrical performance-including efficiency, transient response, soft-start, and mode-switching behavior-without requiring custom PCB design or component selection.

Does the ISL6273EVAL1 support adjustable output voltage?

Yes. The ISL6273EVAL1 defaults to 1.6V output using R1 and R2 as a resistor divider, but the output voltage can be adjusted by replacing R2 with another value per the ISL6273's VOUT = 0.8V × (1 + R1/R2) formula. The board's schematic and BOM in AN1265 confirm this configurability.

How do I configure forced PWM versus PFM mode on the ISL6273EVAL1?

Use jumper H2: connect pins 1–2 for PFM mode (efficiency-optimized at light loads) or pins 2–3 for forced PWM mode (fixed 1.5MHz switching, stable frequency under all loads). Leaving H2 unconnected or floating is prohibited per AN1265 setup instructions.

What are the required input conditions to operate the ISL6273EVAL1?

The ISL6273EVAL1 requires a 2.7V–5.5V DC input source capable of delivering ≥1A, connected to the red (VIN) and black (GND) terminals on the left edge. Jumper H1 must be set to "Enable", and RSI must be actively driven-either to GND or VIN-not left floating.

Can the ISL6273EVAL1 be used to evaluate power-on reset (POR) timing?

Yes. The ISL6273EVAL1 exposes the open-drain POR signal at a labeled yellow test point, pulled up to VIN via a 100kΩ resistor (R3). This allows direct oscilloscope measurement of POR assertion/deassertion timing relative to input ramp-up, as documented in Figures 4 and 6 of AN1265.