Renesas ISL6446ADEMO1Z

Overview

ISL6446ADEMO1Z from Renesas Electronics is a dual-channel synchronous buck regulator evaluation board designed for rapid prototyping of ATX-compliant 5V/3.3V power supplies. It integrates the ISL6446A dual PWM + linear controller, delivers up to 20A per channel at preset 5V and 3.3V outputs, operates from 10.8–13.2V input, and achieves up to 95.9% efficiency at mid-load. It targets high-density desktop, server, and embedded computing power delivery.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6446ADEMO1Z datasheet, ISL6446ADEMO1Z pinout, ISL6446ADEMO1Z application, or ISL6446ADEMO1Z equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, terminal functions, thermal and transient performance data, protection features, and supply-chain support - all validated against AN1822 Rev 1.00.

Technical Context

The ISL6446ADEMO1Z implements a non-isolated, two-output DC/DC power module using voltage-mode PWM control with 180° out-of-phase switching between channels to minimize input ripple and EMI. Each channel uses external N-channel MOSFETs (BSC010NE2LS) and power inductors (SER2011-202MLB for main stage, PA2509.201NL for secondary), with integrated prebias start-up and undervoltage lockout (~7.8V).

It embeds the ISL6446A controller IC in QSOP-24 package, configured with fixed 280kHz switching frequency, dedicated feedback loops (FB1/FB2), soft-start pins (SS1/SS2), and overcurrent/over-temperature protection circuitry. Output regulation is maintained across 0–20A load range with ≤±2% output deviation under full load.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL6446ADEMO1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ATX power supply development, server VRM validation, and embedded computing power architecture prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and documented thermal performance.

Supply support for ISL6446ADEMO1Z 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 leader delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, and enterprise applications.

The ISL6446ADEMO1Z belongs to Renesas' power management evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency multi-rail DC/DC controllers in cost-sensitive, space-constrained computing infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6446ADEMO1Z?

The ISL6446ADEMO1Z is a fully assembled, tested evaluation board for the ISL6446A dual PWM + linear controller. Its primary function is to demonstrate and validate a compact, high-current 5V/3.3V synchronous buck power solution targeting ATX-compliant systems. The ISL6446ADEMO1Z requires no configuration to deliver regulated outputs and serves as a reference for layout, thermal management, and transient response in real-world designs.

Does the ISL6446ADEMO1Z support adjustable output voltages?

No - the ISL6446ADEMO1Z has fixed, factory-preset output voltages of 5.0V and 3.3V, implemented via precision resistor dividers on FB1 and FB2 pins of the ISL6446A controller. While the underlying ISL6446A IC supports programmable outputs, the ISL6446ADEMO1Z board itself is not user-adjustable; it is optimized for immediate ATX application testing without tuning.

What protection features are implemented on the ISL6446ADEMO1Z?

The ISL6446ADEMO1Z includes undervoltage lockout (UVLO) triggering below ~7.8V, cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection on both channels, and over-temperature shutdown. These protections are hardware-based and active during operation - confirmed by test reports showing clean OCP response in Figures 30–31 of AN1822. The ISL6446ADEMO1Z also supports prebias start-up, enabling safe powering of partially biased rails.

Can the ISL6446ADEMO1Z operate from a 12V bench supply?

Yes - the ISL6446ADEMO1Z is explicitly validated for 12V input (within its 10.8–13.2V range) and includes a simple connection diagram (Figure 4) for bench use with electronic loads. Input current is monitored during startup to detect shorts, and output voltages are verified before loading. The ISL6446ADEMO1Z maintains regulation and efficiency across the full 0–20A per channel load range when powered from a stable 12V source.

What is the thermal performance limit of the ISL6446ADEMO1Z?

Total power delivery on the ISL6446ADEMO1Z is limited by thermal conditions, not electrical rating - as stated in the Introduction of AN1822. While each channel supports 20A continuously under adequate airflow and PCB copper area, sustained 20A/20A operation requires forced convection or heatsinking. Efficiency peaks at 95.87% (8A/8A) and drops to 93.99% at full 20A/20A, indicating measurable thermal derating; the ISL6446ADEMO1Z includes over-temperature protection to prevent damage under overload or poor cooling.