Renesas ISL65426EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL65426EVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation kit for the ISL65426 dual synchronous buck regulator IC, designed to demonstrate high-efficiency point-of-load power delivery for FPGA/CPU core and I/O rails. It supports input voltage range 2.375V–5.5V, delivers up to 6A total output current across two channels, operates at fixed 1MHz switching frequency, and features 180° out-of-phase PWM synchronization to reduce input ripple.

For engineers reviewing the ISL65426EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL65426EVAL1Z pinout, ISL65426EVAL1Z application, or ISL65426EVAL1Z equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of dual-output DC/DC regulation with programmable VID settings, independent soft-start sequencing, and integrated thermal/current protection in a compact QFN-based reference design.

Technical Context

The ISL65426EVAL1Z implements a monolithic dual-channel synchronous buck architecture using the ISL65426CRZ controller IC in a 50-lead QFN package. It integrates six user-partitionable 1A power blocks-two master and four floating slave blocks-to configure per-channel current capacity flexibly across four supported topologies.

Each channel employs current-mode control with internal compensation, ±1% reference accuracy, and independent enable (EN1/EN2) plus system enable (EN) inputs for precise power sequencing. Output voltages are adjustable from 0.6V to 4.0V via external resistors or 2-bit VID inputs, with dedicated PG1/PG2 signals confirming regulation status.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL65426EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power validation, CPU core/I/O voltage testing, and point-of-load DC/DC design verification requiring stable component supply and repeatable lab evaluation capability.

Supply support for ISL65426EVAL1Z 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 manufacturer delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, and computing applications.

The ISL65426EVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency power management evaluation platform family, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of monolithic multi-rail DC/DC regulators in space-constrained digital systems.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ISL65426EVAL1Z?

The ISL65426EVAL1Z is an evaluation kit built around the ISL65426 dual synchronous buck regulator IC. Its purpose is to provide a fully assembled, tested reference design that enables engineers to validate performance-including efficiency, transient response, sequencing, and protection behavior-of dual-output power delivery for FPGAs, DSPs, and CPUs before committing to custom PCB design. The ISL65426EVAL1Z includes all necessary passive components, jumpers, and test points for immediate bench testing.

Does the ISL65426EVAL1Z include the ISL65426 controller IC?

Yes, the ISL65426EVAL1Z contains the ISL65426CRZ dual synchronous buck controller IC in a 50-lead QFN package. This is confirmed in the Bill of Materials on page 5 of AN1281, where U1 is explicitly listed as "ISL65426CRZ Dual Controller 50 Ld QFN". The ISL65426EVAL1Z board implements the full functional schematic shown in Figure 1, including all associated power blocks, feedback networks, and enable logic.

How are output voltages configured on the ISL65426EVAL1Z?

Output voltages on the ISL65426EVAL1Z are configured using six DIP switches (SW1–SW6) that set VID bits and enable states. SW1/SW2 control VOUT1 (1.8V/1.5V/1.2V/0.6V); SW3/SW4 control VOUT2 (3.3V/2.5V/1.8V/0.6V); SW5/SW6 control EN1 and EN2 activation. Table 2 in AN1281 provides exact switch-to-voltage mapping. Resistive dividers (R10/R14, R9/R13) also allow fine-tuning beyond VID steps, supporting 0.6V–4.0V range.

What input power requirements does the ISL65426EVAL1Z need?

The ISL65426EVAL1Z requires a 0V–6V DC input supply capable of delivering at least 10A continuous current, as specified in the "Recommended Equipment" section of AN1281. Input voltage must fall within the ISL65426's operating range of 2.375V–5.5V. The board accepts power via a terminal block and includes bulk capacitance (100µF ×2) and ceramic filtering (0.1µF ×1) to stabilize the PVIN bus feeding all six power blocks.

Can the ISL65426EVAL1Z be used for production-level power delivery?

No, the ISL65426EVAL1Z is strictly an evaluation and development tool-not a production-grade power module. It lacks conformal coating, industrial-grade thermal management, and long-term reliability qualification. For production, designers must implement the ISL65426 controller IC on their own PCB using layout guidelines from AN1281 and the ISL65426 datasheet. The ISL65426EVAL1Z serves only to verify functionality, measure performance, and inform final design decisions for the ISL65426EVAL1Z-based system.