Renesas ISL6740EVAL1

Overview

ISL6740EVAL1 from Intersil is an evaluation board for the ISL6740 voltage-mode PWM controller, designed to implement a 48V-input DC transformer delivering regulated 12V at 8A output in half-bridge topology. It integrates the ISL6740IBZ controller (16-lead SOIC), HIP2101 gate driver, Fairchild FDS3672 MOSFETs, Midcom/Pulse transformers, and supporting passive components. The board demonstrates precision dead-time control, adjustable 351kHz oscillator frequency, and soft-start with fault annunciation.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6740EVAL1 datasheet, ISL6740EVAL1 schematic, ISL6740EVAL1 application, or ISL6740EVAL1 component list, this evaluation platform provides validated reference design data-including BOM, layout notes, and performance waveforms-for telecom and industrial DC/DC converter development requiring stable 48V-to-12V power conversion with high efficiency and thermal robustness.

Technical Context

The ISL6740EVAL1 implements a fixed-frequency, voltage-mode PWM-controlled half-bridge DC transformer using the ISL6740 controller IC. It operates with 9–16V VDD supply, supports up to 1MHz switching (configured at 351kHz), and delivers precise duty-cycle and dead-time control via external RTC/RTD resistors and CT capacitor.

Key functional blocks include bidirectional SYNC for multi-unit synchronization, internal over-temperature protection triggered at 145°C, adjustable soft-start with 55µA charging current, and fault signaling via open-drain FAULT pin. The board uses HIP2101 high-side/low-side gate drivers and discrete synchronous rectification with FDS5670 MOSFETs.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL6740EVAL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom power systems, industrial DC transformers, and 48V intermediate bus regulator development requiring stable component supply and validated reference design implementation.

Supply support for ISL6740EVAL1 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 (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, precision analog, and interface applications.

The ISL6740EVAL1 belongs to Intersil's flexible double-ended PWM controller evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate development of high-efficiency, thermally robust DC/DC converters for telecom, datacom, and industrial power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6740EVAL1 evaluation board?

The ISL6740EVAL1 evaluation board demonstrates a complete 48V-input to 12V/8A-output DC transformer using the ISL6740 voltage-mode PWM controller. It validates half-bridge topology operation with HIP2101 gate drivers, synchronous rectification, and full protection features including overtemperature, undervoltage lockout, and fault signaling-enabling rapid prototyping of telecom and industrial power supplies.

Which controller IC is used on the ISL6740EVAL1 board?

The ISL6740EVAL1 board uses the ISL6740IBZ controller IC-a voltage-mode PWM controller in 16-lead SOIC package (M16.15). This matches the ordering information in the datasheet and the U3 designation in the ISL6740EVAL1 Component List on page 6. The ISL6740IBZ provides adjustable frequency up to 1MHz, precision dead-time control, and bidirectional SYNC capability.

Does the ISL6740EVAL1 support adjustable output voltage or only fixed 12V?

The ISL6740EVAL1 is configured for fixed 12V output per its documented typical application (page 5), but the underlying ISL6740 controller supports closed-loop feedback regulation. Page 24 of the datasheet details "Adding Regulation – Closed Loop Feedback" using optocoupler-based error amplification at the VERROR pin, enabling output voltage adjustment via external resistor divider and compensation network.

What gate drivers and MOSFETs are included on the ISL6740EVAL1 board?

The ISL6740EVAL1 board uses the HIP2101IB dual-channel high-voltage gate driver (U1) to drive high-side and low-side MOSFETs. Primary switches QH and QL are Fairchild FDS3672 N-channel MOSFETs (Rds(on) = 12mΩ @ Vgs = 10V), while synchronous rectifiers QR1–QR4 use FDS5670 devices (Rds(on) = 11mΩ @ Vgs = 10V), as listed in the ISL6740EVAL1 Component List on page 6.

Can the ISL6740EVAL1 be synchronized with other PWM controllers?

Yes, the ISL6740EVAL1 supports bidirectional synchronization via the SYNC pin (pin 5 of ISL6740IBZ). As described on page 15 of the datasheet, multiple ISL6740 units can be paralleled with SYNC pins tied together, or locked to an external master clock. The board includes the required CT timing capacitor and RTC/RTD resistors to maintain oscillator stability during sync operation.