Renesas ISL78234AARZ
- Part No.:
- ISL78234AARZ
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Package:
- 16-VQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ISL78234AARZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 4A 16WFQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,564
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Product details
Overview
ISL78234AARZ from Renesas Electronics is a 4A monolithic synchronous buck regulator optimized for automotive infotainment and processor core power, delivering up to 95% efficiency across 2.7V–5.5V input with 100% duty-cycle operation, 2MHz default switching frequency, and integrated 35mΩ P-channel / 11mΩ N-channel MOSFETs.
For engineers reviewing the ISL78234AARZ datasheet, ISL78234AARZ pinout, ISL78234AARZ application, or ISL78234AARZ equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 qualification, -40°C to +125°C operation, adjustable 500kHz–4MHz frequency, hiccup-mode overcurrent protection, and soft-stop output discharge during shutdown.
Technical Context
The ISL78234AARZ employs current-mode PWM control with slope compensation (440mV/Ts) and pulse-by-pulse current limiting for fast transient response and loop stability. Its dual-MOSFET architecture integrates a 35mΩ high-side P-FET and 11mΩ low-side N-FET, enabling <200mV dropout at 4A load and supporting 100% duty-cycle operation.
It supports selectable operating modes via the SYNC pin: forced PWM for low EMI, PFM for light-load efficiency, or external synchronization up to 4MHz. Protection includes hiccup-mode OCP, thermal shutdown at 150°C, overvoltage/undervoltage monitoring via FB, and negative current limiting down to -6.0A.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 4A continuous - enables single-chip power delivery for μC/FPGA cores without external FETs. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - compatible with automotive 3.3V/5V rails and Li-ion battery systems (2.7V cutoff). |
| Switching Frequency | Adjustable 500kHz–4MHz (default 2MHz) - balances inductor size, efficiency, and EMI; supports external sync. |
| FET RDS(on) | P-channel 35mΩ / N-channel 11mΩ (typ @ 5V) - minimizes conduction loss and enables >95% peak efficiency. |
| Reference Accuracy | ±1.2% over temp/load/line - ensures tight output regulation for sensitive SoC and video processor supplies. |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +125°C junction - qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 for under-hood and infotainment applications. |
| Protection Features | Hiccup OCP, thermal shutdown (150°C), UVLO (2.7V rising), OV/UV on PG, negative current limit (-6.0A) |
Pinout & Package
ISL78234AARZ is housed in a 5mm×5mm 16-lead Wettable Flank Quad Flat No-Lead (WFQFN) package with exposed thermal pad connected to SGND. This RoHS-compliant e4 termination package supports automated optical inspection and delivers θJA = 33°C/W for enhanced thermal performance in space-constrained automotive modules.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN (Pins 1,16) | Input supply rail | Accepts 2.7V–5.5V; requires ≥2×22µF ceramic decoupling directly to PGND for stability. |
| PHASE (Pins 13–15) | Switching node | Connects to inductor; internally discharged via 100Ω resistor during shutdown to prevent shoot-through. |
| FB (Pin 9) | Feedback sense | Monitors output voltage via resistor divider; sets VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R2/R3); enables regulation accuracy of ±1.2%. |
| EN (Pin 5) | Enable control | Active-high logic; drives low to initiate soft-stop discharge of output capacitor through internal switch. |
| PG (Pin 3) | Power-good indicator | Open-drain output with 1ms delay after regulation; signals valid VOUT and monitors OV/UVP thresholds. |
| FS (Pin 6) | Frequency select | Resistor-to-ground sets fSW from 500kHz–4MHz; tied to VIN for default 2MHz operation. |
| SS (Pin 7) | Soft-start timing | Connected to SGND for fixed 1ms ramp; capacitor to SGND adjusts rise time (≤33nF recommended). |
| COMP (Pin 8) | Error amplifier output | Supports internal compensation (tie to VDD) or external network for loop optimization across load/transient conditions. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 100% duty-cycle operation | Enables <200mV dropout at 4A, critical for low-VIN/high-IOUT scenarios like cold-crank automotive start. |
| Soft-stop output discharge | Internally discharges VOUT capacitor when EN is low - eliminates need for external bleed circuitry in safety-critical systems. |
| AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification | Validated for automotive use across -40°C to +125°C ambient, including ESD (5kV HBM), latch-up (100mA), and reflow profile compliance. |
| Shared pinout with ISL78233 | Enables drop-in 3A→4A power upgrade without PCB redesign - reduces BOM and validation effort in scalable platforms. |
| Adjustable light-load mode | SYNC pin selects PWM (low-noise), PFM (high-efficiency), or external sync - optimizes trade-off between EMI and battery life. |
Applications
| Automotive Infotainment Power | μC/FPGA Core Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering ARM-based SoCs and display controllers in head units with wide input voltage range and thermal constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary DC/DC POL regulator delivering stable 1.2V/1.5V/1.8V at up to 4A with fast load transient response. Use Value: AEC-Q100 qualification and -40°C to +125°C operation ensure reliability in dashboard environments; 2MHz switching allows compact 1µH inductors. |
Use Scenario: Providing tightly regulated core voltage to microcontrollers and FPGAs in ADAS domain controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy buck converter with ±1.2% reference and 1ms PG delay for safe power sequencing. Use Value: Integrated 35mΩ/11mΩ FETs eliminate external MOSFETs and gate drivers; soft-start prevents inrush current during boot. |
| Li-ion Battery-Powered Devices | Video Processor SoC Power |
|
Use Scenario: Efficient step-down from single-cell Li-ion (2.7V–4.2V) to 3.3V/2.5V system rails in portable automotive diagnostics tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent-current (45µA) buck regulator supporting PFM mode to extend battery runtime. Use Value: 100% duty cycle maintains regulation down to 2.7V input; hiccup OCP protects against shorted loads during field service. |
Use Scenario: Delivering clean, low-noise 1.2V/1.5V power to high-performance video processors in rear-seat entertainment systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck with forced PWM mode and external sync capability to avoid interference with video clock domains. Use Value: Adjustable frequency (500kHz–4MHz) enables EMI tuning; PG signal coordinates reset assertion with system power-on sequence. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISL78234ARZ | Same die, 3mm×3mm TQFN package (θJA = 43°C/W vs. 33°C/W); no wettable flanks | Better suited for cost-sensitive, non-AOI-requiring designs with less stringent thermal demands | Select ISL78234ARZ if board-level optical inspection is unnecessary and thermal margin exceeds 10°C. |
| MPQ4433AGL-AEC1-Z | 4A buck with 3.8V–36V input, different pinout, no shared footprint; requires external compensation | Targets higher-input automotive systems (e.g., 12V battery rails), not 2.7V–5.5V low-voltage POL | Choose MPQ4433AGL-AEC1-Z only when input exceeds 5.5V; ISL78234AARZ remains optimal for 3.3V/5V rail conversion. |
Compared with ISL78234ARZ, the ISL78234AARZ offers superior thermal performance and AOI compatibility; versus MPQ4433AGL-AEC1-Z, it provides tighter input range matching, integrated compensation, and direct pinout compatibility within the ISL7823x family for seamless upgrades.
Availability
ISL78234AARZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power, μC/FPGA core supply, and Li-ion battery-powered devices requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for ISL78234AARZ 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 specializing in microcontrollers, analog, power, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.
The ISL78234AARZ belongs to Renesas' ISL7823x automotive-grade synchronous buck regulator family, designed specifically for high-reliability, low-voltage POL applications in infotainment, ADAS, and body electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current of the ISL78234AARZ?
The ISL78234AARZ delivers 4A of continuous output current across its full operating temperature range (-40°C to +125°C). This rating is validated under recommended conditions with proper thermal design using the 5mm×5mm WFQFN package and adequate PCB copper area connected to the exposed pad.
Does the ISL78234AARZ support adjustable switching frequency, and how is it configured?
Yes, the ISL78234AARZ supports an adjustable switching frequency from 500kHz to 4MHz. Frequency is set by connecting a resistor (RFS) from the FS pin to SGND; for example, 42.2kΩ yields ~4.2MHz, while 402kΩ yields ~420kHz. Connecting FS to VIN configures the default 2MHz operation.
How does the ISL78234AARZ handle output capacitor discharge during shutdown?
The ISL78234AARZ implements soft-stop discharge: when the EN pin is driven low, an internal switch actively discharges the output capacitor through a controlled path. This eliminates residual voltage and prevents unintended device wake-up, fulfilling safety requirements in automotive systems without external components.
Is the ISL78234AARZ pin-compatible with other devices in the ISL7823x family?
Yes, the ISL78234AARZ shares identical pinout and package footprint with ISL78233AARZ (3A version) and ISL78234ARZ (3mm×3mm variant). This enables direct 3A→4A power upgrades on existing PCBs and simplifies design reuse across performance tiers within the same platform.
What protection features are integrated into the ISL78234AARZ?
The ISL78234AARZ integrates hiccup-mode overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown at 150°C (with 25°C hysteresis), input undervoltage lockout (2.7V rising), output overvoltage/undervoltage detection via the PG pin, and negative current limiting down to -6.0A - all verified per AEC-Q100 stress test requirements.
ISL78234AARZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-VQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.6V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.5V
- Current - Output:
- 4A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 420kHz ~ 4.2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-WFQFN (5x5)
ISL78234AARZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ISL78234AARZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ISL78234AARZ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ISL78234AARZ reliable?
The price and inventory of ISL78234AARZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ISL78234AARZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ISL78234AARZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ISL78234AARZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ISL78234AARZ?
ISL78234AARZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ISL78234AARZ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ISL78234AARZ?
For technical support, including ISL78234AARZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ISL78234AARZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ISL78234AARZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ISL78234AARZ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ISL78234AARZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ISL78234AARZ?
All ISL78234AARZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ISL78234AARZ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ISL78234AARZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ISL78234AARZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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