Renesas ISL78236ARZ
- Part No.:
- ISL78236ARZ
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ISL78236ARZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 3A DL 24QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,264
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Product details
Overview
ISL78236ARZ from Renesas (formerly Intersil) is a dual-channel, 3A/3A synchronous buck regulator with integrated P- and N-channel MOSFETs, operating at 2.5MHz fixed frequency. It supports input voltage range 2.85V–6V, delivers output voltages down to 1.2V per channel, and enables current-sharing mode for 6A single-output operation. Designed for automotive infotainment and DSP power supplies, it features 180° phase interleaving, 100% duty cycle capability, and AEC-Q100 qualification.
For engineers reviewing the ISL78236ARZ datasheet, ISL78236ARZ pinout, ISL78236ARZ application, or ISL78236ARZ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed automotive-grade thermal and reliability specs, and real-world current-sharing implementation guidance - all aligned with FN8624 Rev.1.00.
Technical Context
The ISL78236ARZ implements peak-current-mode PWM control per channel with independent transconductance error amplifiers, internal slope compensation, and synchronized 180° out-of-phase switching to reduce input RMS current and EMI. Each channel uses dedicated current-sense amplifiers (CSA_GAIN = 0.2 V/A) and dynamic overcurrent protection with hiccup-mode recovery.
It supports dual independent outputs (1.2V–3.3V) or parallel current-sharing mode via COMP pin external RC network and R6 feedback resistor adjustment. Soft-start is programmable via SS pin capacitor (CSS ≤ 33nF), and 100% duty-cycle operation enables ultra-low dropout (<250mV at 3A) during battery brownout conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 2.85V to 6V - supports single Li+ cell, 3×NiMH, or regulated 3V/5V bus without external pre-regulation. |
| Output Current per Channel | 0A to 3A - each channel delivers full 3A continuously across -40°C to +105°C ambient. |
| Switching Frequency | 2.15–2.85MHz (typ. 2.5MHz) - enables compact 0.6µH inductors and low-profile 22µF ceramic output capacitors. |
| Feedback Reference Voltage | 0.784V to 0.810V (±2% over temp) - sets output voltage via external resistor divider; enables precise 1.2V–3.3V regulation. |
| Efficiency | Up to 95% at 3A - achieved via integrated 70–100mΩ P/N-MOSFETs and optimized gate drive timing. |
| Thermal Rating | AEC-Q100 qualified, -40°C to +105°C ambient - validated for under-hood automotive environments with θJA = 36°C/W. |
| Protection Features | Peak OCP (4.1–5.5A), reverse OCP (-1.5 to -3.5A), thermal shutdown (150°C), UVLO (2.85V), and soft-discharge (RDIS = 100Ω). |
Pinout & Package
ISL78236ARZ is housed in a 24-lead, 4mm × 4mm QFN package with 1mm max height and exposed thermal pad (L24.4x4D). The package supports high-density automotive PCB layouts and requires direct connection of the exposed pad to SGND via multiple vias for optimal thermal performance (θJC = 2°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LX1 / LX2 | Switching node (Ch1 / Ch2) | Connects to external inductor; carries high di/dt pulsed current - requires short, low-inductance routing. |
| PGND1 / PGND2 | Power ground (Ch1 / Ch2) | Separate return paths for power stage currents; must be tied to SGND only at single point near exposed pad. |
| FB1 / FB2 | Feedback input (Ch1 / Ch2) | Negative input to error amplifier; sets output voltage via resistor divider; used by PG and UVLO monitoring. |
| EN1 / EN2 | Enable input (Ch1 / Ch2) | Active-high logic control; drives output to shutdown and actively discharges output capacitor when low. |
| PG1 / PG2 | Power-good indicator (Ch1 / Ch2) | 1ms-delayed active-high open-drain signal confirming regulation within ±8% of target voltage. |
| SYNC | External synchronization input | Negative-edge-triggered; accepts 6–8MHz external clock to synchronize both channels or align with system clock. |
| SS | Soft-start timing control | Internal 5µA current source charges external capacitor; tSS = 6.25 × CSS (µF); max 33nF recommended. |
| COMP | Compensation node | No-connect in dual-output mode; requires external RC network across COMP–SGND for current-sharing loop stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual 3A independent outputs | Enables separate power domains for FPGA core/I/O or DSP + memory rails with independent enable and PG signaling. |
| 180° interleaved phase operation | Reduces input ripple current by ~70% vs. in-phase operation - lowers input capacitor RMS stress and EMI filter size. |
| 100% duty cycle capability | Maintains regulation as input drops to VOUT + 250mV - extends usable battery life in automotive start-stop systems. |
| Reverse overcurrent protection | Detects -1.5A to -3.5A sink current - prevents damage during output short-to-battery or load dump events. |
| Integrated digital soft-start | Programmable ramp time (1.5ms default or capacitor-adjusted) - eliminates inrush current and output overshoot. |
| AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood use (-40°C to +105°C) with full temperature-range electrical testing and reliability stress screening. |
Applications
| Infotainment System Power | DSP Core & I/O Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering display processor, audio codec, and connectivity SoC in automotive head units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-output buck regulator delivering 1.2V @ 3A (core) and 1.8V @ 3A (I/O) with independent sequencing. Use Value: Phase interleaving reduces EMI below CISPR-25 Class 5 limits; AEC-Q100 rating ensures reliability in vibration-prone dash environments. |
Use Scenario: Providing tightly regulated, low-noise supply to high-performance DSPs in ADAS domain controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck converter with <2% reference accuracy and <100mV load regulation (0–3A) for stable core voltage. Use Value: 2.5MHz switching enables <1µH inductors and <50mVpp output ripple - meets DSP jitter and noise floor requirements. |
| Automotive Point-of-Load (POL) | FPGA Power Management |
|
Use Scenario: Local DC/DC conversion near ECU microcontrollers or sensor interface ICs on distributed automotive PCBs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact 1.5cm² dual buck solution supporting 2.85–6V input and 1.2–3.3V programmable outputs. Use Value: 4×4mm QFN package with exposed pad achieves >1.5W dissipation at +105°C ambient - eliminates need for heatsinks. |
Use Scenario: Delivering configurable core (1.0V) and auxiliary (2.5V) rails to Xilinx/Intel FPGAs in vehicle networking modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel regulator with independent EN/PG pins enabling FPGA configuration sequencing (VCCINT before VCCAUX). Use Value: Soft-discharge function (RDIS = 100Ω) safely ramps down outputs during FPGA reconfiguration - prevents latch-up. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-output synchronous buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPQ4436-AEC1 | Single 6A output only; no independent dual-channel operation; lower 2.2MHz max frequency; 3.3–36V input range. | Suitable for higher-input automotive systems (e.g., 12V battery rail), but cannot replace ISL78236ARZ's dual-rail flexibility or 2.85V low-VIN capability. | Select when input exceeds 6V or only single-rail 6A is needed; avoid when independent 3A outputs or sub-3V operation are required. |
| TPS6521905RGER | Triple-output PMIC (2×3A buck + LDO); 2.7–5.5V input; 2.4MHz switching; no current-sharing mode; different pinout and control logic. | Targets multi-rail SoC power (e.g., TI Jacinto processors); lacks ISL78236ARZ's 100% duty cycle and reverse OCP - unsuitable for battery brownout resilience. | Choose for integrated SoC power with LDOs; not a functional substitute for ISL78236ARZ's dual-buck architecture or automotive safety features. |
Compared with MPQ4436-AEC1 and TPS6521905RGER, the ISL78236ARZ uniquely combines true dual 3A independence, 2.85V minimum input, 100% duty cycle, and reverse OCP - making it irreplaceable for low-VIN, fault-resilient dual-rail automotive POL designs.
Availability
ISL78236ARZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, DSP power supplies, and FPGA-based ADAS modules requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q100 traceability and long-term production support.
Supply support for ISL78236ARZ 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 acquired Intersil in 2017 and maintains full product support, documentation, and automotive qualification for legacy Intersil power ICs including the ISL78236ARZ.
The ISL78236ARZ belongs to Renesas' automotive-grade power management portfolio, specifically engineered for low-voltage, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation in infotainment, ADAS, and body electronics - emphasizing thermal robustness, EMI control, and functional safety readiness.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage supported by the ISL78236ARZ?
The ISL78236ARZ supports a minimum input voltage of 2.85V, as specified in its Recommended Operating Conditions. This allows direct operation from a single Li+ cell (2.8–4.2V) or three NiMH cells, making it ideal for battery-powered automotive subsystems where input voltage may sag during cranking. Below 2.85V, undervoltage lockout (UVLO) disables regulation to protect downstream circuitry.
Can the ISL78236ARZ operate in single 6A current-sharing mode?
Yes, the ISL78236ARZ supports current-sharing mode to deliver up to 6A from a single output. This requires connecting both LX pins together, using a shared output inductor and capacitor bank, and configuring the COMP pin with an external RC network plus adjusted R6 feedback resistor per Table 2. In this mode, channels operate in parallel with matched current sensing to maintain ≤5% current imbalance across 0–6A load.
Does the ISL78236ARZ include reverse overcurrent protection?
Yes, the ISL78236ARZ includes dedicated reverse overcurrent protection that detects sink currents from -1.5A to -3.5A on either channel. This feature protects against fault conditions such as output short-to-battery or load dump transients in automotive systems - a critical safety capability not found in most general-purpose buck regulators.
What is the purpose of the SYNC pin on the ISL78236ARZ?
The SYNC pin on the ISL78236ARZ accepts an external 6–8MHz clock signal (negative-edge triggered) to synchronize both buck channels to a master system clock. This eliminates beat frequencies, simplifies EMI filtering, and enables deterministic timing alignment in multi-rail power systems - essential for noise-sensitive applications like radar or camera modules.
How is thermal performance managed in the ISL78236ARZ package?
The ISL78236ARZ uses a 24-lead 4mm × 4mm QFN with an exposed thermal pad (PAD pin 25). For optimal thermal performance, this pad must be soldered directly to the system ground plane using ≥6 thermal vias. With proper layout, the device achieves θJA = 36°C/W and supports continuous 3A/channel operation at +105°C ambient - validated per AEC-Q100 thermal testing protocols.
ISL78236ARZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 2
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 2.85V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.2V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 6V
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 2.5MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
ISL78236ARZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ISL78236ARZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ISL78236ARZ 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 ISL78236ARZ reliable?
The price and inventory of ISL78236ARZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ISL78236ARZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ISL78236ARZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ISL78236ARZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ISL78236ARZ?
ISL78236ARZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ISL78236ARZ 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 ISL78236ARZ?
For technical support, including ISL78236ARZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ISL78236ARZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ISL78236ARZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ISL78236ARZ 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 ISL78236ARZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ISL78236ARZ?
All ISL78236ARZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ISL78236ARZ, 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 ISL78236ARZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ISL78236ARZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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