Renesas ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z

Overview

ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate current-sharing operation of the ISL78236 dual-channel synchronous buck controller in Point-of-Load (POL) applications with 2.85V–6V input. It delivers up to 6A total output (3A per channel) at 1.8V, supports external synchronization up to 6MHz, and features 180° out-of-phase switching for reduced input ripple.

For engineers reviewing the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z pinout, ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z application, or ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of current-sharing stability, efficiency optimization, soft-start tuning, and thermal performance under real-world POL load conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z implements a dual-channel, current-mode synchronous buck topology using the ISL78236IRZ controller in a 4mm×4mm 24-lead QFN package. Each channel operates at 2.5MHz (internally set) or synchronizes externally from 6MHz to 8MHz with 180° phase offset between channels.

It supports both parallel 6A single-output and independent 3A/3A dual-output configurations. Output voltage is adjustable from 1.2V to 3.3V via feedback resistors (e.g., RF21 = 100kΩ, RF22 = 124kΩ for 1.8V), with ±2% accuracy over line, load, and temperature.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power rails, ADAS domain controller POL stages, and industrial FPGA core voltage regulation requiring stable component supply and fast design validation cycles.

Supply support for ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z 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 delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications.

The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' automotive-grade power management evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of high-efficiency, current-sharing POL converters for safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z?

The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z is an evaluation board that demonstrates current-sharing operation of the ISL78236 dual-channel synchronous buck controller. It allows engineers to validate 6A combined output performance, phase-controlled switching, and dynamic load response in real POL applications-without designing custom hardware. The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z uses the ISL78236IRZ controller and supports both parallel and independent dual-output configurations.

Can the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z be used for dual-output 3A/3A operation?

Yes-the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z supports dual independent 3A outputs by configuring S2 and S3 separately and disabling current sharing. The board's schematic and layout accommodate this mode, and the ISL78236IRZ controller natively supports it. For full guidance on dual-output setup, refer to AN1927 (ISL78236DUALEVAL1Z reference). The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z provides test points and jumpers to enable either configuration without hardware modification.

What input voltage range does the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z support?

The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z accepts 2.85V to 6V DC input, matching the operating range of the underlying ISL78236IRZ controller. This makes it ideal for automotive 3.3V/5V intermediate buses and industrial 3.3V–5V systems. Input must be supplied via VIN1 and VIN2 terminals with proper grounding to PGND1 and PGND2; the board includes 22µF input capacitors per rail for stability.

How is output voltage adjusted on the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z?

Output voltage is set by the feedback resistor divider: RF21 (100kΩ fixed) and RF22 (user-selectable). For 1.8V, RF22 = 124kΩ; values from 50kΩ to 750kΩ support 1.2V–3.3V. Resistor RF22 is placed in the 0603 footprint near U1. The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z schematic shows exact placement and routing-no solder bridge or trace cut is needed. All adjustments retain ±2% regulation accuracy across temperature and load.

Does the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z support external clock synchronization?

Yes-the ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z includes a dedicated SYNC test point (labeled "SYNC" near S1) and a 100kΩ pull-up to VIN. When driven by an external signal generator (negative-edge triggered), it synchronizes both channels from 6MHz to 8MHz with 180° phase shift. S1 must be set to "PWM/EX" position. Leaving SYNC floating defaults to 2.5MHz internal operation. The ISL78236CRSHEVAL1Z documentation confirms this behavior in Section "Mode Control".