Renesas ISL8009AEVAL1Z

Overview

The ISL8009AEVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL8009A 1.5A synchronous buck regulator with integrated MOSFETs, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V input and delivering a preset 1.8V output (adjustable 0.8V–3.3V), targeting point-of-load applications in space-constrained industrial and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8009AEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8009AEVAL1Z setup guide, ISL8009AEVAL1Z schematic, or ISL8009AEVAL1Z component list, this page provides verified board-level specifications, supported test equipment, mode control configuration (PWM/PFM), output voltage adjustment equations, and layout documentation for rapid validation of the ISL8009A regulator's efficiency, transient response, and thermal behavior.

Technical Context

The ISL8009AEVAL1Z implements the ISL8009A IC in a fully assembled, tested PCB layout using a 2.2µH power inductor, four 10µF ceramic output capacitors, and precision feedback resistors (R1 = 124kΩ, R2 = 100kΩ) to achieve 1.8V output with ±3% accuracy over line, load, and temperature. It supports both forced PWM and PFM operation via the SKIP pin, with soft-start and short-circuit protection enabled by default.

Board-level features include logic-controlled enable (SW2), manual mode selection (SW1), LED status indicator (D1), and test points (P1–P8) for VIN, VOUT, EN, SKIP, PG, and LX monitoring. The design occupies less than 1 cm² and uses a 2mm × 3mm DFN-packaged ISL8009AIRZ-T as the core regulator.

Key Specifications

Availability

The ISL8009AEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-load DC/DC validation, low-power embedded system prototyping, and industrial sensor node power architecture development requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ISL8009AEVAL1Z 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 Corporation is a global semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Japan, delivering microcontrollers, analog power devices, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The ISL8009AEVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' legacy Intersil analog power evaluation platform, specifically engineered to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current buck regulators in compact, thermally constrained point-of-load applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8009AEVAL1Z?

The ISL8009AEVAL1Z is an evaluation board that demonstrates the electrical and thermal performance of the ISL8009A 1.5A synchronous buck regulator. It enables engineers to validate key parameters-including efficiency, load transient response, PFM/PWM mode switching, and output accuracy-under real-world conditions before integrating the ISL8009A into their final design. The board includes all necessary passive components, test points, and user controls to simplify bench testing.

How do I adjust the output voltage of the ISL8009AEVAL1Z?

The ISL8009AEVAL1Z is preset to 1.8V but supports output adjustment from 0.8V to 3.3V using the external resistor divider network (R1 and R2). Equation 1 defines VOUT = 0.8V × (1 + R1/R2); Equation 2 solves for R2 given R1 = 124kΩ and desired VOUT. Replace R2 with the calculated value while keeping R1 fixed at 124kΩ. The board includes footprints and jumpers to support this modification without redesigning the PCB.

What test equipment is required to evaluate the ISL8009AEVAL1Z?

To fully evaluate the ISL8009AEVAL1Z, you need a 0–10V/5A DC power supply for VIN, two electronic loads (capable of sinking up to 5A) for load-step testing, a 100MHz quad-trace oscilloscope for waveform capture (VIN, VOUT, SW, PG), digital multimeters for DC accuracy verification, and a signal generator if injecting controlled transients. All connections use standard headers (P4/P5 for input, P7/P8 for output) and test points (P1–P3, P6) labeled per the schematic.

Does the ISL8009AEVAL1Z support forced PWM mode, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the ISL8009AEVAL1Z supports forced PWM mode via the SKIP pin on the ISL8009A IC. To enable it, set SW1 to position "1" (labeled "PWM"), which pulls the SKIP pin low through R6. This forces continuous switching at the nominal 2.5MHz frequency even under light load, eliminating audible noise and improving regulation stability-critical for sensitive analog or RF subsystems powered from the same rail as the ISL8009AEVAL1Z output.

What protection features are implemented on the ISL8009AEVAL1Z board?

The ISL8009AEVAL1Z inherits all protection features of the ISL8009A IC: peak current limiting, short-circuit foldback, over-temperature shutdown, and soft discharge of output capacitors during disable. These are active at the IC level and require no additional board-level circuitry. The board also includes an enable switch (SW2) and visual status indication (D1 LED), allowing safe, repeatable functional testing without risk of latch-up or thermal runaway during evaluation.