Renesas ISL8009EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8009EVAL1Z from Intersil is an evaluation board for the ISL8009A 1.5A synchronous buck regulator, designed to demonstrate high-efficiency DC/DC conversion from 2.7V–5.5V input to adjustable output voltages down to 0.8V with 1.6MHz switching, <17µA quiescent current in PFM mode, and integrated MOSFETs in a 2mm×3mm DFN package - used for powering µC/FPGA/DSP cores in portable instrumentation and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8009EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8009EVAL1Z setup guide, ISL8009EVAL1Z application circuit, or ISL8009EVAL1Z compatible regulators, this board enables rapid validation of ISL8009A performance under real load transients, efficiency profiling across VIN/VOUT combinations, soft-start behavior, and POR timing - critical for battery-powered embedded power design.

Technical Context

The ISL8009EVAL1Z implements the ISL8009A IC in a fully populated, optimized layout featuring a 2.2µH shielded inductor, dual 20µF X5R ceramic output capacitors, input decoupling capacitor, and resistor-divider network for adjustable VOUT (e.g., 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V). It supports both forced PWM and automatic PFM/PWM operation via the SKIP pin.

Board-level features include accessible test points for VIN, VOUT, LX, EN, POR, RSI, and VFB; solder jumpers for mode selection and soft-discharge enable/disable; and thermal pad grounding per DFN package requirements. The design complies with recommended layout practices for minimal power loop area and EMI control.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8009EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC/DC POL module development, FPGA core voltage validation, and portable instrument power subsystem prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ISL8009EVAL1Z 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 power management ICs for industrial, computing, and portable applications.

The ISL8009A product line delivers ultra-low-quiescent-current synchronous buck regulators optimized for battery-powered handheld devices and space-constrained point-of-load systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8009EVAL1Z?

The ISL8009EVAL1Z is an evaluation board designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the electrical performance of the ISL8009A 1.5A synchronous buck regulator. It provides a ready-to-use platform with optimized layout, pre-populated components including inductor and capacitors, and accessible signal nodes - enabling engineers to verify efficiency, transient response, soft-start, and protection features without custom PCB design.

Does the ISL8009EVAL1Z support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the ISL8009EVAL1Z supports adjustable output voltage via the ISL8009A's VFB pin. It includes a resistor-divider network (R1=100kΩ, R2=124kΩ, R3=100kΩ) that sets nominal VOUT to 1.8V, but users can replace these resistors to achieve other values from 0.8V up to VIN−0.4V - consistent with the ISL8009A's internal 0.8V reference and ±3% regulation accuracy over temperature/load/line.

How does the ISL8009EVAL1Z implement mode selection (PWM vs PFM)?

The ISL8009EVAL1Z implements mode selection using the ISL8009A's SKIP pin: connecting SKIP to VIN enables automatic PFM/PWM operation (17µA IQ), while pulling SKIP to GND forces continuous PWM mode (3.7mA IQ). The board includes solder jumpers to configure this function, allowing direct comparison of light-load efficiency versus ripple/noise trade-offs during testing.

Can the ISL8009EVAL1Z be used to evaluate thermal performance?

Yes, the ISL8009EVAL1Z incorporates the ISL8009A in its standard 2mm×3mm 8-lead DFN package with exposed thermal pad, and follows Intersil's layout recommendations - including multiple vias to a solid ground plane - to enable accurate thermal measurement. The board supports thermal shutdown verification at 140°C and hysteresis recovery at 120°C, as specified in the ISL8009A datasheet.

Is the ISL8009EVAL1Z RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the ISL8009EVAL1Z uses the RoHS-compliant, lead-free ISL8009AIRZ-T IC (Pb-free DFN package per JEDEC MO-229 VCED-2) and adheres to Intersil's Pb-free material set and reflow profile. All passive components and PCB fabrication meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements, and the board is compatible with both SnPb and Pb-free soldering processes.