Renesas ISL8011EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8011EVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board for the ISL8011 1.2A synchronous buck regulator IC, designed to demonstrate and validate its operation in point-of-load DC/DC conversion applications. It supports input voltages from 2.7V to 5.5V, delivers a preset 1.6V output (adjustable from 0.8V to 3.6V), and integrates the ISL8011 in a 10-lead 3×3mm DFN package with internal MOSFETs, 1.5MHz PWM switching, and digital soft-start.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8011EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8011EVAL1Z board layout, ISL8011EVAL1Z test setup, or ISL8011EVAL1Z component list, this evaluation platform enables rapid validation of efficiency, transient response, power sequencing, thermal behavior, and output voltage adjustability under real-world load and supply conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8011EVAL1Z implements a complete, ready-to-test synchronous buck converter using the ISL8011 IC, which integrates high- and low-side MOSFETs, internal loop compensation, and a 200ms POR timer. Its schematic includes 22µH power inductor L1, dual 10µF output capacitors (C1/C2), 0.1µF bypass capacitor (C3), and adjustable feedback resistors (R1/R2) for output voltage tuning.

Test configuration requires a 0–10V/5A bias supply, two electronic loads (up to 5A sink), and a 100MHz oscilloscope to capture switching waveforms at PHASE and output ripple. Jumper JP1 controls enable state, and test points TP1/TP2 provide direct access to VIN and VOUT for measurement.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8011EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC/DC POL module development, FPGA/microprocessor power validation, and portable instrument power subsystem testing requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ISL8011EVAL1Z 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 manufacturer delivering microcontrollers, analog power, and mixed-signal solutions for industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The ISL8011EVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' legacy Intersil analog power evaluation portfolio, developed to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, integrated-FET buck regulators in space-constrained point-of-load designs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8011EVAL1Z?

The ISL8011EVAL1Z is a fully assembled evaluation board that demonstrates the performance of the ISL8011 1.2A synchronous buck regulator IC. It provides immediate hardware validation of output regulation, efficiency, transient response, and power sequencing without requiring custom PCB design. The ISL8011EVAL1Z includes all necessary passive components, test points, and jumper controls to evaluate the ISL8011 in real operating conditions across its full input and output voltage range.

Does the ISL8011EVAL1Z support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the ISL8011EVAL1Z supports output voltage adjustment from 0.8V to 3.6V using the external resistor divider network (R1 and R2) connected to the FB pin of the ISL8011 IC. The board ships with R1 = R2 = 100kΩ, yielding a preset 1.6V output based on the ISL8011's 0.8V internal reference. Equation 1 and Equation 2 in the AN1329 user manual define the exact calculation for selecting new resistor values to achieve a target VOUT on the ISL8011EVAL1Z.

What equipment is required to operate the ISL8011EVAL1Z?

To operate the ISL8011EVAL1Z, you need a 0–10V DC power supply capable of delivering ≥5A, two electronic loads (each rated ≥5A sink), a 100MHz quad-trace oscilloscope for waveform analysis, digital multimeters for DC measurements, and optionally a signal generator for enable/POR timing tests. The board's JP1 jumper must be set to "ON" to enable the ISL8011, and VIN must be applied within 2.7V–5.5V before enabling the output.

How is thermal performance validated on the ISL8011EVAL1Z?

Thermal performance of the ISL8011EVAL1Z is validated by monitoring temperature rise at the ISL8011 DFN package under sustained 1.2A load at maximum duty cycle (e.g., VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.6V). The board's layout uses internal copper planes and exposed pad soldering to dissipate heat, and thermal shutdown behavior can be observed when junction temperature exceeds ~150°C. No heatsink is required for typical operation, but ambient airflow and board mounting orientation affect measured thermal resistance.

Can the ISL8011EVAL1Z be used to evaluate power sequencing with other ICs?

Yes, the ISL8011EVAL1Z supports power sequencing via its EN pin and 200ms POR timer. The EN signal accepts logic-level control (active-high), allowing synchronization with upstream supervisors or other regulators. The ISL8011EVAL1Z's enable path is isolated and accessible via test point and jumper, making it suitable for validating multi-rail startup order in µP/FPGA systems where the ISL8011EVAL1Z supplies core or I/O voltage rails.