Renesas ISL8013AEVAL2Z

Overview

The ISL8013AEVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL8013A 3A synchronous buck regulator in point-of-load applications. It features a preset 1.8V output, operates from a 2.7V–5.5V input, delivers up to 3A output current, and supports selectable PFM/PWM modes with external synchronization up to 4MHz.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8013AEVAL2Z datasheet, ISL8013AEVAL2Z pinout, ISL8013AEVAL2Z application, or ISL8013AEVAL2Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of efficiency (up to 95%), power-good timing (1ms delay), soft-start behavior (1ms internal digital), and pre-biased startup capability under real-world load and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8013AEVAL2Z implements the ISL8013A controller in a fixed 1.8V configuration using R1 = 124kΩ and R2 = 100kΩ per Equation 1. It uses a 1.5µH power inductor, four 22µF X5R output capacitors, and integrates EN, PG, SYNCH, and SKIP control interfaces for mode selection and system monitoring.

This board supports both forced PWM and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) operation via SW2, provides logic-controlled shutdown (<1µA), and includes over-temperature protection, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and 100% duty-cycle capability for ultra-low dropout operation - all verified per AN1365 Rev 3.00.

Key Specifications

Availability

The ISL8013AEVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power management validation, DC-DC converter reference design verification, and point-of-load regulator qualification requiring stable component supply and documented test methodology.

Supply support for ISL8013AEVAL2Z 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 specializing in microcontrollers, analog power management, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The ISL8013AEVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency DC-DC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of the ISL8013A/ISL8014A synchronous buck regulators in space-constrained, thermally demanding point-of-load applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8013AEVAL2Z?

The ISL8013AEVAL2Z is an evaluation board that demonstrates the electrical and thermal performance of the ISL8013A 3A synchronous buck regulator. It provides a fully assembled, tested platform with preset 1.8V output, enabling engineers to validate efficiency, transient response, mode switching (PFM/PWM), and system integration without designing a custom PCB. The ISL8013AEVAL2Z includes all critical passive components, test points, and jumpers for immediate bench testing per AN1365.

Can the output voltage of the ISL8013AEVAL2Z be changed from 1.8V?

Yes, the ISL8013AEVAL2Z output voltage can be adjusted from 0.8V to 3.3V by modifying the feedback resistor divider (R1 and R2) per Equations 1 and 2 in AN1365. The board ships with R1 = 124kΩ and R2 = 100kΩ for 1.8V, but R2 is populated as a 0603 footprint allowing easy replacement. For 0.8V output, R1 is shorted and R2 left open - a configuration validated in the schematic and bill of materials for the ISL8013AEVAL2Z.

How does the ISL8013AEVAL2Z support different operating modes?

The ISL8013AEVAL2Z uses SW2 to control the SKIP pin of the ISL8013A: position "1" pulls SKIP high for forced PWM mode (fixed frequency at light load), and position "3" pulls SKIP low for PFM mode (variable frequency, higher light-load efficiency). This dual-mode capability lets users directly compare regulation stability, ripple, and quiescent current (35µA in PFM) on the same board - a key feature confirmed in the Quick Setup Guide and Mode Control section of AN1365 for the ISL8013AEVAL2Z.

What test equipment is recommended for evaluating the ISL8013AEVAL2Z?

AN1365 specifies a 0–10V/5A power supply, electronic loads capable of sinking up to 5A, 100MHz quad-trace oscilloscope, digital multimeters, and signal generator for full characterization of the ISL8013AEVAL2Z. Test points J1 and J2 are provided for scope probing, while P4 (VIN), P5 (GND), P7 (VOUT), and P8 (PG) allow direct connection to instrumentation - all verified in the Bill of Materials and schematic for the ISL8013AEVAL2Z.

Does the ISL8013AEVAL2Z include protection features from the ISL8013A?

Yes, the ISL8013AEVAL2Z fully implements the ISL8013A's protection suite: over-temperature shutdown, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, peak current limiting, soft-stop output discharge during disable, and 100% duty-cycle operation for minimum dropout. These functions are active and testable on the board - for example, disabling VOUT via SW1 (position "1") triggers controlled discharge through Q1 and R10, as shown in the schematic and described in the User's Manual for the ISL8013AEVAL2Z.