Renesas ISL8013EVAL2Z

Overview

ISL8013EVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL8013A 3A synchronous buck regulator in point-of-load applications powered from 2.7V–5.5V input rails. It delivers a preset 1.8V output (adjustable 0.8V–3.3V), supports PFM/PWM mode selection via SKIP pin, and features power-good signaling, internal soft-start, and pre-bias start-up capability.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8013EVAL2Z datasheet, ISL8013EVAL2Z pinout, ISL8013EVAL2Z application, or ISL8013EVAL2Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of transient response, efficiency mapping, synchronization behavior up to 4MHz, and thermal performance under real-world load conditions with minimal external setup.

Technical Context

The ISL8013EVAL2Z implements the ISL8013A IC in a fixed-layout 4-layer PCB with optimized power delivery paths, including dual 22µF X5R output capacitors, a 1.5µH shielded power inductor, and precision 124kΩ/100kΩ feedback resistors for 1.8V regulation. Layout follows best practices for high-current synchronous buck converters, with separate PGND and SGND planes and thermal relief for the QFN-16 EP pad.

It supports full functional evaluation: EN-controlled enable/disable, logic-level shutdown (<1µA), external clock synchronization, and mode switching between forced PWM and PFM via SW2. The board includes test points (J1/J2), LED status indicator (D1), and turret terminals (P4/P5/P7/P8) for flexible probing and load connection.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8013EVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-load DC/DC validation, power management reference design development, and PMIC subsystem qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable documentation, and manufacturer-supported evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ISL8013EVAL2Z 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, and enterprise applications with emphasis on reliability and integration.

The ISL8013EVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency DC/DC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of low-quiescent-current buck regulators in space-constrained, thermally sensitive, and battery-dependent systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8013EVAL2Z evaluation board?

The ISL8013EVAL2Z evaluation board is a fully assembled, tested platform that demonstrates the electrical and thermal performance of the ISL8013A 3A synchronous buck regulator. It allows engineers to validate key behaviors-including efficiency across load, transient response, PFM/PWM mode switching, synchronization, and power-good timing-without designing custom hardware. The ISL8013EVAL2Z includes all necessary passives, layout-optimized power paths, and accessible test points for immediate bench testing.

Can the output voltage of the ISL8013EVAL2Z be adjusted, and if so, how?

Yes, the ISL8013EVAL2Z output voltage is adjustable from 0.8V to 3.3V using the onboard R1 (124kΩ) and R2 (100kΩ) feedback resistors. Per Equation 1 (VOUT = 0.8 × (1 + R1/R2)), the default 1.8V setting can be recalculated by substituting new resistor values. For 0.8V output, R1 is shorted and R2 is opened as noted in the manual. All calculations and component placement follow ISL8013A's internal 0.8V reference and compensation requirements.

How does the ISL8013EVAL2Z support different operating modes (PFM vs. PWM)?

The ISL8013EVAL2Z uses SW2 to control the SKIP pin of the ISL8013A: position "1" pulls SKIP high to force fixed-frequency PWM mode (ideal for noise-sensitive applications), while position "3" pulls SKIP low to enable PFM mode for ultra-low quiescent current (35µA) at light loads. This direct hardware interface lets users observe real-time mode transitions, efficiency trade-offs, and inductor current waveforms without firmware or external logic - a core capability of the ISL8013EVAL2Z.

Does the ISL8013EVAL2Z include thermal management features for sustained 3A operation?

Yes, the ISL8013EVAL2Z incorporates thermal design elements aligned with the ISL8013A's 4mm×4mm QFN-16 package: a large exposed pad (EP) connected to internal ground planes, 2-oz copper layers on inner layers (Figures 3–4), and strategic thermal vias beneath U1. The board achieves stable 3A operation at ambient temperatures ≤50°C with natural convection, as verified in the AN1365 characterization. Thermal performance data is documented in the user's manual for the ISL8013EVAL2Z.

Is external synchronization supported on the ISL8013EVAL2Z, and what is the maximum frequency?

Yes, the ISL8013EVAL2Z supports external clock synchronization via the SYNCH test point (P2) and associated 100kΩ pull-up resistor (R7). The ISL8013A - and therefore the ISL8013EVAL2Z - accepts external clocks up to 4MHz, enabling precise timing alignment with system clocks or noise avoidance in sensitive bands. This feature is fully routed and tested on the ISL8013EVAL2Z board, with no additional components required beyond a clean CMOS/TTL signal source.