Renesas ISL8014AEVAL2Z

Overview

ISL8014AEVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board for the ISL8014A 4A synchronous buck regulator, preset to 1.8V output, supporting 2.7V–5.5V input, delivering up to 95% efficiency in Point-of-Load applications with PFM/PWM mode selection and Power-Good signaling.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8014AEVAL2Z datasheet, ISL8014AEVAL2Z pinout, ISL8014AEVAL2Z application, or ISL8014AEVAL2Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of voltage regulation performance, soft-start behavior, load transient response, and synchronization capability up to 4MHz in compact DC/DC designs.

Technical Context

The ISL8014AEVAL2Z implements a fixed-frequency current-mode synchronous buck topology using the ISL8014AIRZ IC in a 4mm×4mm QFN-16 package, with integrated compensation and internal 1ms digital soft-start. It supports pre-biased start-up and features hiccup-mode short-circuit protection alongside over-temperature shutdown.

Board-level design includes a 1.5µH power inductor (DR73-1R5-R), four 22µF X5R output capacitors, 47pF sync capacitor, and dual toggle switches (SW1/SW2) for enable and mode control (PWM/PFM). The FB network uses R1 = 124kΩ and R2 = 100kΩ to set the default 1.8V output per Equation 1.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8014AEVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Point-of-Load DC/DC validation, industrial embedded power sequencing, and automotive infotainment subsystem testing requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for ISL8014AEVAL2Z 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 industrial, automotive, and enterprise applications with emphasis on reliability and integration.

The ISL8014AEVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency DC/DC evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of compact, high-current Point-of-Load regulators in space-constrained systems.

FAQ

What is the default output voltage of the ISL8014AEVAL2Z?

The ISL8014AEVAL2Z is factory-preset to deliver 1.8V output using R1 = 124kΩ and R2 = 100kΩ in the feedback divider. This configuration satisfies common core logic and FPGA I/O rail requirements while enabling direct validation without resistor changes.

How do I change the output voltage on the ISL8014AEVAL2Z?

To adjust the output voltage on the ISL8014AEVAL2Z, replace R2 using Equation 2: R2 = R1 × (VOUT − 0.8V) / 0.8V. For example, setting VOUT = 2.5V requires R2 ≈ 262.5kΩ. R1 remains fixed at 124kΩ unless recalculating the full divider.

What is the purpose of SW2 on the ISL8014AEVAL2Z board?

SW2 on the ISL8014AEVAL2Z controls the SKIP pin function: position "1" forces fixed-frequency PWM mode for predictable EMI and light-load stability; position "3" enables PFM mode to minimize quiescent current down to 35µA during low-load conditions.

Does the ISL8014AEVAL2Z support external clock synchronization?

Yes, the ISL8014AEVAL2Z supports external synchronization up to 4MHz via the SYNCH pin (P2). A 47pF capacitor (C4) is installed to stabilize the sync input, allowing precise frequency alignment with system clocks or other converters to reduce beat frequencies and EMI.

What protection features are implemented on the ISL8014AEVAL2Z?

The ISL8014AEVAL2Z demonstrates full protection features of the ISL8014A IC: peak current limiting, hiccup-mode short-circuit response, thermal shutdown, soft-stop output discharge during disable, and Power-Good monitoring with 1ms delay - all verified in the AN1366 test setup.