Renesas ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is a preconfigured evaluation kit for the ISL8016 6A synchronous buck regulator, preset to deliver 1.8V output from 2.7V–5.8V input, supporting point-of-load applications in industrial and embedded systems with high-efficiency DC/DC conversion.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z pinout, ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z application, or ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of efficiency, load transient response, synchronization capability, soft-start behavior, and voltage margining under real-world PoL conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z implements a single-output configuration of the ISL8016 dual-channel buck controller, with VOUT1 fixed at 1.8V via R1/R2 feedback network and all secondary circuitry (e.g., VOUT2, SLAVE section) unpopulated per BOM. It uses a 1.0µH power inductor and 22µF output capacitors to support up to 6A continuous load.

Key operational parameters include default 1MHz switching frequency (FS tied to VIN), internal 1ms soft-start (CSS1 shorted to SGND), PWM-only mode enabled (S1 = PWM), and ±10% output voltage margining controlled by S3. The board supports external synchronization up to 4MHz via SYNCIN1 and provides SYNCOUT1 for master-slave phase shifting.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-load power validation, multi-rail synchronization testing, and high-efficiency buck regulator qualification requiring stable component supply for industrial control, FPGA core voltage development, and embedded processor power design.

Supply support for ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z 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, infrastructure, and IoT applications.

The ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency power management evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of low-quiescent-current synchronous buck regulators in space-constrained, thermally demanding point-of-load systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z evaluation kit?

The ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z evaluation kit is a fully assembled, preconfigured demonstration board for the ISL8016 6A synchronous buck regulator. It delivers a fixed 1.8V output from 2.7V–5.8V input and enables immediate performance validation-including efficiency, transient response, synchronization, and margining-without layout or component selection effort. The ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z is not a standalone power module but a reference design platform for engineering evaluation.

Can the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z be used to evaluate dual-output operation?

No. The ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z is configured as a single-output board: only VOUT1 is populated and functional, while VOUT2, LX2, U3 (SLAVE), and related components are marked DNP (Do Not Populate) in the BOM. Dual-output evaluation requires a different kit such as ISL8016CIR2EVAL1Z or custom implementation using the ISL8016IRZ IC directly.

How is the 1.8V output voltage set on the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z?

The 1.8V output on the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z is set by the feedback resistor divider formed by R1 and R2, per the ISL8016's VFB = 0.6V reference. With R2 = 200kΩ and R1 = 100kΩ (per BOM), the ratio yields VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2) = 1.8V. This configuration is factory-preset and verified during board commissioning. The ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z schematic confirms R1 and R2 placement on the FB1 node.

Does the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z support external frequency synchronization?

Yes. The ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z exposes SYNCIN1 and SYNCOUT1 pins and includes associated circuitry (R13, C13, etc.) to enable external clock synchronization from 700kHz to 4MHz. SYNCOUT1 provides a 250µA current pulse aligned to the master clock edge, allowing precise phase-shifted timing between multiple ISL8016-based rails. This capability is documented in AN1630 Section "Synchronization Control" and validated on the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z board layout.

What test equipment is required to operate the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z?

Per AN1630 Rev 1.00, required test equipment includes: a 0–10V/10A DC power supply (or 5V battery) for VIN, electronic loads capable of sinking ≥7A for output loading, a 100MHz quad-trace oscilloscope for waveform capture, digital multimeters for DC measurements, and optionally a signal generator for SYNCIN stimulus. All connections use standard binding posts (J1–J4) and test points (e.g., LX1, VOUT1) clearly labeled on the ISL8016CIR1EVAL1Z board.