Renesas ISL8022EVAL2Z

Overview

The ISL8022EVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL8022 dual synchronous buck regulator in Point-of-Load applications powered from 2.8V to 5.5V input rails, delivering regulated 2.5V/2A and 1.8V/1.7A outputs with up to 97% efficiency and 2.25MHz switching frequency.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8022EVAL2Z datasheet, ISL8022EVAL2Z pinout, ISL8022EVAL2Z application, or ISL8022EVAL2Z equivalent, this board supports rapid validation of high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC/DC conversion in space-constrained industrial and embedded systems requiring precise output accuracy (±3%), pre-biased startup, and external synchronization up to 8MHz.

Technical Context

The ISL8022EVAL2Z implements the ISL8022 - a dual-channel current-mode synchronous buck controller - with independent enable, power-good, and feedback pins per channel, operating in either forced PWM or PFM mode to optimize light-load efficiency. It features 180° out-of-phase switching to reduce input ripple and supports start-up into pre-biased outputs.

Key design elements include internal compensation, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, negative current detection, and thermal shutdown. The board uses TDK VLCF4028T-1R2N2R7-2 inductors (1.2µH, 2.7A), Murata GRM21BR60J106KE01L (10µF) and TDK C2012X5R0J226M (22µF) ceramic output capacitors, and a 12-lead DFN (4mm × 3mm) mounted ISL8022IRZ IC.

Key Specifications

Availability

The ISL8022EVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Point-of-Load regulation, FPGA core supply, and industrial microcontroller power management requiring stable component supply, fast evaluation turnaround, and verified layout implementation.

Supply support for ISL8022EVAL2Z 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, and mixed-signal solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The ISL8022EVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency DC/DC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of low-quiescent-current synchronous buck regulators in space- and thermally-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8022EVAL2Z?

The ISL8022EVAL2Z is an evaluation board, not a standalone IC. Its primary function is to demonstrate the electrical performance and layout implementation of the ISL8022 dual synchronous buck regulator. It provides validated reference design, test points, and configuration options for evaluating 2.5V/2A and 1.8V/1.7A outputs under real-world conditions including pre-biased startup, PFM/PWM mode switching, and synchronization up to 8MHz. The ISL8022EVAL2Z enables rapid prototyping before custom PCB integration.

Does the ISL8022EVAL2Z support adjustable output voltages?

No, the ISL8022EVAL2Z is configured for fixed outputs: VOUT1 = 2.5V and VOUT2 = 1.8V, set by factory-installed resistor dividers (R1/R2 and R5/R6). While the underlying ISL8022 IC supports adjustable outputs via external feedback resistors, the ISL8022EVAL2Z board does not include provision for on-board adjustment - users must modify the feedback network or replace resistors to change output voltage. The board's Bill of Materials confirms fixed-value resistors are soldered in place.

What input power sources are compatible with the ISL8022EVAL2Z?

The ISL8022EVAL2Z accepts 2.8V to 5.5V DC input via terminal block P1 (VIN) and is rated for ≥3A total input current. Compatible sources include bench power supplies (0–10V, ≥3A capability), 5V batteries, or regulated intermediate bus rails. The board's schematic shows no input ESD or reverse-polarity protection - users must ensure clean, polarity-correct input with appropriate current limiting. Input capacitance is provided by two 10µF X5R MLCCs (C1, C8) placed near the VIN pin of U1.

How is power-good signaling implemented on the ISL8022EVAL2Z?

The ISL8022EVAL2Z routes the ISL8022's open-drain PG (power-good) output to test point TP3 with a 10kΩ pull-up to VIN. The PG signal asserts high after both outputs reach regulation within ±10% and remains asserted with a 1ms delay after fault clearance. This timing aligns with the ISL8022's internal PG circuitry - it monitors FB1 and FB2 voltages continuously and deasserts PG if either output drops below 90% of target. No external filtering or debouncing components are used on the PG net.

Can the ISL8022EVAL2Z be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes, the ISL8022EVAL2Z supports external synchronization via the SYNC pin (U1 Pin 9), which accepts TTL/CMOS-compatible square-wave inputs from 200kHz to 8MHz. The board includes a dedicated test point (TP4) and series 0Ω resistor (R9) for easy connection. When SYNC is driven, both channels lock to the external frequency and maintain 180° phase offset. If SYNC is left unconnected or grounded, the ISL8022 defaults to its internal 2.25MHz oscillator.