Renesas ISL8023AEVAL3Z

Overview

ISL8023AEVAL3Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the ISL8023 3A synchronous buck regulator in point-of-load applications with 2.7V–5.5V input, 0.6V–5V programmable output, and default 1.8V/1MHz operation. It supports quick performance validation including efficiency up to 95%, 0.8% reference accuracy, and adjustable soft-start.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8023AEVAL3Z datasheet, ISL8023AEVAL3Z pinout, ISL8023AEVAL3Z application, or ISL8023AEVAL3Z equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of switching frequency tuning (500kHz–4MHz), prebiased start-up, negative overcurrent protection, and external synchronization capability - all critical for embedded power system validation.

Technical Context

The ISL8023AEVAL3Z implements the ISL8023 3A synchronous buck regulator in a compact 3mm×3mm TQFN-16 package with 1mm max height, occupying as little as 0.22in² PCB area. It features internal soft-start (1ms default), soft-stop output discharge, and FS pin-based frequency programming via resistor divider (R11/R12).

Board-level controls include SW1 for enable/disable and SW2 for PWM/PFM mode selection. Feedback is set by R1/R2 per V_OUT = V_FB(1 + R1/R2), where V_FB = 0.6V, supporting output adjustment from 0.6V to 5V with typical R1 values between 0Ω and 200kΩ.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8023AEVAL3Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-load DC/DC validation, industrial embedded power subsystem testing, and high-efficiency buck regulator qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for ISL8023AEVAL3Z 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 high-reliability power management and embedded systems.

The ISL8023AEVAL3Z belongs to Renesas' precision analog power evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of low-quiescent, high-efficiency synchronous buck regulators for space-constrained, thermally demanding point-of-load applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8023AEVAL3Z evaluation board?

The ISL8023AEVAL3Z evaluation board is a fully assembled, tested reference design that demonstrates the performance of the ISL8023 3A synchronous buck regulator. It enables engineers to validate key parameters-including efficiency, transient response, thermal behavior, and frequency tuning-without designing a custom PCB. The board ships with default 1.8V output and 1MHz switching frequency, and supports full configuration via jumpers, resistors, and capacitors per the ISL8023AEVAL3Z user manual AN1759.

Does the ISL8023AEVAL3Z support adjustable output voltage, and how is it configured?

Yes, the ISL8023AEVAL3Z supports output voltage adjustment from 0.6V to 5V using the feedback resistor network R1 and R2. With V_FB fixed at 0.6V, the output is set by V_OUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2). For example, a 1.8V output uses R1 = 200kΩ and R2 = 100kΩ. The board includes pads for populating these resistors, and Equation 1 in AN1759 provides the exact calculation. No firmware or digital interface is required - configuration is purely analog and hardware-based.

How is switching frequency adjusted on the ISL8023AEVAL3Z?

Switching frequency on the ISL8023AEVAL3Z is adjusted via the FS pin using resistor R12 tied to GND. Default 1MHz operation occurs when FS is tied to VIN (R11 = 0Ω, R12 open). To change frequency, populate R12: 426kΩ yields ~500kHz, 191kΩ yields ~1MHz, and 40kΩ yields ~4MHz, per Equation 2 in AN1759. This resistor-based tuning also selects external compensation mode, so compensation components must be updated accordingly per the ISL8023 datasheet.

What are the key test points and connectors provided on the ISL8023AEVAL3Z board?

The ISL8023AEVAL3Z includes four turret terminals (P4, P5, P7, P8) for VIN and PGND connections, a mini test point (P3) for VOUT monitoring, and two Tektronix-compatible scope probe test points (J1, J2) for phase node and feedback signal access. Additional test points include EN, SYNC, SS, and COMP pins. These facilitate real-time oscilloscope measurements of switching waveforms, loop response, and control signals without soldering or probing sensitive traces.

Can the ISL8023AEVAL3Z be used to evaluate both ISL8023 and ISL8024 devices?

No - the ISL8023AEVAL3Z is specifically optimized for the ISL8023 3A buck regulator. While physically similar to the ISL8024EVAL3Z board, its component values (e.g., inductor L1 rated for 3A, feedback resistors, current-sense layout) are tuned for ISL8023's 3A maximum output. Using an ISL8024 on this board may exceed safe operating limits and invalidate thermal or stability results. For ISL8024 evaluation, Renesas specifies the ISL8024EVAL3Z board with appropriately rated components.