Renesas ISL8024EVAL3Z

Overview

ISL8024EVAL3Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the ISL8024 4A synchronous buck regulator in point-of-load applications with 2.7V–5.5V input, 1.8V default output, and 1MHz switching frequency. It supports adjustable output (0.6V–5V), programmable frequency (500kHz–4MHz), and internal/external soft-start.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8024EVAL3Z datasheet, ISL8024EVAL3Z pinout, ISL8024EVAL3Z application, or ISL8024EVAL3Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of efficiency, transient response, and layout best practices for high-current DC/DC conversion in space-constrained industrial and embedded systems.

Technical Context

The ISL8024EVAL3Z implements the ISL8024 IC in a fully assembled, tested 3mm×3mm TQFN-16 footprint layout optimized for minimal PCB area (0.22 in²). It integrates all critical passive components-including 1.0µH shielded inductor, 22µF output capacitors, and feedback resistors-configured for 1.8V output by default.

Board-level controls include SW1 for enable/disable, SW2 for PWM/PFM mode selection, FS pin tied to VIN for 1MHz operation, and CSS capacitor pads for soft-start timing adjustment. The design supports external synchronization up to 4MHz and includes negative overcurrent protection.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8024EVAL3Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power system validation, DC/DC reference design verification, and production-ready buck regulator qualification requiring stable component supply and documented thermal performance.

Supply support for ISL8024EVAL3Z 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 ISL8024EVAL3Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency buck regulator evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of low-quiescent-current, high-density DC/DC converters in point-of-load power delivery systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8024EVAL3Z?

The ISL8024EVAL3Z is a ready-to-use evaluation board that demonstrates the ISL8024 4A synchronous buck regulator. It provides a validated hardware platform for measuring efficiency, transient response, thermal behavior, and layout effectiveness-enabling engineers to verify performance before integrating the ISL8024 into their final design. The ISL8024EVAL3Z includes all necessary passives, switches, and test points for immediate bench testing.

Does the ISL8024EVAL3Z support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the ISL8024EVAL3Z supports output voltage adjustment from 0.6V to 5.0V using the R1/R2 feedback resistor network. By default, it is configured for 1.8V output (R1 = 200kΩ, R2 = 100kΩ), but users can replace R1 to set other voltages per the equation VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2). The ISL8024EVAL3Z schematic and AN1759 provide full design guidance for reconfiguration.

How is switching frequency controlled on the ISL8024EVAL3Z?

Switching frequency on the ISL8024EVAL3Z is controlled via the FS pin. By default, FS is tied to VIN through R11 = 0Ω, setting fSW = 1MHz. To adjust frequency between 500kHz and 4MHz, R12 is populated with values from 40kΩ to 426kΩ per Equation 2 in AN1759. This also enables external compensation mode, as detailed in the ISL8024 datasheet.

What are the key test points and connectors on the ISL8024EVAL3Z?

The ISL8024EVAL3Z features Tektronix-compatible scope probe test points (J1, J2) for VIN, VOUT, PHASE, and SYNC signals; turret terminals (P4–P8) for power input/output connections; and mini test points (P1, P2, P6) for EN, SS, and PG monitoring. These facilitate accurate oscilloscope measurements, load testing, and real-time control signal observation during characterization of the ISL8024EVAL3Z.

Can the ISL8024EVAL3Z be used to evaluate both ISL8023 and ISL8024 regulators?

No-the ISL8024EVAL3Z is specifically populated with the ISL8024IRZ (4A version), while the ISL8023EVAL3Z uses the ISL8023IRZ (3A version). Though mechanically identical and sharing the same board layout and component footprints, each board is calibrated and tested for its respective IC. Using the ISL8024EVAL3Z with an ISL8023 would violate current rating assumptions and invalidate thermal and efficiency measurements for the ISL8024EVAL3Z.