Renesas ISL8026AEVAL3Z

Overview

ISL8026AEVAL3Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL8026A 6A synchronous buck regulator in point-of-load applications with input voltage range 2.5V–5.5V, default output voltage 1.8V, and fixed 2MHz switching frequency. It supports adjustable VOUT (0.6V–5V), internal/external soft-start, and PWM/PFM mode selection.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8026AEVAL3Z datasheet, ISL8026AEVAL3Z pinout, ISL8026AEVAL3Z application, or ISL8026AEVAL3Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-efficiency DC-DC conversion in space-constrained industrial and embedded systems requiring stable 1.8V rail generation and fast load transient response.

Technical Context

The ISL8026AEVAL3Z implements a complete reference design for the ISL8026A IC, featuring a shielded 0.68µH inductor (ETQP3WR68WFN or SPM6530T-R68M140), four 22µF X5R 1206 output capacitors, and precision feedback resistors (R1/R2) set for 1.8V output. The board uses a 3mm×3mm TQFN-16 layout with optimized power loop routing and thermal pad grounding via ≥5 vias.

It provides configurable operation modes via SW1 (enable/disable) and SW2 (PWM vs PFM), FS pin biasing (R11 = 0Ω, R12 unpopulated) for fixed 2MHz fSW, and CSS capacitor support (33nF max) for soft-start timing control. All critical signals - VIN, PHASE, PGND, FB, EN, SS, COMP, SYNC - are accessible via test points or terminal posts.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8026AEVAL3Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-load power delivery, FPGA core voltage regulation, and industrial microcontroller supply applications requiring stable component supply, quick prototyping cycles, and validated thermal and EMI performance.

Supply support for ISL8026AEVAL3Z 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 delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, and enterprise applications.

The ISL8026AEVAL3Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency DC-DC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of low-voltage, high-current buck regulators in space-sensitive embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8026AEVAL3Z?

The ISL8026AEVAL3Z is an evaluation board that demonstrates the ISL8026A 6A synchronous buck regulator. It provides a fully assembled, tested reference design enabling engineers to validate efficiency, transient response, thermal behavior, and configuration flexibility - including 1.8V default output, 2MHz switching, and PWM/PFM mode selection - before integrating the ISL8026A into their own system.

Does the ISL8026AEVAL3Z support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the ISL8026AEVAL3Z supports output voltage adjustment from 0.6V to 5V using the feedback resistor divider (R1/R2). The default 1.8V setting uses R1 = 200kΩ and R2 = 100kΩ. To change VOUT, recalculate R1 per Equation 1 (VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2)) and replace R1 accordingly; R2 remains 100kΩ unless modified for tighter tolerance or noise immunity.

How is the 2MHz switching frequency configured on the ISL8026AEVAL3Z?

The ISL8026AEVAL3Z achieves its fixed 2MHz switching frequency by tying the FS pin to VIN through a 0Ω resistor (R11), while leaving R12 unpopulated. This configuration matches the ISL8026A's default fSW specification and eliminates external timing components, simplifying validation of high-frequency operation and associated layout considerations like minimized power loop area and phase-node routing.

Can the ISL8026AEVAL3Z operate in both PWM and PFM modes?

Yes, the ISL8026AEVAL3Z supports both PWM and PFM operation via SW2 toggle switch. Position "1" selects PWM mode (fixed frequency, optimal for noise-sensitive or regulated-bus applications); position "3" selects PFM mode (variable frequency at light load, improving light-load efficiency). Mode selection directly controls the ISL8026A's internal operating algorithm without hardware modification.

What thermal design features does the ISL8026AEVAL3Z incorporate?

The ISL8026AEVAL3Z implements best-practice thermal management: the ISL8026A's exposed thermal pad connects to an internal ground plane via ≥5 vias, maximizing heat dissipation; wide, short traces minimize resistance in high-current paths; and the PCB layout separates noisy phase-node routing from sensitive feedback traces. These features ensure reliable 6A operation within the ISL8026A's specified -40°C to +85°C ambient range.