Renesas ISL8026EVAL3Z

Overview

ISL8026EVAL3Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL8026 6A synchronous buck regulator in point-of-load applications with input voltage range 2.5V–5.5V, default output voltage 1.8V, and fixed 1MHz switching frequency. It supports adjustable VOUT (0.6V–5V), internal/external soft-start, and PWM/PFM mode selection via onboard switches.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8026EVAL3Z datasheet, ISL8026EVAL3Z pinout, ISL8026EVAL3Z application, or ISL8026EVAL3Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of efficiency, load transient response, and thermal behavior under real-world conditions - especially for compact DC/DC designs requiring <142mm² PCB area and high light-load efficiency.

Technical Context

The ISL8026EVAL3Z implements a complete reference design for the ISL8026 IC, featuring a 1µH shielded inductor (ETQP3W1R0WFN or SPM6530T-1R0M120), four 22µF X5R output capacitors, and precision feedback resistors (R1/R2) set for 1.8V output. The board includes dedicated test points (P1–P8), dual-mode control switches (SW1/SW2), and a configurable soft-start capacitor (CSS).

It operates within the ISL8026's full specification envelope: VIN = 2.5–5.5V, VOUT = 0.6–5.5V, IOUT up to 6A, and fSW programmable from 500kHz to 4MHz (default 1MHz). The layout follows critical power loop minimization guidelines - short wide traces between PHASE, PGND, VIN, and COUT - with thermal vias under the IC's EPAD for optimal heat dissipation.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8026EVAL3Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-load power delivery, industrial embedded power validation, and FPGA/ASIC core voltage testing requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test capability.

Supply support for ISL8026EVAL3Z 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.

The ISL8026EVAL3Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency DC/DC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of their low-quiescent-current synchronous buck regulators in space-constrained, thermally demanding point-of-load systems.

FAQ

What is the ISL8026EVAL3Z used for?

The ISL8026EVAL3Z is an evaluation board that demonstrates the ISL8026 6A synchronous buck regulator in real operating conditions. It allows engineers to validate efficiency, transient response, thermal performance, and layout best practices before integrating the ISL8026 into final designs - particularly for applications needing compact, high-efficiency 1.8V or adjustable 0.6V–5V outputs from 2.5V–5.5V inputs.

Does the ISL8026EVAL3Z support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the ISL8026EVAL3Z supports output voltage adjustment from 0.6V to 5V using the feedback resistor divider (R1/R2). By default, it is configured for 1.8V (R1 = 200kΩ, R2 = 100kΩ); changing R1 per Equation 1 in UG033 Rev 1.00 enables precise VOUT tuning while maintaining 1% reference accuracy across temperature and load.

How do I change the switching frequency on the ISL8026EVAL3Z?

The ISL8026EVAL3Z defaults to 1MHz by tying the FS pin to VIN (R11 = 0Ω, R12 open). To adjust frequency between 500kHz and 4MHz, populate R12 with a value calculated using Equation 2: RT (kΩ) = (220 × 10³)/fOSC (kHz) − 14. For example, 1.5MHz requires R12 ≈ 133kΩ. Note: R12 selection also determines external compensation mode.

What are the key layout features of the ISL8026EVAL3Z PCB?

The ISL8026EVAL3Z PCB implements Renesas' recommended power loop layout: short/wide traces connecting PHASE, PGND, VIN, and COUT; separation of noisy switching nodes from FB routing; input capacitors placed adjacent to VIN; and ≥5 thermal vias under the ISL8026's EPAD. These features minimize EMI, improve thermal performance, and ensure stable regulation during dynamic load steps.

Can the ISL8026EVAL3Z operate in both PWM and PFM modes?

Yes, the ISL8026EVAL3Z supports both PWM and PFM operation via SW2. Setting SW2 to "PWM" maintains fixed-frequency operation even at light loads; setting it to "PFM" enables discontinuous conduction mode for higher light-load efficiency. This dual-mode capability lets users directly compare trade-offs between ripple, efficiency, and noise in their target application.