Renesas ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z

Overview

The ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the current-sharing operation of the ISL8036A dual 3A synchronous buck regulator in a 4mm × 4mm QFN package. It delivers two synchronized 1.8V outputs at up to 6A total, supports 2.85V–6V input, achieves up to 95% efficiency, and includes power-good signaling with 1ms delay.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z pinout, ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z application, or ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, test setup guidance, output voltage adjustment methodology, synchronization and enable control implementation, and sourcing support for rapid prototyping of point-of-load DC/DC systems.

Technical Context

The ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z implements a dual-phase, current-sharing configuration using two ISL8036AIRZ controllers operating 180° out-of-phase to reduce input/output ripple and EMI. Each channel uses external compensation (COMP pin), peak current-mode control, and independent soft-start (SS pin) with externally adjustable timing.

It supports external synchronization up to 6MHz via the SYNC pin (negative-edge triggered), logic-controlled shutdown with ≤8µA quiescent current, and start-up into pre-biased outputs. Protection features include hiccup-mode short-circuit response, over-temperature shutdown, negative current detection, and 100% duty-cycle capability for ultra-low dropout operation.

Key Specifications

Availability

The ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-load DC/DC development, dual-output power rail validation, and high-efficiency buck converter testing requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z 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 management, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' high-efficiency DC/DC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of low-quiescent-current synchronous buck regulators in space-constrained point-of-load applications.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z?

The ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z is an evaluation board built to demonstrate current-sharing operation of the ISL8036A dual 3A synchronous buck regulator. It allows engineers to validate performance metrics-including efficiency, transient response, phase interleaving, and protection behavior-under real-world load and input conditions before committing to custom PCB design. The board ships preset to 1.8V per output and supports full parameter tuning via accessible test points and jumpers.

How do I adjust the output voltage of the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z?

The ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z output voltage is adjusted by modifying the feedback resistor divider network-specifically RF21 (fixed at 100kΩ) and RF22 (populated as 124kΩ for 1.8V). To change VOUT, replace RF22 per Equation 1 in AN1615: VOUT = 0.8V × (1 + RF22/RF21). For 0.8V, leave RF21 unpopulated and short RF22; for faster loop response, add 68pF across RF22. All adjustments require no soldering changes to U1 or core circuitry.

Does the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z support external clock synchronization?

Yes, the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z supports external synchronization up to 6MHz via the SYNC pin on each ISL8036AIRZ controller. The pin accepts negative-edge-triggered clock signals and must never be left floating or tied to GND. Proper termination and signal integrity are critical-AN1615 recommends using a function generator with clean square-wave output and appropriate series resistance to avoid ringing or false triggering during ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z evaluation.

What are the enable and power-good connections on the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z?

On the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z, EN1 and EN2 pins are tied together for coordinated current-sharing startup, and SW2/SW3 switches control enable state (ON = enabled, OFF = disabled). PG1 and PG2 provide open-drain power-good signals with 1ms delay after regulation is achieved. These signals are routed to test points and can interface directly with FPGA or microcontroller power sequencing logic without level-shifting.

Can the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z operate with pre-biased outputs?

Yes, the ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z supports start-up into pre-biased outputs-a key feature of the underlying ISL8036A controller. This allows safe powering of downstream circuits already holding residual voltage, preventing reverse current flow or bus contention. The board's implementation maintains this capability without modification, verified under load conditions per AN1615 test procedures.