Renesas ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z

Overview

The ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board for the ISL8036A dual 3A synchronous buck regulator, designed to demonstrate point-of-load power conversion from 2.85V–6V input to preset 1.8V outputs per channel with up to 95% efficiency, 2% output accuracy, and 180° out-of-phase operation.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z pinout, ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z application, or ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z equivalent, this kit supports rapid validation of dual-channel DC/DC regulation in space-constrained industrial and embedded systems requiring low quiescent current (8µA shutdown), external synchronization up to 6MHz, and pre-biased start-up capability.

Technical Context

The ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z implements the ISL8036A IC in a fully assembled 4mm×4mm QFN-24 evaluation platform, featuring independent enable (EN1/EN2), power-good (PG1/PG2), and sync inputs, with feedback resistors (RF11/RF12, RF21/RF22) preset to 100kΩ and 124kΩ for 1.8V output on both channels.

It supports adjustable output voltage (0.8V–3.3V) via external resistor dividers, includes internal digital soft-start (1.5ms), soft-stop discharge, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and negative current detection - all validated using the onboard LX1/LX2 test points, VOUT1_S/VOUT2_S sense pads, and SGND/PGND separation for accurate measurement.

Key Specifications

Availability

The ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PoL design validation, embedded power subsystem prototyping, and dual-rail FPGA/CPU core voltage testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z 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 ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' precision analog power evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC/DC regulators in space- and thermally-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z?

The ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ISL8036A dual 3A synchronous buck regulator. It provides a ready-to-use platform for validating point-of-load power conversion, including preset 1.8V outputs, adjustable voltage range (0.8V–3.3V), and full protection feature set - all implemented with the ISL8036A IC in its native 4mm×4mm QFN-24 package.

Can the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z be used for dual-output applications with different voltages?

Yes - the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z supports independent output voltage adjustment for each channel. VOUT1 is set by RF11/RF12 and VOUT2 by RF21/RF22; changing either resistor pair (e.g., RF12 = 124kΩ for 1.8V, RF22 = 249kΩ for 2.5V) enables asymmetric dual-rail configurations without hardware modification, as confirmed in AN1618 Equations 1 and 2.

Does the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z include synchronization capability?

Yes - the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z exposes the SYNC pin of the ISL8036A IC and supports both internal PWM synchronization (via VIN tie) and external synchronization up to 6MHz using a function generator. The board's schematic shows proper termination guidance and warns against floating or grounding the SYNC pin, ensuring reliable phase control during evaluation.

What protection features are verified on the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z?

The ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z validates all key protections of the ISL8036A IC: peak current limiting, hiccup-mode short-circuit response, over-temperature shutdown, and negative current detection. These are implemented in hardware and observable via PG1/PG2 status, LX1/LX2 waveforms, and thermal behavior under fault conditions - as documented in AN1618 Section "Key Features" and test setup guidelines.

Is pre-biased start-up supported on the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z?

Yes - the ISL8036ADUALEVAL1Z demonstrates start-up with pre-biased output, a critical feature for systems where output rails may retain residual voltage during sequencing. This behavior is inherent to the ISL8036A IC and verified on the evaluation board per AN1618 description, enabling safe integration into multi-rail power architectures without risk of reverse current or latch-up.