Renesas ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z from Intersil is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the current-sharing 6A operation of the ISL8036 dual synchronous buck regulator IC. It supports 1MHz switching, 0.8V–3.3V output voltage configuration, and enables validation of interleaved PWM, input/output ripple reduction, and soft-discharge shutdown in real PCB layouts.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z pinout, ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z application, or ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z equivalent, this board provides verified reference design implementation for dual-channel power delivery in space-constrained embedded systems requiring stable 6A POL conversion from single-cell Li+ or regulated 5V inputs.

Technical Context

The ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z implements the ISL8036 (1MHz version) in current-sharing mode, combining two 3A channels into a single 6A output with 180° phase shift to reduce input RMS current and EMI. It uses external 1.5µH inductors and dual 2×22µF ceramic output capacitors per channel, with resistor networks (R2/R3/R6) setting VOUT and enabling current balance.

Board-level features include dedicated SYNC input for external clock synchronization up to 6MHz, independent EN1/EN2 control, PG1/PG2 power-good indicators with 1ms delay, and SS pin support for adjustable soft-start via external capacitor - all configured to match the ISL8036's internal compensation and current-mode control architecture.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC/DC POL module development, µC/FPGA power sequencing validation, and Li-ion battery-powered industrial embedded systems requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z 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

Intersil (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and power management ICs for industrial, computing, and communications applications.

The ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z belongs to Intersil's evaluation board product line targeting power system designers needing turnkey validation platforms for dual-channel synchronous buck regulators with current-sharing capability.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z evaluation board?

The ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z evaluation board demonstrates current-sharing 6A operation of the ISL8036 dual 3A synchronous buck regulator. It validates interleaved PWM timing, input/output ripple reduction, thermal performance under full load, and soft-start/soft-discharge behavior - all using the ISL8036's native 1MHz switching frequency and integrated MOSFETs. The board is not a standalone power supply but a reference design for system integration.

Does the ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z support both ISL8036 and ISL8036A ICs?

No. The ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z is specifically designed for the ISL8036 (1MHz fixed-frequency variant), as confirmed by AN1616 and the ordering information table in FN6853. The ISL8036A (2.5MHz) requires different inductor values (half those used for ISL8036) and is supported on separate boards like ISL8036ACRSHEVAL1Z. Using ISL8036A on this board may cause instability or reduced efficiency due to mismatched LC timing.

What output voltage range can be configured on the ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z?

The ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z supports output voltages from 0.8V to 3.3V, set by external resistor dividers connected to FB1 and FB2 pins. Table 2 in FN6853 specifies exact R2, R3, and R6 values for each target VOUT. For example, 1.8V output uses R2 = 124kΩ, R3 = 100kΩ, and R6 = 30kΩ - enabling precise regulation within ±2% over temperature, line, and load conditions per the ISL8036 datasheet.

How does the ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z implement current sharing between the two channels?

The ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z implements current sharing by connecting FB1 and FB2 together and configuring R6 (30kΩ for 1.8V) to balance current between channels. This forces both regulators to regulate the same output node while maintaining 180° phase shift - reducing input ripple and allowing combined 6A delivery. The board includes layout provisions for current-sense resistors and matching LC components to ensure <±5% current imbalance under full load, as verified in Figure 47 of FN6853.

Can the ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z be synchronized to an external clock source?

Yes. The ISL8036CRSHEVAL1Z includes a dedicated SYNC pin routed to a test point, supporting external negative-edge clock signals up to 6MHz. When synchronized, each channel operates at half the input frequency (e.g., 3MHz SYNC → 1.5MHz per channel). This feature enables EMI reduction through frequency dithering and system-level clock alignment - critical for noise-sensitive applications like test equipment and FPGA power rails.