Renesas ISL8112EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8112EVAL1Z from Intersil is an evaluation board for the ISL8112 dual-output synchronous buck controller IC, designed to validate power supply designs for battery-powered systems requiring high light-load efficiency. It supports dual adjustable outputs (0.7–5.5V and 0–2.5V/5V), integrated 2A gate drivers, constant on-time control with 100ns load-step response, and selectable PWM/skip/ultrasonic modes - validated in DDR1/DDR2/DDR3, PDA, and 3–4-cell Li+ applications.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8112EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8112EVAL1Z application notes, ISL8112EVAL1Z test setup, or ISL8112EVAL1Z compatibility with ISL8112-based reference designs, this board enables rapid prototyping of dual-rail POL supplies with programmable sequencing, soft-start, PGOOD monitoring, and LDO co-regulation under real-world input (5.5–25V) and load conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8112EVAL1Z implements the ISL8112's dual constant-on-time PWM architecture with independent enable, mode, and feedback controls for each SMPS channel. It validates the IC's ultrasonic pulse-skipping operation (>25kHz at light load), temperature-compensated rDS(ON) current sensing, and automatic LDO bootstrapping from BYP to support 3.3V/5V or adjustable (0.7–4.5V) auxiliary rail generation.

This board demonstrates the ISL8112's integrated features: digital soft-start (1.7ms), independent PGOOD1/PGOOD2 open-drain outputs, programmable current limit with foldback, and thermal shutdown - all configured via onboard jumpers and resistor networks matching Figures 17–19 in FN6396 Rev 1.00.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8112EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DDR memory power delivery, portable computing power validation, and dual-rail POL supply development requiring stable component supply, repeatable lab testing, and fast-turn design iteration.

Supply support for ISL8112EVAL1Z 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 precision analog, power management, and interface ICs for industrial, computing, and communications markets.

The ISL8112EVAL1Z belongs to Intersil's evaluation platform family for high-efficiency DC-DC controllers, engineered specifically to accelerate validation of dual-output, light-load-optimized power architectures in battery-constrained and thermally sensitive applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8112EVAL1Z evaluation board?

The ISL8112EVAL1Z is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the ISL8112 dual-output synchronous buck controller. It enables engineers to validate power supply performance-including output regulation accuracy, transient response, light-load efficiency, sequencing behavior, and fault protection-under real operating conditions before committing to custom PCB design. The board directly implements the ISL8112's full feature set as specified in FN6396 Rev 1.00.

Does the ISL8112EVAL1Z support both fixed and adjustable output configurations for the ISL8112?

Yes, the ISL8112EVAL1Z supports both fixed and adjustable output modes for both SMPS channels. SMPS1 can be set to fixed 1.5V or 5.0V (via FB1 tied to VCC or GND) or adjusted from 0.7V to 5.5V using an external resistor divider. SMPS2 supports fixed 1.05V or 3.3V (via OUT2REF tied to VREF2 or VCC) or adjustable 0–2.5V/5V, all verified per the ISL8112's electrical specifications and typical application circuits in FN6396.

How does the ISL8112EVAL1Z demonstrate the ISL8112's ultrasonic skip mode?

The ISL8112EVAL1Z enables ultrasonic skip mode by connecting the MODE pin to VREF1 (3.3V) or leaving it floating, as defined in FN6396. In this configuration, the board maintains switching frequency above 25kHz across light-load conditions - eliminating audible noise while preserving high efficiency. Performance curves in Figures 5, 7, 9, and 11 of FN6396 confirm this behavior for both SMPS1 and SMPS2 outputs on the ISL8112EVAL1Z platform.

Can the ISL8112EVAL1Z be used to evaluate the ISL8112's integrated LDO functionality?

Yes, the ISL8112EVAL1Z fully supports evaluation of the ISL8112's integrated LDO, including 3.3V/5V fixed outputs and adjustable 0.7–4.5V operation. The board provides access to LDOREF, BYP, and EN_LDO pins, allowing users to configure bootstrapping behavior, measure output voltage accuracy (±1.5% typ), verify 100mA/200mA current capability, and validate switch-over thresholds per Table 1 and Electrical Specifications on pages 4–5 of FN6396.

What input voltage range and load capabilities are validated on the ISL8112EVAL1Z?

The ISL8112EVAL1Z is designed to operate across the full ISL8112 input range of 5.5V to 25V DC. It supports load currents up to 5A per SMPS channel (per Figures 17–19), with onboard components rated for continuous operation. Efficiency, ripple, and thermal performance under these conditions are documented in the typical performance curves (Figures 1–14) of FN6396, confirming the board's suitability for validating high-current, high-efficiency POL applications.