Renesas ISL8117ADEMO3Z

Overview

ISL8117ADEMO3Z from Renesas Electronics is a demonstration board built around the ISL8117A 60V synchronous buck controller, delivering 5V/6A output with 300kHz switching frequency, wide 6V–60V input range, and integrated OCP/OVP/OTP/UVP protection. It serves as a validated reference design for high-power-density industrial DC/DC conversion.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117ADEMO3Z datasheet, ISL8117ADEMO3Z pinout, ISL8117ADEMO3Z application, or ISL8117ADEMO3Z equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of high-voltage buck topology performance, layout best practices, thermal behavior under 6A load, and DEM/CCM mode selection via jumper configuration.

Technical Context

The ISL8117ADEMO3Z implements a current-mode controlled synchronous buck converter using the ISL8117A QFN16 controller, paired with dual N-channel MOSFETs (BUK9K17-60EX) and a 3.3µH power inductor. It supports both discontinuous conduction mode (DEM) for high light-load efficiency and continuous conduction mode (CCM) for full-load stability.

Input voltage is applied via terminal posts J1 (+) and J2 (–); regulated 5V output is delivered at J3 (+) and J5 (–). Mode selection between DEM and CCM is controlled by jumper RJ, while output voltage is preset to 5V via R1 (49.9kΩ) and R2 (6.8kΩ) feedback network per the 0.6V reference.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117ADEMO3Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, high-voltage DC/DC reference design verification, and buck controller qualification requiring stable component supply and documented thermal/mechanical implementation.

Supply support for ISL8117ADEMO3Z 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 industrial, automotive, and infrastructure applications with emphasis on reliability and system integration.

The ISL8117ADEMO3Z belongs to Renesas' Industrial Analog and Power demonstration platform family, designed to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, high-voltage synchronous buck controllers in ruggedized industrial power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117ADEMO3Z?

The ISL8117ADEMO3Z is a fully assembled demonstration board that showcases the ISL8117A 60V synchronous buck controller in a working 5V/6A power stage. It provides engineers with a ready-to-test hardware platform to validate performance, thermal behavior, layout techniques, and protection features-without designing from scratch. The ISL8117ADEMO3Z includes all critical passive and active components, test points, and configurable jumpers for mode selection and voltage scaling.

Can the output voltage of the ISL8117ADEMO3Z be adjusted, and how?

Yes, the ISL8117ADEMO3Z output voltage can be adjusted from 1.8V to 5V by modifying the feedback resistor divider (R1 and R2) per the equation VOUT = 0.6 × (1 + R2/R1). The board ships with R1 = 49.9kΩ and R2 = 6.8kΩ for 5V. For other voltages, Table 2 in the UG134 manual specifies R2 values (e.g., 24.9kΩ for 1.8V). Note: R11 must be removed unless VOUT = 5V, and minimum VIN increases below 3.3V output.

How does the DEM/CCM mode selection work on the ISL8117ADEMO3Z?

DEM (Discontinuous Conduction Mode) or CCM (Continuous Conduction Mode) operation on the ISL8117ADEMO3Z is selected via jumper RJ. When RJ is closed (0Ω), DEM mode is enabled for higher light-load efficiency; when open, CCM mode is active for improved regulation and ripple performance at full load. This configuration directly controls the MOD/SYNC pin logic level on the ISL8117A, enabling seamless transition between modes without firmware or external circuitry.

What are the key thermal and layout considerations validated by the ISL8117ADEMO3Z?

The ISL8117ADEMO3Z validates multilayer PCB layout techniques critical for high-frequency, high-current buck converters: tight power loop routing (VIN → Q1A → Q1B → L1), separate SGND/PGND planes joined only at the IC, short LGATE traces, localized VCC5 bypassing, and PHASE node copper optimization to minimize dv/dt coupling. Its thermal design requires forced airflow due to the −40°C to +125°C operating range of the ISL8117A and power FET losses at 6A.

Does the ISL8117ADEMO3Z include protection against overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal faults?

Yes, the ISL8117ADEMO3Z implements full protection via the ISL8117A's integrated circuits: overcurrent protection (OCP) with ≥8A trip threshold, overvoltage protection (OVP), undervoltage protection (UVP), and overtemperature protection (OTP). These functions are hardware-based, latched, and indicated via the PGOOD signal. Fault conditions cause immediate shutdown and require EN pin reset-ensuring robust safeguarding during lab testing and prototype validation of the ISL8117ADEMO3Z.