Renesas ISL8117AEVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8117AEVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is a demonstration board built around the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller, configured for 3.3V/6A output with 4.5V–60V input range, 600kHz switching frequency, and integrated OCP/OVP/OTP/UVP protection. It serves as a reference design for high-current industrial DC/DC conversion in power supplies and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117AEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8117AEVAL1Z pinout, ISL8117AEVAL1Z application, or ISL8117AEVAL1Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-voltage buck topology performance, soft-start behavior, DEM/CCM mode selection, PGOOD signaling, and external frequency synchronization under real load and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8117AEVAL1Z implements a current-mode controlled synchronous buck architecture using the ISL8117FVEZ controller in HTSSOP-16 package, paired with NXP BUK9K17-60EX dual N-channel MOSFETs and Wurth 7443340330 3.3µH power inductor. It supports both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and diode emulation mode (DEM) with prebias start-up capability.

Key implementation features include external soft-start timing via capacitor, programmable OCP threshold (≥8A), 3.3V output regulation accuracy within ±3%, and phase-node optimized layout with dedicated PGND/SGND separation per Renesas layout guidelines. The board delivers up to 6A output while maintaining <10mVpp ripple in CCM at full load.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117AEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, embedded system prototyping, and high-voltage DC/DC converter qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ISL8117AEVAL1Z 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 specializing in microcontrollers, analog power, and mixed-signal solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure applications.

The ISL8117AEVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage analog power evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate development of robust, high-efficiency DC/DC converters for harsh-environment and high-reliability applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117AEVAL1Z demonstration board?

The ISL8117AEVAL1Z demonstration board is a fully assembled and tested reference design that showcases the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller in a working 3.3V/6A power stage. It enables engineers to evaluate loop stability, transient response, efficiency curves, protection behavior, and layout best practices without designing from scratch. The ISL8117AEVAL1Z includes all critical passive components, gate drivers, and monitoring points for oscilloscope probing.

Does the ISL8117AEVAL1Z support both CCM and DEM operating modes?

Yes, the ISL8117AEVAL1Z supports both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and diode emulation mode (DEM) via jumper-selectable configuration. DEM improves light-load efficiency by disabling synchronous rectification during off-time, reducing reverse recovery losses. The ISL8117AEVAL1Z schematic and layout maintain optimal gate drive integrity and phase-node routing for stable operation in either mode across the full 4.5V–60V input range.

Can the ISL8117AEVAL1Z be synchronized to an external clock source?

Yes, the ISL8117AEVAL1Z includes a SYNC input terminal compatible with the ISL8117's external frequency synchronization feature. Applying a clean TTL/CMOS clock signal between 100kHz and 2MHz allows precise alignment of switching edges to avoid interference with other system clocks or reduce EMI through spectral spreading. The ISL8117AEVAL1Z board routes the SYNC signal with controlled impedance and local decoupling to ensure jitter-free locking.

What thermal considerations apply when operating the ISL8117AEVAL1Z at full 6A load?

At 6A output, the ISL8117AEVAL1Z requires adequate airflow-especially over the MOSFETs and inductor-to maintain junction temperatures within the −40°C to +125°C operating range of the ISL8117FVEZ controller. Without forced cooling, sustained 6A operation may trigger thermal shutdown. The ISL8117AEVAL1Z PCB uses 2oz copper layers and thermal vias under Q1 and U1 to enhance heat dissipation, but ambient temperature and board mounting orientation significantly impact thermal margin.

How is output voltage set and adjusted on the ISL8117AEVAL1Z?

The ISL8117AEVAL1Z sets its 3.3V output using a precision resistor divider (R1 = 49.9kΩ, R2 = 11kΩ) connected to the FB pin of the ISL8117FVEZ, matching the internal 0.6V reference. Output voltage can be adjusted by replacing R1 and/or R2 with values satisfying V_OUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2). The ISL8117AEVAL1Z layout places these resistors near the controller with short, low-noise traces to minimize feedback loop error and noise coupling.