Renesas ISL8117AEVAL2Z

Overview

ISL8117AEVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board for the ISL8117A 60V synchronous buck controller, designed to demonstrate high-current DC/DC conversion with 3.3V/6A output, 4.5–60V input range, and selectable CCM/DEM operation modes. It integrates protection features including OCP (≥8A), OVP, UVP, OTP, and PGOOD indication.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117AEVAL2Z datasheet, ISL8117AEVAL2Z pinout, ISL8117AEVAL2Z application, or ISL8117AEVAL2Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-voltage buck controller performance, soft-start behavior, load transient response, and thermal management under real-world conditions using standard lab equipment.

Technical Context

The ISL8117AEVAL2Z implements the ISL8117A controller in a fixed 3.3V output configuration with external MOSFETs (NXP BUK9K17-60EX) and a 3.3µH Vishay inductor. It supports current-mode control with internal compensation, programmable switching frequency (set to 300kHz), and dual-mode operation via jumper J5 (CCM or DEM).

Power delivery is optimized through dedicated layout practices: separate SGND/PGND planes connected near the IC, minimized high-di/dt loops, short wide LGATE traces, and phase-node isolation. The board includes prebias start-up support, external sync capability, and adjustable output voltage (1.8–5V) via feedback resistor R2.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117AEVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply validation, DC/DC reference design verification, and high-voltage buck controller qualification requiring stable component supply, repeatable test setup, and documented performance curves.

Supply support for ISL8117AEVAL2Z 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, infrastructure, and IoT applications.

The ISL8117AEVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage analog power evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of robust, high-efficiency DC/DC converters for demanding industrial and telecom power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117AEVAL2Z?

The ISL8117AEVAL2Z is an evaluation board for the ISL8117A 60V synchronous buck controller. It provides a fully assembled, tested platform to validate performance-including efficiency, load regulation, transient response, and protection behavior-of the ISL8117A in a 3.3V/6A configuration. Engineers use ISL8117AEVAL2Z to reduce design risk before committing to custom PCB layouts.

Can the ISL8117AEVAL2Z be used to evaluate other output voltages besides 3.3V?

Yes. The ISL8117AEVAL2Z supports output voltage adjustment from 1.8V to 5V by changing the feedback resistor R2 (11kΩ for 3.3V). Table 3 in the UG050 user guide specifies R2 values: 24.9kΩ for 1.8V and 6.8kΩ for 5V. The ISL8117AEVAL2Z schematic and layout maintain stability across this range when appropriate external components are substituted.

How do I configure the ISL8117AEVAL2Z for diode emulation mode (DEM)?

To enable DEM on the ISL8117AEVAL2Z, install a shorting jumper across pins 2 and 3 of header J5 (per Table 2 in UG050). This configures the ISL8117A for pulse-skipping operation at light loads, improving efficiency below ~1A. CCM mode uses pins 1–2. The ISL8117AEVAL2Z's measured ripple and start-up waveforms (Figures 16–19) confirm correct DEM/CCM behavior.

Does the ISL8117AEVAL2Z include thermal management provisions for extended 6A operation?

The ISL8117AEVAL2Z relies on ambient airflow for sustained 6A operation, as stated in its operating range section. Its layout uses 2oz copper, thermal vias under power components, and a compact high-density design-but no heatsinks or forced cooling. For continuous 6A testing, Renesas recommends active airflow, especially above +60°C ambient. The ISL8117AEVAL2Z's thermal performance is validated per Figure 13 (efficiency vs. load) at 24V input.

What test equipment is required to properly evaluate the ISL8117AEVAL2Z?

Renesas specifies a 0–60V/10A power supply, electronic load capable of sinking up to 10A, 100MHz quad-trace oscilloscope, and digital multimeters. Proper probe setup (Figure 2) is critical for accurate ripple and phase-node ringing measurements. The ISL8117AEVAL2Z includes test points TP1–TP19 and terminal posts (J1, J7–J9) to interface directly with this equipment without soldering or modification.