Renesas ISL8117DEMO1Z

Overview

ISL8117DEMO1Z from Renesas Electronics is a fully assembled, tested demonstration board for the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller. It delivers a regulated 3.3V/6A output from a 4.5V–60V input, features 600kHz switching frequency, integrated OCP/OVP/OTP/UVP protection, and supports both CCM and DEM operating modes. It is used to evaluate high-efficiency, high-current DC/DC conversion in industrial power supplies and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117DEMO1Z datasheet, ISL8117DEMO1Z test setup, ISL8117DEMO1Z performance curves, or ISL8117DEMO1Z layout guidelines, this board provides validated reference design data-including measured efficiency, load regulation, startup behavior, ripple, and transient response-for rapid prototyping and design validation of 60V-input buck converters.

Technical Context

The ISL8117DEMO1Z implements the ISL8117 controller in a fixed-output 3.3V configuration with external MOSFETs (NXP BUK9K17-60EX) and a 3.3µH power inductor (Wurth 7443340330). Its current-mode control architecture, internal compensation, and programmable soft-start enable stable operation across wide input voltage (4.5V–60V) and load (0–6A) ranges.

It supports critical evaluation functions including external frequency synchronization, prebias start-up, PGOOD indication, and selectable DEM/CCM mode-enabling engineers to assess light-load efficiency, thermal performance at 125°C junction temperature, and robustness under line/load transients and short-circuit conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117DEMO1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, embedded system power architecture review, and high-voltage DC/DC converter qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ISL8117DEMO1Z 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 ISL8117DEMO1Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage analog power portfolio and was designed to accelerate adoption of the ISL8117 buck controller in rugged, high-efficiency power conversion systems demanding 60V input capability and fast transient response.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117DEMO1Z?

The ISL8117DEMO1Z is a ready-to-use demonstration board that implements the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller to deliver a regulated 3.3V/6A output. It serves as a hardware reference for evaluating electrical performance, thermal behavior, layout practices, and protection features-enabling engineers to validate designs before committing to custom PCB development. The ISL8117DEMO1Z includes all necessary passive components, power MOSFETs, and test points for immediate bench testing.

Can the ISL8117DEMO1Z be modified to generate a different output voltage?

Yes-the ISL8117DEMO1Z is based on the adjustable ISL8117 controller, and its output voltage is set by an external resistor divider (R1/R2 on the schematic). While shipped configured for 3.3V, users can recalculate and replace these resistors to achieve other output voltages within the ISL8117's supported range (typically 0.6V to VIN − 2V), provided external components (FETs, inductor, capacitors) remain appropriately rated. The ISL8117DEMO1Z user guide provides design equations and layout guidance for such modifications.

What test equipment is required to evaluate the ISL8117DEMO1Z?

To fully characterize the ISL8117DEMO1Z, Renesas recommends a 0–60V/10A DC power supply, electronic loads capable of sinking up to 10A, a 100MHz quad-trace oscilloscope, and digital multimeters. These tools enable measurement of key parameters including output voltage accuracy, ripple (<10mV in CCM), load/line regulation, startup timing, transient response (e.g., 0A→6A step), and phase-node ringing-per the waveforms and test setups documented in UG031 for the ISL8117DEMO1Z.

Does the ISL8117DEMO1Z support synchronization to an external clock?

Yes-the ISL8117DEMO1Z exposes the SYNC pin of the ISL8117 controller and includes circuitry to accept an external clock signal (Figure 17 in UG031). This allows precise switching frequency alignment with other converters in multi-rail systems, reducing beat frequencies and improving EMI performance. The board demonstrates stable lock-up across the full 100kHz–2MHz programmable range of the ISL8117, and the ISL8117DEMO1Z schematic shows the required pull-up and AC-coupling components for reliable sync operation.

How does the ISL8117DEMO1Z handle light-load efficiency?

The ISL8117DEMO1Z achieves high light-load efficiency by enabling Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DEM) operation via the MODE pin. In DEM, the controller skips pulses to reduce switching losses, delivering >85% efficiency at 100mA load (per Figure 7 in UG031). This behavior is inherent to the ISL8117's architecture and is fully implemented and verified on the ISL8117DEMO1Z-making it suitable for battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications where standby power matters.