Renesas ISL8117DEMO2Z

Overview

ISL8117DEMO2Z from Renesas Electronics is a fully assembled, tested demonstration board for the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller. It delivers 12V at up to 20A output with 18V–60V input, supports CCM/DEM operation modes via jumper selection, and integrates PGOOD, soft-start, and comprehensive protection (OCP/OVP/OTP/UVP). It is used to validate high-current industrial DC/DC power designs.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117DEMO2Z datasheet, ISL8117DEMO2Z test setup, ISL8117DEMO2Z layout guidelines, or ISL8117DEMO2Z component selection for 12V/20A buck conversion, this board provides verified reference performance, thermal validation at full load, and configurable operating mode evaluation under real-world conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8117DEMO2Z implements the ISL8117 controller in a fixed 12V, 20A output configuration using discrete N-channel MOSFETs (BSC067N06LS3G), a 5.6µH/28A power inductor (IHLP6767GZER5R6M11), and optimized multilayer PCB layout with dedicated PGND/SGND separation. It operates at 200kHz switching frequency with external frequency sync capability and supports prebias startup.

Functional configuration is managed via two onboard jumpers: J5 selects Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) or Diode Emulation Mode (DEM), while J6 enables hardware disable. The board includes an integrated ISL80138 LDO for auxiliary 5V bias and uses ceramic and polymer capacitors for low-ESR input/output filtering.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117DEMO2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, telecom rectifier testing, and high-density DC/DC converter development requiring stable component supply, repeatable thermal benchmarking, and production-ready layout reference.

Supply support for ISL8117DEMO2Z 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 timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure applications.

The ISL8117DEMO2Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage DC/DC evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate adoption of its synchronous buck controllers in rugged, high-efficiency power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117DEMO2Z?

The ISL8117DEMO2Z is a ready-to-use demonstration board that implements the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller to deliver 12V at up to 20A. It serves as a functional reference design for evaluating efficiency, thermal performance, protection behavior, and layout practices-enabling rapid validation of high-current DC/DC power stages before custom PCB development. The ISL8117DEMO2Z includes all critical passive and active components, jumpers for mode selection, and documented test procedures.

Can the output voltage of the ISL8117DEMO2Z be adjusted, and how?

Yes, the ISL8117DEMO2Z output voltage is adjustable from 5V to 24V by changing the feedback resistor R2, while keeping R1 fixed at 43.2kΩ. Equation 1 in the user guide (VOUT = 0.6 × (1 + R2/R1)) defines the relationship. Table 3 provides validated R2 values (e.g., 2.26kΩ for 12V, 1.1kΩ for 24V) along with corresponding inductor and capacitor selections to maintain stability and performance across the range. The ISL8117DEMO2Z's schematic and BOM confirm these component dependencies.

How do I configure CCM vs. DEM operation on the ISL8117DEMO2Z?

CCM (Continuous Conduction Mode) and DEM (Diode Emulation Mode) are selected using jumper J5: short pins 1–2 for CCM, or pins 2–3 for DEM. CCM maximizes light-load efficiency in regulated applications; DEM improves efficiency at very light loads by disabling synchronous rectification to emulate diode conduction. The ISL8117DEMO2Z user guide (Table 2, page 3) confirms this mapping and notes that DEM reduces input current ripple but may increase output voltage ripple-verified in Figures 14–15.

Does the ISL8117DEMO2Z support external synchronization, and where is the SYNC signal accessed?

Yes, the ISL8117DEMO2Z supports external clock synchronization via the MOD/SYNC pin (Pin 2) of the ISL8117 IC (U2). This signal is routed to test point TP1 on the board per the schematic (Figure 24) and is documented in Figure 21 of the user guide, which shows synchronized CLKOUT waveforms. The ISL8117DEMO2Z allows users to lock switching frequency to an external source to reduce EMI in noise-sensitive systems or synchronize multiple converters.

What thermal performance can be expected from the ISL8117DEMO2Z at full 20A load?

The ISL8117DEMO2Z is thermally validated to sustain 20A continuous output at room temperature (25°C) with no forced airflow. Its layout uses thick copper planes, optimized FET placement, and a 5.6µH/28A Vishay inductor to minimize losses. Above 40°C ambient, airflow is recommended per the user guide (page 3). Thermal imaging and load regulation curves (Figures 10–11) confirm <0.15V output deviation across 0–20A, indicating robust thermal management within the ISL8117DEMO2Z's design envelope.