Renesas ISL8117DEMO3Z

Overview

ISL8117DEMO3Z from Renesas Electronics is a demonstration board built around the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller, delivering 3.3V at up to 6A output with 300kHz fixed switching frequency, integrated UV/OV/OC/OT protection, and programmable soft-start. It serves as a validated reference design for high-current industrial DC/DC conversion in 4.5–60V input systems.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117DEMO3Z datasheet, ISL8117DEMO3Z pinout, ISL8117DEMO3Z application, or ISL8117DEMO3Z equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of the ISL8117 controller's CCM/DEM mode operation, prebias start-up, external sync capability, PGOOD signaling, and thermal performance under real load conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8117DEMO3Z implements a current-mode controlled synchronous buck topology using the ISL8117 QFN-16 controller IC, paired with NXP BUK9K17-60EX dual N-channel MOSFETs and Vishay IHLP3232DZER3R3M11 3.3µH power inductor. Its layout isolates SGND and PGND planes per Renesas layout guidelines to suppress noise coupling from high-dv/dt PHASE node switching.

It supports both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DEM), with DEM enabling high light-load efficiency. The board's OCP threshold is set to ≥8A at room temperature, and output voltage is preset to 3.3V via R1=499kΩ and R2=11kΩ feedback network per Equation 1.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117DEMO3Z 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, traceable sourcing, and documented thermal performance.

Supply support for ISL8117DEMO3Z 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 SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, and infrastructure markets.

The ISL8117DEMO3Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage power management demonstration platform family, designed to accelerate adoption of the ISL8117 buck controller in rugged, high-efficiency industrial and transportation power applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117DEMO3Z?

The ISL8117DEMO3Z is a fully assembled demonstration board that implements the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller to deliver regulated 3.3V at up to 6A. It is not an IC or discrete component but a functional reference design used to evaluate the ISL8117's performance, layout practices, protection behavior, and thermal response under real operating conditions. Engineers use the ISL8117DEMO3Z to validate system-level integration before custom PCB design.

Can the ISL8117DEMO3Z output voltage be adjusted, and how?

Yes, the ISL8117DEMO3Z output voltage is adjustable from 1.8V to 5V by modifying the feedback resistor divider. The preset 3.3V uses R1 = 499kΩ and R2 = 11kΩ; Table 2 in the UG058 user guide specifies alternate values (e.g., R2 = 24.9kΩ for 1.8V). Equation 1 (V_OUT = 0.6 × (1 + R2/R1)) governs the relationship, and all calculations assume the ISL8117's internal 0.6V reference. The ISL8117DEMO3Z schematic confirms R1 and R2 placement on the feedback network.

Does the ISL8117DEMO3Z support external frequency synchronization?

Yes, the ISL8117DEMO3Z supports external frequency synchronization via the MOD/SYNC pin (Pin 10) of the ISL8117 controller. This allows the ISL8117DEMO3Z to lock its 300kHz switching frequency to an external clock source, eliminating beat frequencies in multi-rail systems. The board's schematic shows Pin 10 routed to a test point and configured for sync mode, consistent with the ISL8117 datasheet's timing diagram and sync input specifications.

What protection features are implemented on the ISL8117DEMO3Z?

The ISL8117DEMO3Z implements full protection as enabled by the ISL8117 IC: undervoltage lockout (UVP), overvoltage protection (OVP), overcurrent protection (OCP) with ≥8A trip threshold at room temperature, and overtemperature protection (OTP). These functions are hardware-based and do not require firmware. The board's UG058 user guide confirms autonomous shutdown behavior and lists all protections under "Key Features" and "Operating Range" sections.

Is airflow required when operating the ISL8117DEMO3Z at full load?

Yes, airflow is explicitly required for reliable operation of the ISL8117DEMO3Z at full 6A load. The UG058 user guide states "Please note that airflow is needed" in the Operating Range section, referencing the ISL8117's −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range and the thermal limitations of the onboard BUK9K17-60EX MOSFETs and IHLP3232DZER3R3M11 inductor. Without forced air, thermal derating or reduced output current is necessary to maintain safe operating temperatures.