Renesas ISL8117DEMO4Z

Overview

ISL8117DEMO4Z from Renesas Electronics is a demonstration board for the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller, configured with fixed 5V output (adjustable 1.8V–5V), 6A rated load current, 300kHz switching frequency, and integrated OCP/OVP/OTP/UVP protection. It enables rapid evaluation of high-voltage DC/DC conversion in industrial power supplies and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117DEMO4Z datasheet, ISL8117DEMO4Z pinout, ISL8117DEMO4Z application, or ISL8117DEMO4Z equivalent, this board provides validated reference design, thermal performance data, layout guidelines, and test-ready interface points (J1–J5) for quick integration into 6V–60V input, 5V/6A power stage validation.

Technical Context

The ISL8117DEMO4Z implements the ISL8117 controller in current-mode PWM architecture with external soft-start, independent enable, and programmable DEM/CCM operation. It uses a QFN16-packaged ISL8117FRZ IC driving dual N-channel MOSFETs (BUK9K17-60EX) and a 3.3µH power inductor to deliver regulated 5V output.

Input voltage range is 6V–60V; output is preset to 5V (±3% regulation) with adjustable range via feedback resistor R2 (68kΩ for 5V); overcurrent protection is set at minimum 8A at room temperature. The board supports prebias start-up, external frequency sync, and PGOOD monitoring.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117DEMO4Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, high-voltage DC/DC converter prototyping, and embedded system power stage qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ISL8117DEMO4Z 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 ISL8117DEMO4Z belongs to Renesas' Industrial Analog and Power demonstration platform line, designed to accelerate development of robust, high-efficiency DC/DC converters for harsh-input industrial environments.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117DEMO4Z?

The ISL8117DEMO4Z is a fully assembled demonstration board for the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller. It provides a ready-to-test platform with fixed 5V output (1.8V–5V adjustable), 6A capability, and all necessary passive components, enabling immediate evaluation of high-voltage step-down conversion without custom PCB design. The ISL8117DEMO4Z integrates the ISL8117FRZ QFN16 controller, dual N-channel MOSFETs, and supporting circuitry per UG133 Rev.0.00.

Can the output voltage of the ISL8117DEMO4Z be changed from 5V?

Yes - the ISL8117DEMO4Z output is preset to 5V using R2 = 68kΩ and R1 = 499kΩ, but it can be adjusted from 1.8V to 5V by replacing R2 per Equation 1 in UG133: R2 = R1 × (VOUT − 0.6)/0.6. For example, R2 = 24.9kΩ yields 1.8V. Note that R11 must be removed unless VOUT = 5V, and minimum VIN increases below 3.3V output (e.g., ~4.5V for full load at 1.8V).

What input voltage range does the ISL8117DEMO4Z support?

The ISL8117DEMO4Z supports an input voltage range of 6V to 60V DC, as specified in Table 1 of UG133. This range applies when delivering 5V output at up to 6A. At lower output voltages (e.g., 1.8V), the minimum usable VIN rises to approximately 4.5V under full load due to controller headroom requirements. Input is applied via screw terminals J1 (+) and J2 (−).

Does the ISL8117DEMO4Z include protection features?

Yes - the ISL8117DEMO4Z inherits full protection functionality from the ISL8117 controller, including overcurrent protection (OCP) set at minimum 8A, overvoltage protection (OVP), undervoltage protection (UVP), and overtemperature protection (OTP). These are implemented in hardware via the ISL8117's internal comparators and fault latching, with PGOOD indicator output (pin 3) signaling valid regulation status.

What are the key layout and test considerations for the ISL8117DEMO4Z?

The ISL8117DEMO4Z follows strict high-frequency buck layout rules: critical power loops (input cap → upper/lower FETs → inductor) are minimized; SGND and PGND are separated and joined only near the ISL8117; PHASE node routing avoids coupling; and probe points follow Figure 2 in UG133 for accurate ripple measurement. Recommended test equipment includes a 0–60V/10A supply, 10A electronic load, DMMs, and 100MHz oscilloscope with proper grounding.