Renesas ISL8117EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8117EVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is a fully assembled, tested evaluation board for the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller. It delivers 3.3V at up to 6A output current with 600kHz fixed switching frequency, supports CCM/DEM mode selection via jumper J7, and integrates OCP (≥8A), OVP, UVP, and OTP protection. Designed for high-current industrial power supplies and telecom rectifiers.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8117EVAL1Z pinout, ISL8117EVAL1Z application, or ISL8117EVAL1Z equivalent, this page provides verified electrical ratings, jumper-configurable operating modes, thermal and layout guidance, test setup requirements, and performance curves - all validated against UG030 Rev 0.00.

Technical Context

The ISL8117EVAL1Z implements a current-mode controlled synchronous buck topology using the ISL8117FVEZ controller in HTSSOP-16 package. It features external soft-start (SS pin), programmable MODE/SYNC input for CCM/DEM selection, and PGOOD indicator output - all accessible via test points and jumpers.

Input voltage range is 4.5V–60V; output is regulated to 3.3V ±3% across 0–6A load. Protection includes overcurrent (OCP set ≥8A at room temperature), overvoltage, undervoltage, and overtemperature - implemented via internal ISL8117 circuitry and discrete sensing components on the board.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, telecom rectifier prototyping, FPGA core rail development, and high-voltage DC/DC converter design requiring stable component supply and full functional verification.

Supply support for ISL8117EVAL1Z 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 ISL8117EVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage analog power evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of robust, high-efficiency buck converters for demanding industrial and telecom power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117EVAL1Z evaluation board?

The ISL8117EVAL1Z evaluation board is a ready-to-use hardware platform for evaluating the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller. It demonstrates full functionality including 3.3V/6A regulation, CCM/DEM mode selection, soft-start, PGOOD signaling, and comprehensive protection - enabling rapid validation of power stage design before custom PCB spin. The ISL8117EVAL1Z includes all necessary passives, MOSFETs, and layout-optimized routing per UG030.

How do I configure the ISL8117EVAL1Z for diode emulation (DEM) mode?

To configure the ISL8117EVAL1Z for DEM mode, install a shorting jumper across pins 2 and 3 of header J7 (as specified in Table 2 of UG030). This enables discontinuous conduction behavior at light loads, improving efficiency below ~1A. In contrast, shorting pins 1–2 configures CCM operation. The ISL8117EVAL1Z schematic confirms J7 directly connects to the ISL8117's MOD/SYNC pin for mode control.

What are the key layout considerations validated on the ISL8117EVAL1Z PCB?

The ISL8117EVAL1Z PCB implements critical high-frequency layout practices: minimized high-di/dt loops (input cap → upper/lower FETs → inductor), separate SGND/PGND planes joined near the ISL8117, short wide LGATE traces, isolated PHASE node copper, and dedicated analog ground for feedback/resistors. These are documented in UG030 Sections 4–5 and verified via thermal imaging and ripple measurements on the ISL8117EVAL1Z board.

Can the ISL8117EVAL1Z be used to evaluate different output voltages?

No - the ISL8117EVAL1Z is factory-configured for fixed 3.3V output using a specific resistor divider (R1 = 49.9kΩ, R2 = 11kΩ) connected to the FB pin. To evaluate other output voltages, users must replace these feedback resistors per the ISL8117 datasheet equation VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2); the ISL8117EVAL1Z board provides solder pads and test points to support such modifications while retaining all other functionality.

What test equipment is required to properly evaluate the ISL8117EVAL1Z?

Per UG030 Section 3, valid testing requires: (1) a 0–60V/10A+ DC power supply for VIN, (2) an electronic load capable of sinking up to 10A, (3) a 100MHz quad-trace oscilloscope with proper probe grounding (Figure 3), and (4) digital multimeters for DC accuracy. The ISL8117EVAL1Z includes test points (TP2–TP20) and connectors (J1–J7) to interface directly with this equipment without modification.