Renesas ISL8117EVAL2Z

Overview

ISL8117EVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is a fully assembled, ready-to-use evaluation board for the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller. It delivers 12V at up to 20A output current with 300kHz fixed switching frequency, supports CCM/DEM mode selection via jumper J5, and integrates OCP (≥25A), OVP, UVP, and OTP protection. Designed for high-current industrial DC/DC converter validation, it enables rapid characterization of efficiency, load/line regulation, startup behavior, and transient response.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8117EVAL2Z datasheet, ISL8117EVAL2Z pinout, ISL8117EVAL2Z application, or ISL8117EVAL2Z equivalent, this board provides immediate access to test points (TP1–TP19), configurable operating modes, thermal performance validation at full 20A load without forced airflow, and synchronized frequency input capability - all critical for power supply design verification and layout optimization.

Technical Context

The ISL8117EVAL2Z implements the ISL8117 QFN-16 controller in a complete 12V/20A synchronous buck topology using four Infineon BSC067N06LS3G MOSFETs and a Vishay IHLP6767GZER3R3M11 3.3µH inductor. Its current-mode control architecture, internal compensation, and programmable soft-start enable stable operation across 18V–60V input while supporting prebias startup and external frequency synchronization.

Board-level features include dual-mode operation (CCM via J5 pins 1–2, DEM via J5 pins 2–3), disable control via J6, PGOOD indicator, and dedicated test points for phase node, gate drive, CLKOUT, and feedback signals - enabling precise measurement of ripple, ringing, and dynamic response per Figures 10–19 in UG020.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8117EVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply development, telecom rectifier validation, and high-voltage DC/DC converter prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for ISL8117EVAL2Z 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 ISL8117EVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage DC/DC evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of its ISL8117 synchronous buck controller in rugged, high-efficiency power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8117EVAL2Z?

The ISL8117EVAL2Z is an evaluation board built around the ISL8117 60V synchronous buck controller IC. Its purpose is to provide a fully populated, tested reference design that allows engineers to validate performance metrics-including efficiency, transient response, thermal behavior, and protection functionality-under real-world conditions before committing to custom PCB design. The ISL8117EVAL2Z enables rapid assessment of the ISL8117's capabilities in high-current, wide-input-voltage applications.

Does the ISL8117EVAL2Z support both CCM and DEM operating modes?

Yes, the ISL8117EVAL2Z supports both Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) and Diode Emulation Mode (DEM) via jumper J5. Shorting pins 1–2 configures CCM for high-load efficiency; shorting pins 2–3 enables DEM for improved light-load efficiency. This dual-mode capability lets users directly compare trade-offs between regulation accuracy and efficiency across load ranges using the same ISL8117EVAL2Z board.

What is the maximum verified output current for the ISL8117EVAL2Z?

The ISL8117EVAL2Z is rated for 20A continuous output current at 12V with 18V–60V input, validated under room-temperature ambient conditions without forced airflow. This rating is achieved using the onboard Infineon BSC067N06LS3G MOSFETs and Vishay IHLP6767GZER3R3M11 inductor. The ISL8117 gate driver supports up to 30A peak current, but the ISL8117EVAL2Z's practical limit remains 20A due to thermal and layout constraints of the evaluation board.

Can the ISL8117EVAL2Z be synchronized to an external clock source?

Yes, the ISL8117EVAL2Z supports external frequency synchronization via the SYNC pin on the ISL8117 controller. As shown in Figure 17 of UG020, the board accepts an external clock signal (e.g., 400kHz) to align switching frequency with system-level timing requirements - reducing beat frequencies and EMI in multi-rail power systems. The ISL8117EVAL2Z includes necessary routing and test points (TP15) for seamless integration of external sync signals.

How does the ISL8117EVAL2Z handle overcurrent protection?

The ISL8117EVAL2Z implements overcurrent protection (OCP) via the ISL8117's internal current-sense amplifier and comparator, with a minimum trip threshold of 25A at room ambient temperature. When triggered, the controller disables PWM output and enters hiccup or latch-off mode depending on configuration. The ISL8117EVAL2Z's OCP point is set by R14 (100kΩ) and can be recalibrated; its behavior is validated in Figure 19 of UG020, showing clean short-circuit response and recovery.