Renesas ISL81401EVAL1Z

Overview

The ISL81401EVAL1Z evaluation board from Renesas Electronics features the ISL81401 40V high-voltage synchronous buck-boost controller, supporting 6V–40V input, 12V/8A output, bi-directional operation, programmable 100kHz–600kHz switching frequency, and integrated UV/OV/OC/OT protection.

For engineers reviewing the ISL81401EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL81401EVAL1Z test setup, ISL81401EVAL1Z performance curves, or ISL81401EVAL1Z layout guidelines, this board enables full functional validation of the ISL81401 controller in high-current DC/DC applications including industrial power supplies, battery backup systems, and bidirectional energy storage interfaces.

Technical Context

The ISL81401EVAL1Z implements a four-switch synchronous buck-boost topology using discrete N-channel MOSFETs (BSC032N04LS and BSC024NE2LSATMA1), a 4.7µH power inductor, and dual-stage ceramic + polymer capacitor filtering. It supports both CCM and DEM modes via jumper-selectable configuration.

Bi-directional operation is enabled by floating the FBI pin and setting MODE to CCM, allowing controlled energy transfer between input and output-e.g., charging a supercapacitor from VIN then discharging back to VIN. The board operates across –40°C to +85°C with continuous 8A output at room temperature without forced airflow.

Key Specifications

Availability

The ISL81401EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply development, battery-backed system validation, bidirectional energy interface prototyping, and high-efficiency DC/DC converter design requiring stable component supply and technical support.

Supply support for ISL81401EVAL1Z 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 Corporation is a global semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in microcontrollers, analog power ICs, and SoC solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The ISL81401EVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' Industrial Analog and Power evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of high-voltage, high-efficiency, and bi-directional DC/DC converters for demanding industrial and energy-storage applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL81401EVAL1Z evaluation board?

The ISL81401EVAL1Z evaluation board is a fully assembled, tested reference platform for the ISL81401 40V synchronous buck-boost controller. It enables engineers to validate key performance metrics-including efficiency, load/line transient response, soft-start behavior, bi-directional operation, and protection features-under real-world conditions before integrating the ISL81401 into custom designs.

Does the ISL81401EVAL1Z support bi-directional power flow, and how is it configured?

Yes, the ISL81401EVAL1Z supports bi-directional operation. To enable it, the FBI pin (J7) must be left floating and the MODE pin set to CCM before powering on. This allows energy transfer from output to input-for example, charging a supercapacitor from VIN, then discharging it back to VIN. The supercapacitor voltage rating must exceed 12V, and proper sequencing per Figure 2 in UG188 Rev. 0.00 is required.

How do I configure DEM mode versus PWM mode on the ISL81401EVAL1Z?

DEM (Discontinuous Conduction Mode) or PWM (Forced Continuous Conduction Mode) is selected using jumper J8. Shorting Pins 1–2 configures PWM mode; shorting Pins 2–3 configures DEM mode. This selection directly controls the ISL81401's gate drive logic and impacts light-load efficiency, output ripple, and audible noise-DEM improves efficiency below ~1A load, while PWM ensures fixed-frequency operation across all loads.

What are the key layout considerations validated by the ISL81401EVAL1Z PCB design?

The ISL81401EVAL1Z PCB implements best-practice layout techniques for high-frequency, high-current buck-boost converters: tight input/output power loops, separate SGND/PGND planes joined only near the ISL81401 EPAD, short gate-drive traces, localized VDD bypassing, and phase-node copper isolation to minimize dv/dt coupling. Its 4-layer stack-up (signal–ground–power–signal) and component placement serve as a verified reference for custom board development.

Can the ISL81401EVAL1Z output voltage be adjusted, and what components control it?

Yes, the ISL81401EVAL1Z output voltage is set to 12V by default using resistors R2 and R3 in the feedback divider network (FB_OUT pin). To adjust VOUT, replace R2 and/or R3 with values satisfying VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R2/R3), where 0.6V is the ISL81401's internal reference. The board's schematic (Figure 7) and Bill of Materials (page 10) identify these components and their footprints for modification.