Renesas ISL81601EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL81601EVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board for the ISL81601 60V bidirectional 4-switch synchronous buck-boost controller, configured for 9V–60V input, 12V output, and 10A continuous load. It implements the full control architecture-including dual current sensing (ISEN+/ISEN−, CS+/CS−), independent buck/boost loops, and valley/peak current modulation-and supports DE/Burst mode, external sync, and parallel operation. The board enables rapid validation of battery backup, UPS, and industrial power systems.

For engineers reviewing the ISL81601EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL81601EVAL1Z schematic, ISL81601EVAL1Z layout, or ISL81601EVAL1Z test setup, this board delivers verified reference design implementation of the ISL81601 QFN-based controller with pre-characterized thermal performance, protection behavior (OVP/UVP/OTP/OCP), and bidirectional transient response under real-world VIN/VOUT combinations.

Technical Context

The ISL81601EVAL1Z implements the ISL81601's proprietary buck-boost algorithm with valley current modulation in Boost mode and peak current modulation in Buck mode. It validates four independent control loops-input/output voltage and current-with cycle-by-cycle peak current limiting on both ends and dual-level OCP (average + pulse-by-pulse).

This board demonstrates the IC's true bidirectional capability: seamless direction reversal without reconfiguration, pre-biased output startup, and SR soft-start. It incorporates all critical support circuitry-bootstrap networks (BOOT1/BOOT2), bias supplies (VDD, VCC5V, EXTBIAS), and current monitor interfaces (IMON_IN/IMON_OUT)-as specified in FN9299 Rev.3.1.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL81601EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery backup systems, UPS/storage designs, and industrial power supply development requiring stable component supply and validated reference implementation.

Supply support for ISL81601EVAL1Z 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 high-performance analog, power, and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The ISL81601 product line targets high-reliability bidirectional DC-DC conversion in energy storage, telecom rectification, and after-market automotive applications-emphasizing fast transient response, multilayer protection, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL81601EVAL1Z evaluation board?

The ISL81601EVAL1Z evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for validating the ISL81601 60V bidirectional 4-switch buck-boost controller. It implements the reference design shown in Figure 4 of FN9299 Rev.3.1, supporting 9V–60V input, 12V output, and 10A load. Engineers use ISL81601EVAL1Z to verify control loop stability, bidirectional transition behavior, protection responses, and thermal performance before custom PCB design.

Does the ISL81601EVAL1Z support both buck and boost modes simultaneously?

No-the ISL81601EVAL1Z operates in either buck or boost mode depending on input-output voltage relationship, but its underlying ISL81601 controller enables true bidirectional power flow with independent control of voltage and current on both ends. The board validates seamless mode transitions using the proprietary algorithm, as confirmed in Section 5.6 of FN9299 Rev.3.1. ISL81601EVAL1Z does not deliver simultaneous buck+boost; it delivers controlled unidirectional or reversible power transfer.

What are the key differences between ISL81601EVAL1Z and ISL81601EVAL2Z?

ISL81601EVAL1Z is configured for 9V–60V input and 12V/10A output using the ISL81601 QFN package, while ISL81601EVAL2Z targets 32V–60V input and 48V/5A output using the HTSSOP package (Figure 5). Component values differ: ISL81601EVAL1Z uses L1 = 5.6µH and C4 = 2200µF/16V; ISL81601EVAL2Z uses L1 = 22µH and C4 = 470µF/100V. Both validate the same ISL81601 functionality but for distinct voltage-current operating points.

Can the ISL81601EVAL1Z be used to evaluate parallel operation of multiple ISL81601 controllers?

Yes-ISL81601EVAL1Z includes provisions for multi-chip synchronization: BSTEN and CLKEN pins are routed for inter-board connection, and OV, IMON_IN, and FB_IN pins support cascaded phase interleaving per Section 5.12 of FN9299 Rev.3.1. Parallel operation requires matching board configurations and external clock distribution; ISL81601EVAL1Z provides the necessary signal access points and layout guidance for such testing.

What protection features are validated on the ISL81601EVAL1Z board?

The ISL81601EVAL1Z validates full protection coverage per the ISL81601 datasheet: input/output overvoltage (OV pin), undervoltage lockout (EN/UVLO), overtemperature (OTP), and dual-level overcurrent (average current limit + pulse-by-pulse peak current limit on both ISEN and CS paths). These are confirmed through fault latch behavior, PGOOD assertion timing, and shutdown recovery sequences documented in Sections 6.1–6.5 of FN9299 Rev.3.1. ISL81601EVAL1Z includes dedicated test points for all protection signals.