Renesas ISL81807EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL81807EVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is a dual-phase evaluation board designed to validate the ISL81807 80V high-voltage synchronous boost controller in high-output-voltage applications. It supports input voltages from 12V to 36V, delivers up to 240W output power (at VIN = 24V/36V), and enables configurable output voltages of 36V, 48V, 60V, or 80V via jumper selection. The board integrates EPC2218 GaN FETs, TDK SPM10065VT-4R7M-D inductors, and full protection features including pulse-by-pulse OCP (20.5A), input average OCP (18A), OTP, UVP, and OVP.

For engineers reviewing the ISL81807EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL81807EVAL1Z pinout, ISL81807EVAL1Z application, or ISL81807EVAL1Z equivalent, this evaluation platform provides verified reference design, thermal performance data at 240W continuous operation, jumper-based VOUT configuration, dual-phase timing alignment, and layout guidelines compliant with high-dv/dt GaN switching requirements.

Technical Context

The ISL81807EVAL1Z implements a dual-phase, forced-PWM synchronous boost topology using the ISL81807 controller IC and four EPC2218 GaN FETs (two per phase). It operates at a fixed 500kHz switching frequency set by R29 (68kΩ), with independent soft-start (C41 = 47nF, tSS ≈ 9.4ms) and programmable UVLO thresholds (rising: 9.55V, falling: 7.5V) configured via resistor dividers.

Output voltage is selected via jumpers J3/J4/J5 on the feedback divider network - enabling discrete 36V (J5 only), 48V (J4 only), 60V (J3 only), or 80V (no jumper) settings. Protection includes dual-level overcurrent: pulse-by-pulse (20.5A) and input-average (18A), plus PGOOD indication, external bias support, and pre-bias start-up capability.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL81807EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-voltage DC/DC development, GaN-based power supply validation, and industrial battery-charger reference design requiring stable component supply and documented thermal performance.

Supply support for ISL81807EVAL1Z 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, and infrastructure markets.

The ISL81807EVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage power management evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of GaN-based synchronous boost converters in 48V–80V output systems such as telecom rectifiers, industrial HVDC supplies, and EV auxiliary power units.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL81807EVAL1Z?

The ISL81807EVAL1Z is a dual-phase evaluation board built around the ISL81807 80V synchronous boost controller. Its purpose is to provide a fully tested, production-ready reference platform for validating high-efficiency, high-output-voltage boost converter designs using GaN FETs. It enables rapid prototyping of 36V–80V outputs from 12V–36V inputs, with integrated thermal, layout, and protection validation - all documented in Renesas' R16UZ0018EU0100 manual. Engineers use the ISL81807EVAL1Z to verify performance before custom PCB design.

How is output voltage configured on the ISL81807EVAL1Z?

Output voltage on the ISL81807EVAL1Z is configured exclusively via hardware jumpers J3, J4, and J5 - no software or register writes are needed. Installing a jumper on J5 sets VOUT = 36V; J4 alone sets 48V; J3 alone sets 60V; and removing all three jumpers configures the default 80V output. This jumper-based selection directly adjusts the feedback divider ratio connected to the ISL81807's FB1 pin, ensuring deterministic, repeatable, and field-serviceable voltage setup without reprogramming.

What power components are used on the ISL81807EVAL1Z board?

The ISL81807EVAL1Z uses EPC2218 100V GaN FETs (Q1–Q4) and TDK SPM10065VT-4R7M-D 4.7µH power inductors (L1, L2) as its core switching elements. Input and output filtering employs a mix of polymer electrolytics (Panasonic 100SXV27M, 50SVPK120M) and MLCCs (TDK CGA4J3X7S2A105K125AB, Taiyo Yuden HMK107C7224KAHTE). The ISL81807FRTZ controller (U1) is mounted in a 5×5mm TQFN-32 package. All component selections are optimized for 240W continuous operation and high dv/dt resilience.

Does the ISL81807EVAL1Z support pre-bias start-up and soft-start?

Yes, the ISL81807EVAL1Z fully supports both pre-bias output start-up and programmable soft-start. Pre-bias operation allows safe startup into an already charged output capacitor - critical for hot-swap and redundant power systems. Soft-start time is set by capacitor C41 (47nF) connected to SS/TRK1, yielding ~9.4ms ramp time; if external CSS yields <1.7ms, the ISL81807's internal 1.7ms soft-start takes precedence. These features are implemented per ISL81807 datasheet specifications and validated in the ISL81807EVAL1Z test procedures.

What thermal performance can be expected from the ISL81807EVAL1Z at full load?

The ISL81807EVAL1Z is rated for 240W continuous output power at ambient room temperature (25°C) with no forced airflow. Thermal validation confirms stable operation under full load across the –40°C to +85°C operating range, with airflow recommended above 60°C ambient. Heat dissipation is managed via optimized 4-layer PCB layout (solid ground planes, dedicated PGND/SGND separation), low-RDS(ON) GaN FETs, and thermally enhanced inductor mounting - all detailed in Section 2.1 of the R16UZ0018EU0100 manual. The ISL81807EVAL1Z's thermal design directly reflects Renesas' application engineering validation process.