Renesas ISL8202MEVAL1Z

Overview

The ISL8202MEVAL1Z from Renesas (formerly Intersil) is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the ISL8202M 3A synchronous step-down power module, preconfigured for 1.2V output at 1.5MHz switching frequency, supporting input voltages from 2.6V to 5.5V and delivering up to 3A continuous current in PWM mode with 1ms soft-start.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8202MEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8202MEVAL1Z pinout, ISL8202MEVAL1Z application, or ISL8202MEVAL1Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of DC/DC conversion performance, thermal behavior under load, and configuration flexibility for FPGA, DSP, and Li-ion battery-powered systems.

Technical Context

The ISL8202MEVAL1Z implements a peak current-mode controlled buck topology using the ISL8202MIRZ power module - integrating controller, MOSFETs, and inductor - with internal compensation, selectable PFM/PWM operation, and dedicated EN/PG signals for system-level power sequencing.

It supports configurable output voltage (1.0V, 1.2V, 2.5V, 3.3V via J1 jumper), adjustable switching frequency (680kHz–3.5MHz via R7), and feed-forward capacitor selection (C12–C15) for loop stability across ceramic-output-capacitor designs.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8202MEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power delivery, DSP core voltage regulation, and Li-ion battery-powered embedded systems requiring stable component supply and validated reference design support.

Supply support for ISL8202MEVAL1Z 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 (including former Intersil assets) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog power management, and interface solutions for industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The ISL8202MEVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' power module evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of integrated DC/DC solutions in space-constrained, high-efficiency applications like portable computing and programmable logic systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8202MEVAL1Z?

The ISL8202MEVAL1Z is an evaluation board - not a power component itself - built to characterize and validate the ISL8202M 3A synchronous step-down power module. It provides accessible test points, mechanical switches for enable/power-good, jumpers for VOUT selection, and resistor pads for fSW tuning, enabling engineers to verify efficiency, transient response, thermal performance, and configuration flexibility before integration into final designs.

Does the ISL8202MEVAL1Z include the ISL8202M power module?

Yes, the ISL8202MEVAL1Z includes one ISL8202MIRZ power module (U1) mounted on the board - a complete 3A buck solution with integrated controller, MOSFETs, and inductor in a 4.5mm × 7.5mm QFN package. The evaluation board exposes all critical signals (EN, PG, SYNC, FS, FB) and supports full functional testing per the ISL8202M datasheet specifications.

How do I change the output voltage on the ISL8202MEVAL1Z?

Output voltage on the ISL8202MEVAL1Z is changed using jumper J1: position across pins 5–6 sets VOUT = 1.2V (default), pins 3–4 = 1.0V, pins 7–8 = 2.5V, and pins 1–2 = 3.3V. For non-standard voltages (e.g., 0.6V–5V), replace the corresponding RSET resistor (R9–R12) per Equation 1 in UG071 and adjust CFF (C12–C15) as needed for loop stability.

Can the ISL8202MEVAL1Z operate in PFM mode?

Yes, the ISL8202MEVAL1Z can operate in PFM mode to improve light-load efficiency. By default it runs in PWM mode (SYNC tied to VIN via R1). To enable PFM, remove R1 and install a 0Ω resistor at R2 to pull SYNC to SGND - triggering pulse-skipping operation below ~300mA load, as specified in the ISL8202M datasheet.

What thermal performance can be expected from the ISL8202MEVAL1Z at full load?

At VIN = 5V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 3A, fSW = 1.5MHz, and +25°C ambient with no airflow (0LFM), the ISL8202MEVAL1Z achieves a maximum board temperature of 37.1°C (per Figure 21). Full 3A operation is thermally sustainable at room temperature; however, output current must be derated at elevated ambient temperatures per the ISL8202M datasheet derating curves.