Renesas ISL8240MEVAL3Z

Overview

ISL8240MEVAL3Z from Renesas Electronics is a 40A single-output, dual-phase DC/DC evaluation board based on the ISL8240M dual 20A power module. It delivers 40A continuous output at 1.0V from a 4.5V–20V input, features resistor-programmable VOUT (0.6V–2.5V), default 500kHz switching frequency, and operates across –40°C to +85°C for FPGA, telecom, and datacom power applications.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8240MEVAL3Z datasheet, ISL8240MEVAL3Z pinout, ISL8240MEVAL3Z application, or ISL8240MEVAL3Z equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, thermal design guidance, VOUT configuration tables, current derating curves, and layout best practices for high-current 40A reference designs.

Technical Context

The ISL8240MEVAL3Z implements parallel-phase operation of the ISL8240M module to deliver 40A from a single output rail. It uses external resistors (R1/R2) to set VOUT via the ISL8240M's feedback network and supports frequency adjustment (350–700kHz) via RFSET to optimize efficiency across output voltages.

Thermal design relies on a 3″×3″, 6-layer FR4 PCB with 2-oz copper on outer layers and 1-oz on inner layers. Phase node routing is confined to inner layers (L4/L5) with ground planes (L3/L6) shielding noise, and thermal vias connect power planes under the module to maximize heat dissipation without forced airflow at 1.0V/40A.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8240MEVAL3Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core voltage regulation, telecom baseband power, and high-density server board development requiring stable component supply, rapid prototyping validation, and production-ready thermal reference designs.

Supply support for ISL8240MEVAL3Z 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 ISL8240MEVAL3Z belongs to Renesas' high-power DC/DC module evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of the ISL8240M dual-phase power module in demanding datacom and telecom power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8240MEVAL3Z?

The ISL8240MEVAL3Z is a 40A single-output evaluation board that demonstrates parallel-phase operation of the ISL8240M dual 20A DC/DC power module. It enables rapid validation of high-current, low-voltage power delivery (e.g., 1.0V @ 40A) for FPGA, ASIC, and processor core rails, with full thermal and layout reference implementation included.

How do I configure a different output voltage on the ISL8240MEVAL3Z?

To change the output voltage on the ISL8240MEVAL3Z, replace the RVSET resistor (R3) and optionally adjust R1/R2 per Table 1 in AN1923. For example, 1.2V requires RVSET = 1000Ω and RFSET = 174kΩ. The board includes silkscreen markings and a resistor table on the backside for quick selection.

Does the ISL8240MEVAL3Z support dual independent outputs?

No - the ISL8240MEVAL3Z is configured exclusively for single-output, 40A operation by paralleling both ISL8240M phases. For dual 20A independent outputs, Renesas provides the ISL8240MEVAL4Z evaluation board, documented in application note AN1922.

What thermal management features are implemented on the ISL8240MEVAL3Z?

The ISL8240MEVAL3Z uses a 6-layer FR4 board with 2-oz copper on top/bottom layers, thermal vias under the ISL8240M module, and inner-layer phase routing (L4/L5) shielded by ground planes (L3/L6). This layout sustains 40A at 1.0V and 25°C without heatsink or airflow, per AN1923 test conditions.

Can the ISL8240MEVAL3Z be used as a production reference design?

Yes - the ISL8240MEVAL3Z is explicitly intended as a 40A reference design. Its layout, bill of materials, thermal guidelines, and layer stackup (documented in AN1923 Figures 3–10) are provided for direct reuse in production PCBs targeting high-current, low-voltage FPGA and ASIC power rails.