Renesas ISL8501EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8501EVAL1Z from Intersil is an evaluation board for the ISL8501 triple-output power management IC, integrating a 1A buck regulator with two 500mA LDOs in a 4mm×4mm QFN package. It supports input voltages from 6V to 25V (or fixed 5V), delivers adjustable PWM output from 0.6V–20V, and provides independent enable/control for each regulator stage - used for rapid validation of point-of-load power architectures in compact embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8501EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8501EVAL1Z pinout, ISL8501EVAL1Z application, or ISL8501EVAL1Z equivalent, this board enables functional verification of the ISL8501's buck+LDO power tree, PGOOD signaling, soft-start tuning, and output voltage programming via external resistor dividers under real load and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8501EVAL1Z implements a complete reference design for the ISL8501 IC, featuring a 100µH power inductor (L1), Schottky diode (D1), input/output capacitors (C12, C11, C14, C15, C16), and precision feedback resistors (R1–R9) to preset VOUT1=3.3V, VOUT2=1.2V, VOUT3=1.8V. It includes three SPST toggle switches (SW1–SW3) for individual enable control of the buck and both LDOs.

Test points (TP1–TP17) provide direct access to VIN, VCC, PHASE, BOOT, FB_PWM, FB_LDO1/2, PG_PWM, PG_LDO, EN signals, and all output rails. The board accepts 0–25V input with ≥5A capability and supports up to 5A electronic loads on each output for full-load characterization.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8501EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power architecture validation, PMIC qualification, and multi-rail system integration requiring stable component supply across industrial instrumentation, WLAN card development, and handheld electronics prototyping.

Supply support for ISL8501EVAL1Z 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

Intersil Corporation (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a U.S.-based analog and power management semiconductor company founded in 1967, specializing in high-efficiency DC-DC conversion, precision analog, and interface solutions.

The ISL8501EVAL1Z belongs to Intersil's evaluation kit product line, designed specifically to accelerate design-in of the ISL8501 triple-output PMIC by providing a fully assembled, tested, and documented reference platform with validated layout, component selection, and measurement points.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8501EVAL1Z?

The ISL8501EVAL1Z is an evaluation board for the ISL8501 triple-output power management IC. It provides a ready-to-use hardware platform to validate the performance of the ISL8501's integrated 1A buck regulator and dual 500mA LDOs under real operating conditions - including voltage regulation accuracy, transient response, PGOOD signaling, and enable sequencing. The ISL8501EVAL1Z does not contain active circuitry beyond what is required to operate the ISL8501.

Does the ISL8501EVAL1Z support adjustable output voltages?

Yes, the ISL8501EVAL1Z supports adjustable output voltages via external resistor dividers on all three outputs. The default settings are VOUT1 = 3.3V (buck), VOUT2 = 1.2V (LDO1), and VOUT3 = 1.8V (LDO2), but Equation 1 in the application note allows reprogramming using R1 and R2 values. The ISL8501EVAL1Z includes solder pads and footprint space to modify these resistors without redesigning the PCB.

What input power requirements does the ISL8501EVAL1Z need?

The ISL8501EVAL1Z requires a 0–25V DC input source capable of delivering at least 5A peak current. Recommended sources include laboratory bench supplies, batteries, or notebook AC adapters. The board connects via TP1 (VCC) and TP6 (GND); polarity must be verified before power-up. Input voltage must fall within the ISL8501's specified range: fixed 5V ±10% or variable 6V–25V.

How are the enable functions implemented on the ISL8501EVAL1Z?

The ISL8501EVAL1Z uses three SPST toggle switches (SW1, SW2, SW3) to control EN, EN_LDO1, and EN_LDO2 respectively. SW1 enables/disables the buck controller; SW2 and SW3 independently enable/disable each LDO. Each switch connects its respective enable pin to VCC when ON. The ISL8501EVAL1Z also includes pull-down resistors to ensure safe default OFF states when switches are open.

Can the ISL8501EVAL1Z be used to evaluate thermal performance?

Yes, the ISL8501EVAL1Z supports thermal evaluation through its exposed pad (EP) connection to GND and standard 4mm×4mm QFN footprint for the ISL8501IRZ. The board layout follows recommended thermal guidelines, including copper pour and vias under the IC. Users can monitor temperature rise using IR thermography or thermocouples placed near U1 (ISL8501IRZ), while applying defined loads via electronic loads connected to TP3 (VOUT1), TP7 (VOUT2), and TP8 (VOUT3).