Renesas ISL8502AEVAL1Z

Overview

ISL8502AEVAL1Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board for the ISL8502A 2A synchronous buck regulator with integrated MOSFETs, designed to demonstrate dual-output DC/DC conversion in a 4mm×4mm QFN package. It supports input voltages from 5.5V to 14V, adjustable output voltages down to 0.6V, and switching frequencies from 500kHz to 1.2MHz - enabling rapid validation of point-of-load power delivery for embedded processor and GPU supplies.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8502AEVAL1Z datasheet, ISL8502AEVAL1Z schematic, ISL8502AEVAL1Z board layout, or ISL8502AEVAL1Z test setup, this evaluation kit provides verified reference design, component-level BOM traceability, and configurable soft-start, frequency, and enable sequencing - critical for validating transient response, thermal performance, and multi-rail synchronization in industrial and computing applications.

Technical Context

The ISL8502AEVAL1Z implements two independent ISL8502A buck regulators on a single PCB, each configured with 2.5V default output using precision 1% feedback resistors (R108/R111, R208/R211), 4.7µH shielded power inductors (L100/L200), and low-ESR ceramic output capacitors. The board supports master/slave clock phasing via the SYNCH pin to reduce input ripple, and includes dedicated test points (TP100–TP212), jumper-controlled enables (S1), and scope probe headers (J7–J10) for real-time waveform capture.

It integrates lossless r_DS(ON) overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, undervoltage monitoring, and PGOOD indication per channel - all derived directly from the ISL8502A's internal circuitry. The board accepts 0–15V bias input (J1/J2), accommodates up to 5A load current per rail, and features RoHS-compliant passive components including Murata GRM21BR71C475KA73L (4.7µF) and TAIYO YUDEN LMK325BJ107MM-T (100µF) output capacitors.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8502AEVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power system validation, embedded processor supply qualification, and GPU memory rail testing requiring stable component supply and full design reproducibility.

Supply support for ISL8502AEVAL1Z 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 computing markets - with emphasis on high-efficiency power management and functional safety.

The ISL8502AEVAL1Z belongs to Renesas' legacy Intersil analog power evaluation platform, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of integrated synchronous buck regulators in space-constrained, high-performance point-of-load applications.

FAQ

What is the ISL8502AEVAL1Z used for?

The ISL8502AEVAL1Z is an evaluation board designed to validate the ISL8502A dual-channel 2A synchronous buck regulator. It enables engineers to characterize efficiency, transient response, thermal behavior, and multi-rail synchronization without designing a custom PCB. The board ships with pre-populated ISL8502AIRZ ICs, calibrated feedback networks, and test points for oscilloscope probing - making it ideal for rapid prototyping of FPGA, ASIC, and GPU core/memory supplies.

Does the ISL8502AEVAL1Z support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the ISL8502AEVAL1Z supports user-adjustable output voltage from 0.6V to VIN–1.7V per channel. Default outputs are set to 2.5V using 17.4kΩ (R108/R208) and 5.49kΩ (R111/R211) feedback resistors. To change VOUT, replace R111/R211 per Equation 1 and Equation 2 in AN1703 - ensuring loop stability by following ISL8502A datasheet compensation guidelines for the new voltage and load condition.

Can the ISL8502AEVAL1Z operate in master/slave mode?

Yes, the ISL8502AEVAL1Z supports master/slave operation to minimize input ripple. One channel can be configured as master (driving SYNCH pin), while the other operates as slave with out-of-phase clocking - controlled via jumpers JP1–JP3 and S1 switch positions. This phasing reduces peak input current and eases bulk capacitor selection, a key advantage in multi-rail systems like graphics cards or multi-core processors.

What power supply requirements does the ISL8502AEVAL1Z have?

The ISL8502AEVAL1Z requires a 0–15V DC power source capable of delivering ≥5A total current (2.5A per channel under full load). Input is connected via binding posts J1 (VIN) and J2 (GND). The board includes reverse-polarity protection diodes (D100/D200) and input bulk capacitance (100µF ×2), but no onboard AC-DC conversion - users must provide a clean, well-regulated lab supply or battery source meeting the 5.5V–14V operational range.

Where can I find the schematic and layout files for ISL8502AEVAL1Z?

The complete schematic, top/bottom layer etch drawings, and bill of materials for ISL8502AEVAL1Z are published in Application Note AN1703 (Rev 0.00, October 21, 2011), which accompanies the board. Figures 1–6 in that document show component placement, copper layers, and PCB stack-up. The BOM lists all parts including ISL8502AIRZ (U100/U200), Sumida inductors (L100/L200), and Murata/Panasonic capacitors - enabling full design replication or modification.