Renesas ISL8560EVAL2Z

Overview

ISL8560EVAL2Z from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board for the ISL8560 non-synchronous step-down DC/DC switching regulator IC, supporting 9V–60V input and delivering up to 2A output current with adjustable output voltage (1.21V–55V) and 100kHz–600kHz switching frequency. It implements voltage feedforward control, pulse-by-pulse current limiting, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown - designed for industrial and automotive power supply validation.

For engineers reviewing the ISL8560EVAL2Z datasheet, ISL8560EVAL2Z pinout, ISL8560EVAL2Z application, or ISL8560EVAL2Z equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of the ISL8560's load transient response, efficiency across input/output combinations, soft-start timing, PGOOD behavior, and SYNC functionality under real-world PCB layout and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The ISL8560EVAL2Z implements a fixed-layout, single-output buck converter reference design centered on the ISL8560 IC in 20-lead QFN (6×6 mm). It integrates all critical passive components - including 22µH or 33µH shielded inductor, B2100 Schottky rectifier, 470µF/150µF low-ESR output capacitors, 0.1µF–1µF ceramic bypass caps, and precision feedback resistors - optimized for 5V or 12V output at full 2A load.

Board-level features include accessible test points for VIN, VOUT, LX, BOOT, SS, COMP, FB, PGOOD, and SYNC; jumper-selectable EN logic polarity; solder pads for RTCT resistor/capacitor tuning; and dedicated GND planes for SGND and PGND separation per ISL8560's dual-ground architecture.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL8560EVAL2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, automotive ECU power architecture prototyping, and battery charger reference design requiring stable component supply and documented thermal/mechanical implementation.

Supply support for ISL8560EVAL2Z 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 is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog power devices, and interface solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure applications.

The ISL8560EVAL2Z belongs to Renesas' high-voltage DC/DC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of robust, wide-input-range buck regulators in harsh-environment power systems where reliability and design-in confidence are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL8560EVAL2Z evaluation board?

The ISL8560EVAL2Z is a fully assembled, tested reference design board that demonstrates the operational capabilities of the ISL8560 step-down DC/DC regulator IC. It enables engineers to validate key performance metrics - including efficiency, load/line regulation, transient response, soft-start behavior, and fault recovery - without designing a custom PCB. The board ships configured for 5V or 12V output and supports immediate bench testing with standard lab supplies.

Does the ISL8560EVAL2Z support adjustable output voltage beyond 5V and 12V?

Yes, the ISL8560EVAL2Z supports user-defined output voltages from 1.21V to 55V via reconfiguration of the FB resistor divider network. The board includes footprint options and test points for R2/R3 replacement, allowing direct implementation of Equation 3 from the ISL8560 datasheet (VOUT = 1.21V × (1 + R3/R2)). No IC modification is required - only passive component changes per target voltage and load condition.

Can the ISL8560EVAL2Z be synchronized to an external clock source?

Yes, the ISL8560EVAL2Z exposes the SYNC pin of the ISL8560 IC via a dedicated header. When an external TTL-compatible clock signal (100kHz–600kHz) is applied, the internal oscillator synchronizes to its rising edge - enabling deterministic switching timing across multiple converters or noise-sensitive systems. The board includes series resistance and pull-down options to ensure clean signal integrity and avoid floating inputs.

How does the ISL8560EVAL2Z handle overcurrent and short-circuit conditions?

The ISL8560EVAL2Z implements the ISL8560's native hiccup-mode protection: upon detecting seven consecutive overcurrent events, the regulator shuts down and attempts automatic restart after four soft-start intervals (~1.2s total delay). During fault recovery, the board maintains safe thermal margins and provides visible PGOOD deassertion. This behavior is fully observable via test points and matches the ISL8560's datasheet specifications for OCFLT and UVFLT response.

Is thermal performance data available for the ISL8560EVAL2Z under full 2A load?

Yes, the ISL8560EVAL2Z datasheet (FN9244) includes thermal resistance values (θJA = 30°C/W, θJC = 1.5°C/W) and measured junction temperature rise data. At 48V input and 5V/2A output, typical board-level temperature rise is ≤35°C above ambient with no forced airflow - verified using thermocouple measurements on the QFN package's exposed pad. Thermal shutdown activates reliably at ~150°C junction temperature, as specified for the ISL8560 IC.