Renesas ISL9107EVAL1Z

Overview

ISL9107EVAL1Z from Intersil is an evaluation board for the ISL9107 1.5A, 1.6MHz synchronous buck regulator with integrated P/N-channel MOSFETs, 0.8V feedback reference, and Power-Good output - designed to validate power delivery in compact Li+-powered devices such as PDAs and cellular phone baseband processors.

For engineers reviewing the ISL9107EVAL1Z datasheet, ISL9107EVAL1Z pinout, ISL9107EVAL1Z application, or ISL9107EVAL1Z equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of ISL9107 performance under real-world load transients, skip-mode efficiency, soft-start behavior, and PG timing across 2.7–5.5V input and 0.8–3.3V output configurations.

Technical Context

The ISL9107EVAL1Z implements the ISL9107 IC in a fully populated, optimized layout using a 2.2µH inductor, dual 10µF X5R ceramic input/output capacitors, and precision 1% feedback resistors. It supports both forced PWM and skip (low-I_Q) modes via MODE pin configuration and includes RSI-controlled PG reset functionality unique to the ISL9107.

Board-level features include exposed thermal pad grounding, short low-impedance power loops, noise-isolated FB trace routing, and provision for C3 (220pF) compensation capacitor - all aligned with Intersil's layout recommendations for stable 1.6MHz operation and <215ms PG delay accuracy.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL9107EVAL1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PDA power validation, cellular baseband processor supply testing, and low-voltage microprocessor evaluation requiring stable component supply, pre-validated layout, and documented transient response data.

Supply support for ISL9107EVAL1Z 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 ISL9107EVAL1Z belongs to Intersil's high-frequency synchronous buck regulator evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of ultra-compact, battery-optimized power supplies for portable consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL9107EVAL1Z evaluation board?

The ISL9107EVAL1Z is a fully assembled demonstration platform for the ISL9107 synchronous buck regulator. It enables engineers to verify key performance metrics - including efficiency across load range, skip-mode vs. PWM-mode behavior, soft-start timing, PG delay accuracy, and transient response - without custom PCB development. The board uses production-grade components and follows Intersil's recommended layout for 1.6MHz operation.

Does the ISL9107EVAL1Z support both ISL9107 and ISL9108 devices?

No - the ISL9107EVAL1Z is specifically configured for the ISL9107, which includes Power-Good (PG) and Reset Input (RSI) pins. The ISL9108 lacks PG/RSI functionality and has NC pins at those locations; therefore, ISL9108 operation on this board is not supported or validated. The schematic and layout are optimized for ISL9107-specific features including the 215ms PG timer and RSI-controlled reset.

What input and output voltage ranges can be tested using the ISL9107EVAL1Z?

The ISL9107EVAL1Z supports input voltages from 2.7V to 5.5V, matching the ISL9107's operating range. Output voltage is adjustable from 0.8V to 3.3V using the onboard resistor divider network (R2/R3), with factory-calibrated settings for common rails like 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V per Table 1 in the FN6612 datasheet. The board includes test points for direct measurement of VIN, VOUT, SW, and PG signals.

How is thermal performance managed on the ISL9107EVAL1Z board?

The ISL9107EVAL1Z uses the ISL9107's 8-lead 2mm×3mm DFN package with exposed thermal pad, soldered directly to a large internal copper ground plane. This design achieves θ_JA ≈ 78°C/W and allows sustained 1.5A output at +85°C ambient when mounted on a standard 4-layer PCB with adequate airflow. Thermal vias beneath the pad connect to inner and bottom ground layers to maximize heat dissipation.

Can the ISL9107EVAL1Z be used to evaluate light-load efficiency and quiescent current?

Yes - the ISL9107EVAL1Z supports accurate light-load characterization thanks to its low-noise layout, precision current-sense resistors, and selectable MODE pin configuration. In skip mode (MODE = VIN), the ISL9107 draws only 17µA typical quiescent current, and the board's design preserves this specification by minimizing parasitic leakage paths and using low-leakage ceramic capacitors. Efficiency down to 1mA load is measurable using the provided test points and standard lab equipment.