Renesas ISL9120IRA-EVZ

Overview

ISL9120IRA-EVZ from Renesas Electronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the ISL9120IRAZ adjustable-output buck-boost switching regulator. It supports input voltages from 1.8V to 5.5V, delivers up to 1A output current, enables resistor-programmable output voltage (2V–5V), and operates across –40°C to +85°C for battery-powered portable electronics validation.

For engineers reviewing the ISL9120IRA-EVZ datasheet, ISL9120IRA-EVZ pinout, ISL9120IRA-EVZ application, or ISL9120IRA-EVZ equivalent, this board provides rapid functional verification of buck-boost regulation near battery voltage crossover, jumper-controlled enable/bypass modes, and layout-optimized high-current DC/DC evaluation with test points and multipin connectors.

Technical Context

The ISL9120IRA-EVZ implements a dedicated hardware platform for the ISL9120IRAZ IC, featuring a 1µH power inductor, 150µF output capacitor, and precision feedback resistor network (R2 = 60.4kΩ default) to set VOUT via the FB pin. Jumper headers J3 (EN) and J4 (BYP) provide discrete control over regulator enable state and forced bypass mode independent of IC logic.

It operates within the full input range of the ISL9120IRAZ (1.8V–5.5V), supports output programming from 2V to 5V using 1% tolerance resistors per Table 1, and maintains stable regulation under load currents up to 1A - validated at VIN = 2.5V / VOUT = 3.3V per specification.

Key Specifications

Availability

ISL9120IRA-EVZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, USB-C PD sink validation, and low-power IoT edge node power architecture development requiring stable component supply and fast regulator characterization.

Supply support for ISL9120IRA-EVZ 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 delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications.

The ISL9120IR series was developed specifically for battery-powered systems using emerging chemistries (e.g., Li-SOCl₂, Li-MnO₂, solid-state), where input voltage may fall below, equal, or exceed regulated output - requiring seamless buck-boost transition without dropout or rail collapse.

FAQ

What is the ISL9120IRA-EVZ used for?

The ISL9120IRA-EVZ is an evaluation board for the ISL9120IRAZ buck-boost regulator. It allows engineers to validate dynamic regulation, efficiency, and transient response when input voltage crosses the output setpoint - critical for battery-powered devices with shrinking voltage margins. The ISL9120IRA-EVZ includes jumpers, test points, and optimized layout to accelerate lab testing without custom PCB design.

How do I set a different output voltage on the ISL9120IRA-EVZ?

To change the output voltage on the ISL9120IRA-EVZ, replace resistor R2 with a value from Table 1 in UG042 - e.g., 46.4kΩ for 4.0V - using a 1% tolerance resistor. The ISL9120IRA-EVZ uses the ISL9120IRAZ's resistor-programmable feedback divider, where VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R2/R1), with R1 fixed at 187kΩ on the board.

Does the ISL9120IRA-EVZ support forced bypass mode?

Yes, the ISL9120IRA-EVZ supports forced bypass mode via jumper header J4. When J4 shorts BYP to GND, the ISL9120IRAZ enters bypass operation - connecting VIN directly to VOUT through internal FETs - reducing quiescent current and improving light-load efficiency. This function is hardware-controlled and independent of the IC's automatic buck-boost algorithm.

What is the maximum load current the ISL9120IRA-EVZ can deliver?

The ISL9120IRA-EVZ is rated for up to 1A output current across its operating temperature range. This capability is enabled by the 1µH Toko DFE201610R power inductor (2.7A typical saturation current) and 150µF low-ESR tantalum output capacitor. Performance at 1A is confirmed under VIN = 2.5V and VOUT = 3.3V conditions per the official specification.

Can the ISL9120IRA-EVZ be used with the ISL9120IRNZ IC?

No - the ISL9120IRA-EVZ is specifically designed for the adjustable-output ISL9120IRAZ IC and is not compatible with the fixed 3.3V ISL9120IRNZ. The ISL9120IRA-EVZ includes R2 for feedback programming and omits the zero-ohm jumper used on the ISL9120IRN-EVZ; substituting ICs would require rework and invalidate calibration and layout optimization.