Texas Instruments LM2736Y EVAL

Overview

LM2736Y EVAL from Texas Instruments is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the LM2736Y 550 kHz, 750 mA step-down DC-DC regulator in a Thin SOT23-6 package. It delivers 1.5 V at up to 750 mA from a 5 V input, features a 10 µH power inductor (TDK SLF6028T-100M1R3), and uses discrete external components including MBRA120 Schottky catch diode and 1N4148W boost diode.

For engineers reviewing the LM2736Y EVAL datasheet, LM2736Y EVAL schematic, LM2736Y EVAL layout, or LM2736Y EVAL bill of materials, this board supports rapid validation of buck converter performance-including efficiency vs. load current, feedback loop stability with 10 kΩ/2 kΩ resistor divider, and VBOOST configuration options across VIN, VOUT, or zener-derived sources.

Technical Context

The LM2736Y EVAL implements a non-synchronous buck topology with fixed-frequency PWM control at 550 kHz. It uses external compensation via FB pin network (R1=2 kΩ, R2=10 kΩ) and requires a boost capacitor (C3 = 0.01 µF) tied between BOOST and SW pins to sustain gate drive for the internal high-side MOSFET.

Input voltage is limited to 5 V (per shipped configuration), with strict adherence to VBOOST–VSW ≤ 5.5 V enforced by the 1N4148W boost diode connection to VIN. The board supports reconfiguration for alternate input/output combinations using jumpers and open positions for D3, C4, and R4 per AN-1418 schematics.

Key Specifications

Availability

LM2736Y EVAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply validation, DC-DC reference design verification, and embedded system bring-up requiring stable component supply and documented test conditions.

Supply support for LM2736Y EVAL 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions across industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LM2736 product line delivers compact, high-efficiency buck regulators targeting space-constrained portable and battery-powered applications where low quiescent current and thin packaging are critical.

FAQ

What is the configured output voltage of the LM2736Y EVAL board?

The LM2736Y EVAL board is configured for a 1.5 V output using a 2 kΩ (R1) and 10 kΩ (R2) resistor divider on the FB pin. This ratio sets the regulated output according to the LM2736Y's internal 0.6 V reference. The output remains stable across 0–750 mA loads when powered from 5 V input, as validated in AN-1418 test data.

Which regulator IC does the LM2736Y EVAL board use?

The LM2736Y EVAL board uses the LM2736Y IC-a 550 kHz, 750 mA step-down DC-DC regulator in a Thin SOT23-6 package. It is distinct from the LM2736X variant (1.6 MHz) and is optimized for lower switching frequency to reduce EMI and enable larger, lower-DCR inductors like the TDK SLF6028T-100M1R3 installed on the board.

Can the LM2736Y EVAL board operate with input voltages higher than 5 V?

No-the LM2736Y EVAL board as shipped is restricted to 5 V input due to the boost diode (1N4148W) connection to VIN. Exceeding 5 V risks violating the VBOOST–VSW ≤ 5.5 V limit. To support higher inputs, the board must be reconfigured per AN-1418 Figures 7–10 using alternate VBOOST derivation methods (e.g., from VOUT or zener-clamped sources).

What is the purpose of the open positions for D3, C4, and R4 on the LM2736Y EVAL board?

D3, C4, and R4 are unpopulated locations on the LM2736Y EVAL board reserved for optional VBOOST configuration circuits described in AN-1418. These allow users to implement alternative boost supply topologies-such as VBOOST derived from VOUT, VSHUNT, or series zener networks-enabling safe operation beyond the default 5 V input constraint without modifying core power stage layout.

Does the LM2736Y EVAL board include thermal performance data?

Yes-AN-1418 includes measured efficiency vs. load current (Figure 2) and specifies operating conditions at 750 mA with 5 V input and 1.5 V output. While explicit junction temperature or thermal resistance values are not tabulated, the board's 4-layer construction-with dedicated internal GND and VIN planes-and use of low-DCR inductor (53 mΩ) and Schottky catch diode (MBRA120) indicate thermal design intent for sustained 750 mA operation without forced airflow.