Vishay Siliconix SIC464EVB

Overview

SIC464EVB from Vishay Siliconix is an evaluation board for the SiC464 2 A synchronous buck DC/DC converter, supporting 4.5 V to 60 V input and adjustable 0.8 V output voltage. It implements voltage-mode constant-on-time (COT) control with programmable switching frequency (100 kHz–2 MHz), integrated high-side/low-side MOSFETs in MLP55-27L package, and full protection including OCP, OVP, UVP, OTP, and PGOOD. Designed for rapid validation of industrial, telecom, and robotics power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the SIC464EVB datasheet, SIC464EVB pinout, SIC464EVB application, or SIC464EVB equivalent, this board enables fast functional verification of the SiC464 microBUCK® regulator under real-world load transients, ripple injection tuning, soft-start configuration, and multi-mode operation (forced CCM, power-save, ultrasonic) - critical for embedded power system bring-up and layout validation.

Technical Context

The SIC464EVB implements the SiC464's voltage-mode COT architecture with adaptive zero-current detection, enabling stable loop behavior across ceramic and low-ESR output capacitors without external compensation dependency on capacitor type. Its VSNS-based ripple injection network (Rx/Cx/Cy) ensures jitter-free operation and supports DCM/CCM/ultrasonic modes.

Board-level features include configurable fSW via Rfsw, adjustable current limit via Rlimit, user-selectable MODE and ULTRASONIC pins, pre-bias start-up support, and tracking/sequencing capability through the SS and VFB networks - all aligned with the SiC464's operational specification across –40 °C to +105 °C ambient.

Key Specifications

Availability

SIC464EVB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom power supply validation, and robotics embedded power design requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and reference-grade layout fidelity.

Supply support for SIC464EVB 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

Vishay Siliconix is a global leader in discrete semiconductors and passive components, specializing in high-efficiency power management ICs, MOSFETs, and precision analog solutions for demanding industrial and computing applications.

The SiC46x family - including the SiC464 targeted by SIC464EVB - was designed as a scalable, wide-input-voltage synchronous buck solution for space-constrained, high-reliability systems needing ultrafast transient response and robust fault protection without complex loop tuning.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the SIC464EVB evaluation board?

The SIC464EVB is a fully assembled and tested reference design board for the Vishay SiC464 2 A synchronous buck regulator. It enables engineers to validate key performance parameters - including efficiency, transient response, soft-start behavior, protection activation thresholds, and multi-mode operation - before committing to custom PCB design. The SIC464EVB provides direct access to all critical signals (VFB, COMP, VSNS, MODE, ULTRASONIC) and supports immediate integration with standard lab equipment.

Does the SIC464EVB support adjustable output voltage, and how is it configured?

Yes, the SIC464EVB supports fully adjustable output voltage down to 0.8 V, matching the SiC464's specification. Output voltage is set using an external resistor divider connected between VOUT and AGND, with the midpoint fed to the VFB pin. The board includes footprint options for both top and bottom resistors, allowing users to easily swap values and verify regulation accuracy across temperature and load conditions - a core capability confirmed in the SiC464 datasheet Section 4.2.

How does the SIC464EVB implement ripple injection, and why is it required?

The SIC464EVB implements ripple injection via the VSNS pin using an external Rx/Cx/Cy network, as specified in the SiC464 datasheet Section 7. This network synthesizes controlled AC ripple to stabilize the voltage-mode COT control loop - essential for preventing subharmonic oscillation when using low-ESR ceramic output capacitors. The board includes solder pads and test points for Rx, Cx, and Cy, enabling precise VRAMP amplitude tuning (100–900 mV) per input/output conditions without redesign.

Can the SIC464EVB demonstrate power-save and ultrasonic modes, and how are they enabled?

Yes, the SIC464EVB directly supports both power-save and ultrasonic modes via dedicated jumpers and test points. Ultrasonic mode is enabled by connecting the ULTRASONIC pin to VDD (via jumper); floating it disables the mode. Power-save mode is selected using the MODE pin with specific resistor values (e.g., ~1 MΩ for Mode 4). These configurations allow real-time observation of frequency foldback, diode emulation, and audible-noise suppression - all verified against SiC464's functional description in Section 6 of the datasheet.

What protection features can be validated using the SIC464EVB?

The SIC464EVB allows full validation of the SiC464's integrated protection suite: overcurrent (OCP) via adjustable Rlimit, overvoltage (OVP) and undervoltage (UVP) via FB monitoring, overtemperature (OTP) using thermal pads and external heating, and power-good (PGOOD) timing via oscilloscope capture. Each feature triggers observable shutdown/restart behavior with documented delay times (e.g., 25 μs UVP detection, 15–35 μs PGOOD delay), consistent with electrical specifications in Table 3 of the SiC464 datasheet.