Vishay Siliconix SIC468EVB-E

Overview

SIC468EVB-E from Vishay Siliconix is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate and validate the SiC468 4 A synchronous buck DC/DC converter in its MLP55-27L package. It supports 4.5 V to 60 V input, delivers adjustable output down to 0.8 V, and enables full characterization of switching frequency (100 kHz–2 MHz), soft-start, current limit (3 A/4.2 A/6 A), and power-save mode operation - used for industrial computing and telecom power supply prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the SIC468EVB-E datasheet, SIC468EVB-E pinout, SIC468EVB-E application, or SIC468EVB-E equivalent, this board provides verified reference design implementation, thermal performance validation, and real-world transient response testing under varying load and input conditions - critical for rapid qualification of SiC468-based power stages.

Technical Context

The SIC468EVB-E implements the SiC468 microBUCK® regulator in a fully assembled, tested layout with optimized power delivery paths, ceramic input/output capacitors, and a 2.2 µH shielded inductor. It integrates all necessary biasing, feedback, and protection circuitry - including VCIN RC filter, BOOT resistor (≥4.7 Ω), SS capacitor, MODE resistor network, and PGOOD pull-up - per Vishay's recommended operating conditions.

It supports pre-bias start-up, output voltage tracking, and sequencing via external resistive dividers and timing components. The board is configured for 5 V/4 A output at 500 kHz with power-save mode enabled, using all-ceramic output capacitance and internal compensation - eliminating need for external ESR networks or loop tuning.

Key Specifications

Availability

SIC468EVB-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial computing, telecom power supplies, and robotics requiring stable component supply, fast design-in support, and production-ready reference validation.

Supply support for SIC468EVB-E 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 solutions for demanding industrial and automotive applications.

The SiC46x family - including the SiC468 - was engineered as a scalable, wide-input-voltage synchronous buck platform delivering ultrafast transient response, internal compensation, and robust protection for space-constrained, high-reliability power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the SIC468EVB-E evaluation board?

The SIC468EVB-E evaluation board is a fully assembled reference design that demonstrates the operation and performance of the SiC468 4 A synchronous buck DC/DC converter. It enables engineers to validate input/output behavior, efficiency, thermal performance, transient response, and protection features - without designing a custom PCB. The board includes all required passive components, layout-optimized power paths, and configurable jumpers for frequency, current limit, and mode selection - making SIC468EVB-E ideal for rapid prototyping and qualification of SiC468-based power supplies.

Does the SIC468EVB-E support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the SIC468EVB-E supports fully adjustable output voltage from 0.8 V to 15 V using the external feedback resistor divider connected to the VFB pin. The board ships configured for 5 V output with 52.3 kΩ top resistor and 10 kΩ bottom resistor, but users can replace R_{FB_H} to set any target voltage per the formula V_OUT = 0.8 V × (1 + R_{FB_H}/R_{FB_L}). This configurability allows SIC468EVB-E to verify SiC468 performance across diverse rail requirements in industrial and telecom applications.

How is switching frequency set on the SIC468EVB-E?

Switching frequency on the SIC468EVB-E is set by an external resistor (R_fSW) connected between the fSW pin and AGND. The board uses a 102 kΩ resistor to achieve approximately 500 kHz at V_OUT = 5 V, per the SiC468 equation f_SW ≈ (1.9 × 10⁻¹⁰ × V_OUT) / R_fSW. Users can swap R_fSW to adjust frequency from 100 kHz to 2 MHz - enabling SIC468EVB-E to evaluate trade-offs between efficiency, size, and EMI across operating conditions.

Can the SIC468EVB-E be used to test power-save mode and light-load efficiency?

Yes, the SIC468EVB-E supports full validation of power-save mode via the MODE pin configuration. With R_MODE = 2 kΩ (Mode 1), it enables diode emulation and frequency foldback below ~20% load - directly measurable using the board's test points and onboard current sense capability. The SIC468EVB-E's low-noise layout and ceramic output capacitors allow accurate measurement of SiC468's 156 μA operating current and >90% efficiency at 100 mA load - confirming real-world light-load behavior specified in the SiC468 datasheet.

What protection features are implemented and testable on the SIC468EVB-E?

All SiC468 protection features are fully implemented and testable on the SIC468EVB-E: overcurrent protection (OCP) with three selectable valley current limits (3 A/4.2 A/6 A), output overvoltage protection (OVP) at 120% V_OUT, output undervoltage protection (UVP) at 20% V_OUT, overtemperature protection (OTP) at 150 °C, and input UVLO. The board exposes PGOOD, EN, and fault flag signals at test points - allowing direct oscilloscope verification of trip thresholds, recovery timing (e.g., 25 µs PGOOD blanking), and hiccup-mode behavior during sustained faults - ensuring SIC468EVB-E delivers production-grade reliability validation.