ISL78235: 5A Automotive Synchronous Buck Regulator

The ISL78235 is a highly efficient, monolithic, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter that can deliver 5A of continuous output current from a 2.7V to 5.5V input supply. The device uses peak current mode control architecture to achieve very low duty cycle operation at high frequency with fast transient response and excellent loop stability.

The ISL78235 integrates a low ON-resistance P-channel (35mΩ, typical) high-side FET and N-channel (11mΩ, typical) low-side FET to maximize efficiency and minimize external component count. The 100% duty cycle operation allows less than 250mV dropout voltage at 5A output current. The operating frequency of the Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) is adjustable from 500kHz to 4MHz. The default switching frequency of 2MHz is set by connecting the FS pin high.

The ISL78235 can be configured for discontinuous (PFM) or forced continuous (PWM) operation at light load. Forced continuous operation reduces noise and RF interference, while discontinuous mode provides higher efficiency by reducing switching losses at light loads.

Fault protection is provided by internal hiccup mode current limiting during short-circuit and overcurrent conditions. The device also integrates output overvoltage and over-temperature protections. A power-good monitor indicates when the output is in regulation. The ISL78235 offers a 1ms Power-Good (PG) timer at power-up.

When in shutdown, the ISL78235 discharges the output capacitor through an internal 100Ω soft-stop switch. Other features include internal fixed or adjustable soft-start and internal/external compensation.

The ISL78235 is available in a 3mmx3mm 16 Ld Thin Quad Flat No-lead (TQFN) Pb-free package and in a 5mmx5mm 16 Ld Wettable Flank Quad Flat No-Lead (WFQFN) package with an exposed pad for improved thermal performance. The ISL78235 is rated to operate across the temperature range of -40°C to +105°C in the 3mmx3mm package and -40°C to +125°C in the 5mmx5mm package.

Key Differences in Family
ProductIOUT Max (A)Datasheet
ISL782333isl78233-34.pdf
ISL782344isl78233-34.pdf
ISL782355isl78235.pdf
Key Features
  • 2.7V to 5.5V input voltage range
  • 2MHz default switching frequency
  • 100ns guaranteed phase minimum on time for wide output regulation
  • Adjustable switching frequency from 500kHz to 4MHz
  • External synchronization from 1MHz to 4MHz
  • Optional PFM mode for light-load efficiency improvement
  • Very low ON-resistance HS/LS switches: 35mΩ/11mΩ
  • Internal 1ms or adjustable external soft-start
  • Soft-stop output discharge during disable
  • OTP, OCP, output OVP, input UVLO protections
  • 1% reference accuracy over-temperature
  • Up to 95% efficiency
  • AEC-Q100 qualified
  • Common pinout family allows migration from 3A to 5A without PCB change:
    • ISL78233: 3A
    • ISL78234: 4A
    • ISL78235: 5A
Applications
  • DC/DC POL modules
  • μC/μP, FPGA and DSP power
  • Video processor/SOC power
  • Automotive infotainment power
Typical DiagramProduct Image
Datasheets
TitleTypeUpdatedSizeOther Languages
ISL78235 DatasheetPDF22 Sep 20161.71 MB
Design Files
TitleTypeUpdatedSizeOther Languages
ISL78235EVAL1Z Design FilesZIP05 Mar 2015678 KB
ISL78235EVAL2Z Design FilesZIP08 Jan 2016724 KB
User Guides
TitleTypeUpdatedSizeOther Languages
ISL7823xEVAL1Z User GuidePDF26 Oct 2016706 KB
ISL7823xEVAL2Z User GuidePDF08 Apr 2016690 KB
White Papers
TitleTypeUpdatedSizeOther Languages
Powering Automotive Cockpit ElectronicsPDF02 May 2016365 KB
Order Information
Part NumberPackage TypeWeight(g)PinsMSL RatingPeak Temp (°C)RoHS Status
ISL78235ARZ16 Ld TQFN0.024163260RoHS
ISL78235ARZ-T16 Ld TQFN T+R0.024163260RoHS
ISL78235AARZ16 Ld WFQFNNA161260RoHS
ISL78235AARZ-T16 Ld WFQFN T+RNA161260RoHS
ISL78235AARZ-T7A16 Ld WFQFN T+RNA161260RoHS
ISL78235ARZ-T7A16 Ld TQFN T+R0.024163260RoHS
ISL78235EVAL2ZN/ARoHS
ISL78235EVAL1ZN/ARoHS
ISL78235 Datasheet 22 Sep 2016
AN9208: High Frequency Power Converters 13 Nov 2014
16 Ld TQFN T+R ISL97684
ISL78235EVAL1Z Design Files 05 Mar 2015
ISL78235EVAL2Z Design Files 08 Jan 2016
ISL7823xEVAL1Z User Guide 26 Oct 2016
ISL7823xEVAL2Z User Guide 08 Apr 2016
Powering Automotive Cockpit Electronics 02 May 2016