UG155 Rev.0.00 Page 4 of 20
Jan 29, 2018
ZL9024MEVAL1Z 2. Functional Description
2. Functional Description
The ZL9024MEVAL1Z provides all circuitry required to evaluate the features of the ZL9024M. A majority of the
features of the ZL9024M, such as compensation-free ChargeMode control, soft-start delay and ramp times, supply
sequencing and voltage margining are available on this evaluation board. For sequencing evaluation, the board can be
connected to any Intersil digital module evaluation board that supports the DDC bus.
Figure 3 on page 8 and Figure 4 on page 9 show the ZL9024MEVAL1Z evaluation board.
2.1 Operating Range
By default, the ZL9024M is configured to operate at VOUT = 1.2V, fSW = 533kHz. VIN ranges can be from 2.75V to
4V. The board can also support a wider operating range to meet the requirements of specific applications. VOUT can
be adjusted from 0.6V to 1.5V. The load current range is from 0A to 33A. The fSW and output voltage can also be
tuned. However, to ensure sufficient stability margins, switching frequency and output capacitors can be selected
using the “ZL9024M Design Guide Matrix and Output Voltage Response” table in the ZL9024M datasheet.
The ZL9024MEVAL1Z is capable of handling a 0A to 33A output current transient, in which the slew rate is less
than 2A/µs, such as electronic load. If the slew rate exceeds 2A/µs, then it may be necessary to increase the output
capacitance or change VOUT_OV_FAULT_LIMIT and VOUT_UV_FAULT_LIMIT values for proper operation.
Refer to “PMBus Option” on page 5 for more information.
If external synchronization is used, connect the SYNC test point to the external clock. Note that the external clock
signal should be active before the module is enabled.
2.2 Quick Start Guide
2.2.1 Pin-Strap Option
The ZL9024MEVAL1Z can be configured in pin-strap mode with standard 1% 0603 resistors. The PMBus
interface is not required to evaluate the ZL9024MEVAL1Z in pin-strap mode. Output voltage (VOUT),
switching frequency (fSW), and the device PMBus address can be changed by populating recommended
resistors at placeholders provided in the evaluation board. By default, the evaluation board operates in pin-strap
mode and regulates at VOUT = 1.2V, fSW = 533kHz, and PMBus address = 28h. Complete the following steps to
evaluate the ZL9024MEVAL1Z in pin-strap mode.
(1) Set the ENABLE switch to “DISABLE”.
(2) Connect the load to the VOUT lug connectors (J7 and J8).
(3) Connect the power supply to the VIN connectors (J3 and J4). Make sure the power supply is not enabled
when making the connections.
(4) Connect the VDD voltage supply to the VDD connectors (J9 and J10). Make sure the power supply is not
enabled when making the connections.
(5) Turn on the VIN power supply first, then turn on the VDD power supply.
(6) Set the ENABLE switch to “ENABLE”.
(7) Measure 1.2V VOUT at the probe point labeled “VOUT” (J16).
(8) Observe the switching frequency of 533kHz at the probe points labeled “VSWH” (J15).
(9) To change VOUT, disconnect the board from the setup and populate a 1% standard 0603 resistor at the R6
placeholder location on the bottom layer. Refer to the “Output Voltage Resistor Settings” table in the
ZL9024M datasheet for recommended values. By default, VOUT_MAX is set to 110% of VOUT set by the
pin-strap resistor.
(10) To change the switching frequency, disconnect the board from the setup and populate a 1% standard 0603
resistor at the R2 placeholder location on the bottom layer. Refer to the “Switching Frequency Resistor
Settings” table in the ZL9024M datasheet for recommended values.
