7.4.7 Soft-Start

The soft-start feature allows the regulator to gradually reach the initial steady state operating point, thus reducing start-up stresses and surges. The internal soft-start current source, set to 10 µA, gradually increases the voltage of an external soft-start capacitor connected to the SS pin. The soft-start capacitor voltage is connected to the reference input of the error amplifier. Various sequencing and tracking schemes can be implemented using external circuits that limit or clamp the voltage level of the SS pin.

In the event a fault is detected (over-temperature, V_CC UVLO, SD) the soft-start capacitor will be discharged. When the fault condition is no longer present a new soft-start sequence will commence.