The output overcurrent protection (OCP) is implemented using a cycle-by-cycle valley detect control circuit. The switch current is monitored by measuring the low-side FET switch voltage between the SW pin and GND. This voltage is proportional to the switch current. To improve accuracy, the voltage sensing is temperature compensated.

During the on-time of the high-side FET switch, the switch current increases at a linear rate determined by V_IN, V_OUT, the on-time, and the output inductor value. During the on-time of the low-side FET switch, this current decreases linearly. The average value of the switch current is the load current I_OUT. If the measured voltage is above the voltage proportional to the current limit. Then, the device constantly monitors the low-side FET switch voltage, which is proportional to the switch current, during the low-side on-time.

The converter maintains the low-side switch on until the measured voltage is below the voltage corresponding to the current limit at which time the switching cycle is terminated and a new switching cycle begins. In subsequent switching cycles, the on-time is set to a fixed value and the current is monitored in the same manner.

There are some important considerations for this type of overcurrent protection. The load current one half of the peak-to-peak inductor current higher than the overcurrent threshold. Also when the current is being limited, the output voltage tends to fall as the demanded load current may be higher than the current available from the converter. This may cause the output under-voltage protection circuit to be activated. When the overcurrent condition is removed, the output voltage will return to the regulated value. This protection is non-latching.