7.4.1 Soft-start and Short Circuit Protection

After being enabled, the device starts operating. The average current limit ramps up from an initial 400 mA following the output voltage increasing. At an output voltage of about 1.2 V, the current limit is at its nominal value. If the output voltage does not increase, the current limit does not increase. There is no timer implemented. Thus, the output voltage overshoot at start-up, as well as the inrush current, is kept at a minimum. The device ramps up the output voltage in a controlled manner even if a large capacitor is connected at the output. When the output voltage does not increase above 1.2 V, the device assumes a short circuit at the output, and keeps the current limit low to protect itself and the application. At a short on the output during operation, the current limit also is decreased accordingly.