8.3.10.2 Current Limit Mode and Overcurrent Protection

The device has a clamp circuit which limits the peak inductor current in the event of an overload. The exact value of the output current during an overload changes with the operating conditions (V_I and V_O) and the switching mode (buck, buck-boost, or boost) – see Figure 52.

Overloads increase the power dissipation in the device, which increases its temperature. If the device becomes too hot, the thermal shutdown function turns off the converter. When the device cools down, the thermal shutdown function automatically turns on the converter again. Thus, under a permanent overload condition, the device can periodically turn on and off, as it cools down and then heats up.