The load-step transient response is the output voltage response by the LDO to a step in load current while output voltage regulation is maintained. See Figure 6-21 and Figure 6-22 for typical load transient response plots. There are two key transitions during a load transient response: the transition from a light to a heavy load, and the transition from a heavy to a light load. The regions in Figure 8-1 are broken down as described in this section. Regions A, E, and H are where the output voltage is in steady-state operation.

Figure 8-1 Load Transient Waveform

During transitions from a light load to a heavy load, the following behavior can be observed:

• The initial voltage dip is a result of the depletion of the output capacitor charge and parasitic impedance to the output capacitor (region B)
• Recovery from the dip results from the LDO increasing the sourcing current, and leads to output voltage regulation (region C)

During transitions from a heavy load to a light load, the following behavior can be observed:

• The initial voltage rise results from the LDO sourcing a large current, and leads to an increase in the output capacitor charge (region F)
• Recovery from the rise results from the LDO decreasing the sourcing current in combination with the load discharging the output capacitor (region G)

A larger output capacitance reduces the peaks during a load transient but slows down the response time of the device. A larger dc load also reduces the peaks because the amplitude of the transition is lowered and a higher current discharge path is provided for the output capacitor.