The device has internal current limit circuits for both MID_OUT and OUT rails. These circuits protect the regulator during high-current load transient faults or shorting events on either rails. Both current limit circuits are brick-wall schemes with I_{CL(MID_OUT)} being higher than I_CL(OUT). In a high-current load transient fault, the brick-wall scheme limits the output current to the respective current limit (I_{CL(MID_OUT)} or I_CL(OUT)), both of which are listed in the Section 6.5 table.

When the device is in either current limit, the output voltages are not regulated. When a current limit event occurs, the device begins to heat up because of the increase in power dissipation. When the device is in either current limit, the corresponding pass transistor dissipates power. For instance, when the OUT rail is in current limit, the power dissipation can be calculated as [(V_IN – V_OUT) × I_CL(OUT)]. If thermal shutdown is triggered, the device turns off. After the device cools down, the internal thermal shutdown circuit turns the device back on. If the faulty output current condition continues, the device cycles between current limit and thermal shutdown with approximately a 5-ms time constant. For more information on current limits, see the Know Your Limits application note.

Figure 7-4 shows a diagram of the current limit.