7.3.6 Integrated Fault Protection

This device features integrated fault protection to make them ideal for use in automotive applications. To keep the device in a safe area of operation during certain fault conditions, the device uses internal current limit protection and current limit foldback to limit the maximum output current. This protects the device from excessive power dissipation. For example, during a short-circuit condition on the output, limiting current through the pass element to I_CL protects the device from excessive power dissipation.