The device does not start or operate as expected if the output voltage is pulled below ground. This issue commonly occurs when powering a split-rail system where the negative rail is established before the device is enabled. Several application solutions are:
- Enable the device before the negative regulator and disable the device after the negative regulator.
- Delaying the EN voltage with respect to the IN voltage allows the internal pulldown resistor to discharge any voltage at OUT. If the discharge circuit is not strong enough to keep the output voltage at ground, then use an external pulldown resistor.
- Place a zener diode from IN to OUT to provide a small positive dc bias on the output when the input is supplied to the device, as shown in Figure 8-10.
- Use a PFET to isolate the output of the device from the load causing the negative bias when the device is off, as shown in Figure 8-11.