The device will limit current to the output in case of output shorts. When a short occurs, the large V_IN to V_OUT voltage drop causes the switch to limit the output current (I_SC). When the output is below the hard short threshold (V_SC), a lower limit is used to minimize the power dissipation while the fault is present. The device will continue to limit the current until it reaches thermal shutdown temperature. At this time, the device will turn off until its temperature has lowered by the thermal hysteresis (35°C typical) before turning on again.