7.4.6 Current Limit and Short Circuit Protection

Each phase has a separate integrated peak current limit. The dc values are specified in the Electrical Characteristics. While its minimum value limits the output current of the phase, the maximum number gives the current that must be considered to flow in some operating case (e.g. overload). At the peak current limit, the device provides its maximum output current.

However, if the current limit situation remains for 512 consecutive switching cycles, the peak current folds back to about 1/3 of the regular limit. This limits the output power for over current and short circuit events. The foldback current limit is released to the normal one only if the load current has decreased as far as needed to undercut the (foldback) peak current limit.