Some applications may have transients that place the device into dropout, especially because this device is a high-current linear regulator. A typical application with these conditions requires setting V_IN ≤ V_DO in order to keep the device junction temperature within its specified operating range. A load transient or line transient in these conditions can place the device into dropout, such as a load transient from 1 A to 4 A at 1A/µs when operating with a V_IN of 5.4- V and a V_OUT of 5.0 V.

The load transient saturates the error amplifier output stage when the pass element is fully driven on, thus making the pass element function like a resistor from V_IN to V_OUT. The error amplifier response time to this load transient (I_OUT = 4 A to 1 A at 1 A/µs) is limited because the error amplifier must first recover from saturation and then place the pass element back into active mode. During the recovery from the load transient, V_OUT overshoots because the pass element is functioning as a resistor from V_IN to V_OUT. If operating under these conditions, apply a higher dc load or increase the output capacitance to reduce the overshoot because these solutions provide a path to dissipate the excess charge.