The internal current limit circuit is used to protect the LDO against high-load current faults or shorting events. During a current-limit event, the LDO sources constant current; therefore, the output voltage falls with decreased load impedance. Thermal shutdown can activate during a current limit event because of the high power dissipation typically found in these conditions. To ensure proper operation of the current limit, minimize the inductances to the input and load. Continuous operation in current limit is not recommended.

The foldback current limit crosses 0 A when V_OUT < 0 V and prevents the device from turning on into a negatively-biased output. See the Section 8.1.19 section on additional ways to ensure start-up when the TPS7A84 output is pulled below ground.

If V_OUT > V_IN + 0.3 V, then reverse current can flow from the output to the input. The reverse current can cause damage to the device; therefore, limit this reverse current to 10% of the rated output current of the device. See the Section 8.1.20 section for more details.