TPS1HTC30-Q1 provides output short-circuit protection to make sure that the device prevents current flow in the event of a low impedance path to GND, removing the risk of damage or significant supply droop. The device is specified to protect against short-circuit events regardless of the state of the ILIM pins and with up to 60-V supply at 125°C.

Figure 8-8 shows the behavior of TPS1HTC30-Q1 when a short-circuit occurs and the device is in the on-state and already outputting current. When the internal pass FET is fully enabled, the current clamping settling time is slower so to make sure overshoot is limited, the device implements a fast trip level at a level I_OVCR. When this fast trip threshold is hit, the device immediately shuts off for a short period of time before quickly re-enabling and clamping the current to I_CL level after a brief transient overshoot to the higher peak current (I_{CL_ENPS}) level. The device then keeps the current clamped at the regulation current limit until the thermal shutdown temperature is hit and the device safely shuts off.

Figure 8-8 On-State Short-Circuit Behavior

Overload Behavior shows the behavior of the TPS1HTC30-Q1 when there is a small change in impedance that sends the load current above the I_CL threshold. The current rises to I_{CL_LINPK} above the regulation level. Then the current limit regulation loop kicks in and the current drops to the I_CL value.

Figure 8-9 Overload Behavior

In all of these cases, the internal thermal shutdown is safe to hit repetitively. There is no device risk or lifetime reliability concerns from repeatedly hitting this thermal shutdown level.