7.3.3 Current Protection

The output over-current limit (OCL) is implemented using a cycle-by-cycle valley detect control circuit. The inductor current is monitored during the OFF state by measuring the low-side FET drain to source voltage. This voltage is proportional to the switch current. To improve accuracy, the voltage sensing is temperature compensated.

During the on time of the high-side FET switch, the switch current increases at a linear rate determined by V_IN, V_OUT, and the output inductor value. During the on time of the low-side FET switch, this current decreases linearly. The average value of the switch current is the load current I_OUT. If the monitored current is above the OCL level, the converter maintains low-side FET on and delays the creation of a new set pulse, even the voltage feedback loop requires one, until the current level becomes OCL level or lower. In subsequent switching cycles, the on-time is set to a fixed value and the current is monitored in the same manner.

There are some important considerations for this type of over-current protection. The load current is higher than the over-current threshold by one half of the peak-to-peak inductor ripple current. Also, when the current is being limited, the output voltage tends to fall as the demanded load current may be higher than the current available from the converter. This may cause the output voltage to fall. When the VFB voltage falls below the UVP threshold voltage, the UVP comparator detects it. And then, the device shuts down after the UVP delay time (typically 24 µs) and re-starts after the hiccup time (typically 14.9 ms).

When the over current condition is removed, the output voltage returns to the regulated value.