Hi,
I had a doubt regarding the Current Limit Functionality for this part. Let's say it is used in a 4 phase application for a VOUT of 1V and normal load current of 2A. Assume the "ILIM_FWD" current setting is set to 4A for all phases. During normal operation, let's say for some reason the DUT developed some issue and the looking in impedance for the supply driven by the buck dropped and became 100mohms (ie not exactly a supply ground short, but almost like a weak short)
In this scenario, does the buck still continue to drive 10A (given that it is capable of driving 16A in 4 phase mode) in an attempt to maintain 1V at the load? I'm concerned that this high a current drive may damage the PCB path vias etc in the supply path. I suppose the "ILIM_FWD" setting is on a per phase basis, so even if we set it to 4A per phase, effective current limit is still 16A? And in any case, even if the "ILIM_FWD" limit does get hit, I understand the buck doesn't really limit the current based on it, it just raises an interrupt which the user has to read and take corrective measures (which may take time based on the implementation)?
Also, since the buck is capable of driving 10A across 100mohms to still get Vout=1V, I can't also rely on the Vout<350mV short circuit detection functionality that automatically disables the buck outputs when Vout dips below 350mV.
So my key doubt is if there is a true in built current limiting mechanism available that let's me limit the TOTAL load current safely to say 3.5A or so regardless of the load impedance value? Or is the usage of an external fuse (which adds to the power delivery network impedance) the only option here?
Thanks,
Anoop
