I am making a generic voltage reference/calibrator for my lab based on the REF5010ID and had a question about making it robust and interpreting its data sheet.
Does the chip have built in current limiting to survive a short circuit across the output? The datasheet doesn't mention it other than saying it is robust against varying loads, but does have a 'short circuit current' entry of 25mA under electrical characteristics, does this mean it will limit itself to 25mA? Under absolute maximum ratings it has a short circuit current of 30mA listed, how does that relate to the 25mA since the chip decides how much current to push across a short. I am not concerned with a proper voltage regulation at greater than the speced 10mA but I would like to know whether the chip will survive undamaged and without affecting its long term calibration.
If it cannot handle a short circuit, What would be the best way to protect against overcurrent without compromising the reference accuracy/precision at all? A 1k resistor would introduce a voltage drop depending on impedance of the load, would a polyfuse trip fast enough to protect the chip? Would an lm334 introduce its own inaccuracy into the output? other ideas welcome.
John