How does the short-circuit protection of the eFuse IC (electronic fuse) work?

The short-circuit protection function prevents overcurrent by switching off the output of the eFuse IC in the event of a short circuit caused by an abnormality in the power supply line or load.

Short-circuit protection is a protective function, also known as fast trip.
The following is an explanation based on the operation example of the TCKE8 series.
Please check each of the data sheets for details.

When a large current (exceeding the set current) flows instantaneously through the MOSFET, the eFuse IC determines that the output is short-circuited, and shuts down the MOSFET in a very short time. After shutdown, the MOSFET is automatically turned on by a timer set inside the eFuse IC. At this time, if there is no abnormality in the subsequent ICs or circuits, eFuse IC operates normally. However, if there is a reason for overcurrent to flow, eFuse IC performs overcurrent protective operation.

In the overcurrent protection the of auto-retry type, the output current is limited by overcurrent protection, the output is shut down when the junction temperature rises to the temperature of thermal shutdown, and when the junction temperature drops, the output turns on again to limit the output current.
After that, the recovery cycle is repeated by the following cycles until the overcurrent is eliminated.
The overcurrent protection of the latch type shuts down the output when an overcurrent is detected and retains the output off state. Releasing the output-off is performed by once dropping EN/ UVLO signal to the "L" level and then inputting the "H" level signal again.

Output voltage and current waveforms during fast trip Operation (simulation date)
Figure 1: Output voltage and current waveforms during fast trip Operation (simulation date)

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