How is overcurrent protection implemented in power converters?

Overcurrent protection prevents device and system damage. Methods include: cycle-by-cycle current limiting (compare sensed current with threshold, turn off switch if exceeded), instantaneous hardware trip (fast comparator disconnects gate drive in < 1 microsecond), soft-start (limit current during startup), and foldback current limiting (reduce output voltage under overload to limit power). Sensing methods: current sense resistor (accurate but lossy), current transformer (isolated, AC only), Hall sensor (DC capable, isolated), and IGBT desaturation detection. Protection must be fast enough to save devices.