Current Limiting Circuitry and Method for Pass Elements and Output Stages

Circuitry (10-2) for limiting the maximum amount of current (IREF) flowing through a first electrode (DRAIN) of a first transistor (T1) includes an amplifier (14) having an output coupled by a conductor (19) to a control electrode of the first transistor and limiting circuitry (17) including reference current sensing circuitry (22, TSENSE) having a reference current source (IREF-SENSE). A reference current sensing transistor (TSENSE) has a control electrode coupled to the control electrode of the first transistor, a first electrode coupled to a terminal (20) of the reference current source, and a second electrode (SOURCE) coupled to a second electrode of the first transistor. A buffer (T2) has an input coupled to the terminal of the reference current source. The maximum amount is limited in accordance with the reference current source to prevent an increase in magnitude of voltage applied by the amplifier to the first transistor.