Soft-start provides a controlled voltage ramp to protect loads against in-rush current that could cause latch-up. The start-up or soft-start time can be adjusted by connecting a capacitor from the SS/TRK pin to ground. The soft-start feature allows the regulator output to gradually reach the steady state operating point, thus reducing stresses on the input supply and controlling start up current. If no soft-start capacitor is used the device defaults to the internal soft-start circuitry resulting in a start up time of approximately 1ms. For applications that require a monotonic start-up or utilize the power good pin, an external soft-start capacitor is recommended.