Short Circuit Protection for Low Power Circuits without using a fuse
Current limiting inside ICs can occur in 10 nanoSeconds or 20 nanoseconds.
YOu need a sense resistor (zero time), a comparator (5 to 10 nanoseconds for moderate power comparator), and circuitry to shut off the MOSFET switch (5nS to 20nS).

Do not use overtemperature monitoring to protect the IC. Its too slow, because of need to propagate heat through the silicon substrate, unless the heat sensor is located next to the power device (within 10 microns).