Hi,

Dave and Harold have provided good explanations of what bootstapping
is.  There are two advantages to bootstrapping in this case.  First, the
efficiency of the circuit should be increased by virtue of increased
drive to the internal switching element.  Second, once this circuit has
been started, it should continue to operate even if its input voltage
(the battery) drops below the startup voltage of the regulator.
Basically, if you can get it started, this puppy will suck blood from a
turnip.

Regards,
Dave

>     I've seen on the LT1073 datasheet (from www.linear-tech.com or
> www.linear.com) the term "bootstrap". What's this?

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