What is Absolute maximum ratings?

Limits on voltage, current, temperature and so on that may damage or degrade the device if exceeded even momentarily. Staying within them does not guarantee correct operation; normal use is within the recommended operating conditions.

Japanese name: 絶対最大定格

Absolute maximum ratings appears in 3 practice questions across 1 topic, including How to read datasheets.

Field: How to read datasheets

Try it: questions about Absolute maximum ratings

Which correctly describes the difference between "absolute maximum ratings" and "recommended operating conditions" in a datasheet?

  1. AWithin the absolute maximum ratings the device will not be damaged, and all values in the electrical characteristics table are also guaranteed as written
  2. BAbsolute maximum ratings are limits beyond which damage may occur; characteristics are guaranteed only within the recommended operating conditions
  3. CRecommended operating conditions are the limits for continuous operation, while absolute maximum ratings are limits that may be used routinely for short periods
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Absolute maximum ratings are limits beyond which damage may occur; characteristics are guaranteed only within the recommended operating conditions

Absolute maximum ratings are limit values that, if exceeded even momentarily, may cause damage or degradation; staying within them only means the device will not be damaged—it does not guarantee correct operation. The values in the electrical characteristics table are guaranteed only within the recommended operating conditions. For example, a 3.3 V device might specify an absolute maximum supply voltage of −0.3 to 4.6 V and recommended operating conditions of 3.0 to 3.6 V. In design, use the device within the recommended operating conditions, and confirm that the absolute maximum ratings are not exceeded even including noise and surges.

Absolute maximum ratings in the explanations

Questions that mention Absolute maximum ratings (3)

  1. Which correctly describes the difference between "absolute maximum ratings" and "recommended operating conditions" in a datasheet?
  2. On a prototype board, a surge was found that momentarily pushes the supply voltage above its absolute maximum rating. The IC still works normally afterward. Which is the appropriate way to think about this?
  3. The datasheet of an op-amp used on a single 5 V supply gives the common-mode input range as "0 V to (V+ − 1.5 V)." Which is correct?

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Related terms

Recommended operating conditions Operational amplifier (op-amp) Voltage follower Rail-to-rail 5 V tolerant Allowable power dissipation Derating Dropout voltage Errata Exposed pad

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