analog - What is the definition of absolute maximum ratings?

What is the definition absolute maximum ratings? Does it vary from manufacturer to manufacturer?

Answer

So, short story is the definition of absolute maximum rating does vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Most every manufacture (of those sampled) will give a variation of this warning:

Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device.

Then proceed to tell you that this might happen over time:

Exposure to absolute maximum rating

conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

If international standards count for anything here is IEC60134 which "standardizes" the definition of absolute maximum ratings:

IEC60134 paragraph 4: Absolute maximum rating system This section states:

“Absolute maximum ratings are limiting values of operating and environmental conditions applicable to any electronic device of a specified type as defined by its published data, which should not be exceeded under the worst probable conditions.

These values are chosen by the device manufacturer to provide acceptable serviceability of the device, taking no responsibility for equipment variations, environmental variations, and the effects of changes in operating conditions due to variations in the characteristics of the device under consideration and of all other electronic devices in the equipment.”

Here is where it gets really boring, but I threw this up for comparison

Analog says that their absolute maximum ratings won't kill the part instantly but it will degrade over time:

Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress rating only; functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions above those indicated in the operational section of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum ratings for extended periods may affect device functionality.

They also say on many of their chips its process based.

The maximum supply voltage that can be applied to an op amp is determined by the fabrication process. It refers to the instantaneous value, not the average or final value. Low voltage CMOS op amps from Analog Devices, Inc., are typically limited to 6 V, whereas high voltage bipolar parts are limited to 36 V.

Source: Analog App Note MS-2551

Linear Technology gives a standard warning and reliability:

Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device reliability and lifetime.

Maxim Electronics gives the standard warning and that it will affect reliability:

Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

Texas Instruments is the same:

Stresses beyond those listed under absolute maximum ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated under recommended operating conditions is not implied. Exposure to absolute-maximum-rated conditions for extended periods my affect device reliability.

The exception is Rohm and they say you can't exceed the ratings ever or you'll cause damage:

Absolute maximum ratings are conditions that should never be exceeded, even momentarily. For example, supplying a voltage over the maximum rating and/or using in environments outside of the temperature range may cause deterioration of IC characteristics or even damage.

Source: Rohm Absolute Maximum Ratings