AMC1311: About absolute maximum rating of VIN pin

Hello Yusuke-san,

Thank you for your question. 

Yes, customers should adhere to both input voltage and input current absolute maximum ratings. Exceeding the absolute maximum ratings of the device can cause damage to the device. This could be in the form of a single catastrophic event that results in the device no longer functioning, or if the absolute maximum ratings of the device are slightly exceeded many times it can degrade the performance of the device over time.  

The customer is correct that 10mA is set according to built-in ESD diode, however exceeding the absolute maximum ratings is never recommended. 

Voltages outside of the supply voltages cause the internal ESD protection diodes to conduct which is not their primary intended function.  As long as the current through them is limited to <10mA the device should not be immediately damaged but we do not characterize the long-term effects that conduction through these ESD cells can cause and we will not be able to guarantee the datasheet specifications over the lifetime of the product if the ESD cells are designed to regularly conduct current.