I have a product where pins VCCA, OE and A are linked to connector pins. Normally VCCA and OE are connected (through the connector) to 3.3v power, and A receives a 3.3v serial signal. This all works perfectly.
Now I want to connect a different connector to it, where communication is not needed but just 5V is supplied. In this setup VCCA and OE are tied to ground, and pin A is connected to a 5V power supply. Now my question is: is this safe? The datasheet states the output pins go to Hi-Z state when OE is LOW. But what exactly is the applicaiton possibility for this?
In short: When OE is pulled LOW (GND), is it safe for this chip to have 5V power connected to pin A, without breaking?
You can ignore the rest of the system in this case.