currentdatasheet
For example, in the datasheet of ATS030A0X3-SRPHZ, what does the maximum input current mean? Does it mean…
1) This is how much you are allowed to feed into the voltage translator (presumably using a current source) without breaking it?
OR
2) This is how much current the voltage translator will ever draw, so go ahead and design your circuit allocating this much current to this component?
Thanks
You have to obey all the limits. The maximum power is a lot less than maximum voltage * maximum amperage.
Remember, dissipating power is what makes the transistor hot.
For bipolars, the absolute max values are not as useful as the safe-operating-area plot:
You'll notice one of the bounds is the maximum voltage, one is the maximum amperage, and one is the maximum wattage. Stay within the bounds to keep your transistor happy. (Also you need to avoid overheating: look at the Pc-Ta plot, or derive it yourself with the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.)
Using the water analogy, a 10 mm pipe will only allow a certain amount of water to pass, and it will depend on the applied pressure. If you double the pressure, the flow will double.
A certain material will require a certain voltage to flow a certain current. Quoting a nice answer in Physics.SE about gravitation:
Physics [Ohm's law] does not answer existential problems. It gathers data and observations and models them with mathematical equations and functions, and then can explain the data with the model and predict new observations.
Best Answer
For the example given, it's the maximum current the device will draw when:
For the most part, specific test conditions are given for how maximums and minimums were measured. Holding the outputs steady, if you were to increase the input voltage, the input current would drop. So, assuming you aren't going to violate any of the other inputs or outputs, the current should not increase above the specified value.
This most closely matches option two that you've given. You should design to actively maintain the voltage specifications and the current will behave accordingly.