So what parameter defines the maximum current an IC can provide then mate?
If you buy a battery, and it says on it 6V at a maximum of 1 Amp.
It means it provides 6V, and you can use up to 1 Amp from it. Safely WITHOUT it overheating or something.
But if you short-circuit it. Massively more than 1 Amp may flow. E.g. 8.5 Amps.
If the Battery datasheet says Absolute Maximum Current (taken out of) battery is 1 Amp.
It does NOT mean it can NEVER give more than 1 Amp if short-circuited.
I.e. It can take up to 1 Amp, WITHOUT damaging it.
OK agree. But why did you bring up MINIMUM ratings? It is the minimum current at which it will break down, ok. But it's also the maximum before breakdown. So it's both the minimum and the maximum before breakdown. Why bother with minimum? You bright this up. There's no need to speak of minimums. It already says maximum. I think you were just trying to contradict me again.
I agree with you, in that I should NOT have mentioned minimums, as it could cause confusion.
The reason I mentioned minimum, was as follows.
Let's say a power transistor, is rated for up to 1 amp current. With an absolute MAXIMUM current of 1 amp.
As regards the absolute maximum, it is a MAXIMUM of 1 Amp.
But if you accidentally short circuit the transistor, a lot more than 1 amp, may flow from it.
Hence that is why I said 1 Amp is the minimum short circuit current. What I really meant was that the 1 Amp was just the safe limit. But it could go a lot higher, if the transistor was short-circuited.
Anyway, I should have refrained from calling it minimum, as it was making it too confusing. Sorry.