Silicon Labs EFM32: Is it OK to apply a signal externally when unpowered?
EFx32
The Absolute Maximum Ratings in the datasheet defines the allowable voltage for I/O as Min:-0.3V to Max: VDD+0.3V. (WG,GG,LG,G,TG,HG,ZG family) The figure below is an excerpt from the EFM32GG990 data sheet.
In other words, the absolute maximum rating of I/O is +0.3V when no power is supplied (VDD=0V), so inputting an external signal (eg 3.3V) may damage the device.
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