New Vishay Siliconix Voltage Regulator Features Fast Response, Low Dropout Voltages

New IC Offers Compatibility with Ceramic Capacitors

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - August 31, 2000 - A new low-dropout regulator that allows the use of either ceramic 2.2-mF capacitors or tantalum capacitors on the input and output in power conversion designs was announced today by Siliconix incorporated (NASDAQNMS: SILI), an 80.4%-owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(NYSE: VSH). Intended to provide power to the signal processing componentsin digital cell phones, the new Vishay Siliconix Si9182DH improves performance over previous-generation ICs

The Si9182DH sets new standards for dropout voltage and speed. At its maximum continuous output current of 250 mA, dropout voltage is just 180 mV - one of the lowest on the market for this current rating. Line and load transient response is typically less than 2 microseconds, allowing the Si9182DH to be used with the fastest slew-rate DSPs and microcontrollers.

With an input range of 2 V to 6 V, the Si9182DH is compatible with single or multi-cell battery packs in cell phones, communicators, web phones,PDAs, DSCs, notebook PCs, and portable instruments. A range of adjustable output voltages from 1.8 V to 5 V is available.

An out-of-regulation error flag ensures smooth operation. When the output voltage is 5% below its nominal output voltage, the error flag goes low. If a capacitor is connected to the device's delay pin, the error flag output pin will generate a delayed power-on-reset signal. The Si9182DH maintains regulation at peak currents up to 500 mA, ensuring steady operation in systems that produce a high surge current upon turn-on.

"The lower dropout voltage rating of the Si9182DH will prolong batterylife, since the input-to-output voltage differential is as low as possible, " said Jan Nilsson, Power IC Marketing Director at Vishay Intertechnology. "For the end customer, that means a lighter, smaller, and thinner digital cell phone since a smaller battery can be used."

Packaged in the 8-pin MSOP, samples and production quantities of the Si9182DH are available now, with lead times of 10 to 12 weeks for larger orders.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, transistors, and optoelectronics and selected ICs) and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, sensors, and transducers). These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Its product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and ability to provide "one-stop shop" service have made Vishay a global industry leader. Vishay can be found on the Internet at http://www.vishay.com.