Siliconix's New Power MOSFETs for DC/DC Conversion Serve Applications From High-End Notebooks to Game Stations

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - October 19, 2000 - Siliconix Incorporated (Nasdaq: SILI - news), an 80.4%-owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(NYSE: VSH - news), announced that it is shipping a new pair of LITTLE FOOT® power MOSFETs for core voltage dc-to-dc converters in high-end notebook computers, plus three new LITTLE FOOT Plus(™) devices that combine two power MOSFETs and a Schottky diode for dc-to-dc conversion in a single package— reducing component count inspace-sensitive applications.

Individually optimized for the switching and synchronous rectification functions performed by power MOSFETs in dc-to-dccircuits, new LITTLE FOOT devices in the SO-8 allow designers to improve the efficiency of power conversion designs innotebook computers utilizing Pentium III® and other high-performance processors.

As the upper, switching MOSFET in a dc-to-dc converter, the new Si4894DY combines a high maximum drain current with reduced switching losses, accommodating the current demands of advanced microprocessors while reducing the possibility of over temperature conditions. As the bottom free wheeling MOSFET in the dc-to-dc circuit, which carries the current for the majority of the time, the new Si4404DY offers on-resistance of just 4 milliohms at a 10-V gate drive -- approximately half the level of the previous-generation devices.

Three new LITTLE FOOT Plus™ devices, each of which combines a low-side synchronous MOSFET, a high-side control MOSFET, and a Schottky diode in a single SO-8 package, significantly reduce space requirements for 2- to 5-A logic voltage dc-to-dc converters. The new Si4808DY, Si4830DY, and Si4834DY provide improved power density and allow designers to replace three discrete devices with a single integrated solution.

Optimized for synchronous buck converters with a switching frequency of up to 300 kHz, the three devices combine a 30-V breakdown voltage with power MOSFET on-resistance of 22 milliohms per channel at a 10-V gate drive. Each MOSFET can handle up to 7.5 A of current. Maximum forward voltage for the Schottky diode component is 0.5 V at 1 A.

To suit a variety of layout approaches, each device provides a different pin-out variation. Typical end products will include notebook computers, game stations, and other space-sensitive information appliances

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.

LITTLE FOOT is a registered trademark of Siliconix incorporated. LITTLE FOOT Plus is a trademark of Siliconix incorporated. All other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.