New Vishay Siliconix Smart Regulator Reduces Power Consumption in Notebook and Desktop Computer Network Cards

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - August 10, 2001 - A new power IC specifically designed to regulate power for network interface cards (NIC), PCMCIA cards, and PCI interface cards in desktop and notebook computers released today by Siliconix incorporated (NASDAQ: SILI), an 80.4%-owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE: VSH). The new Si91860 400-mA smart regulator combines an automatic voltage regulation that enables various power management implementations to reduce equipment standby power consumption with a highly integrated design that requires only four external components for a complete application circuit.

As a dual-input linear regulator, the Si91860DY automatically switchesbetween either 5 V_IN or 5 _VSB input voltages to a fixed 3.3-V output.When neither of the 5-V inputs is present, the power is drawn throughthe bypass switch from the third input 3.3-V auxiliary input, with a 55-mVdrop at 150 mA load. All transistors are glitch-free to ensure a continuous3.3V output.

The device provides a minimum peak output current of 600-mA, and is capable of carrying at least a 400-mA continuous load current under any power input condition. Additional features include integrated short circuit and thermal shutdown protection circuitry. When combined with the reduced power consumption directly resulting from the device's low supply current, these built-in protection features make the Si91860DY a highly reliable device well suited for use in notebook and desktop computers, where low power consumption but continuous operation is important.

Packaged in an SOIC-8 rated for the full -40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range, samples and production quantities of the Si91860DY are available now, with lead times of eight 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.