New Vishay Telefunken Zener Diodes Feature Sharp Reverse Characteristic, Cost-Effective MiniMELF Packaging

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - August 17, 2001 - A new series of Zener diodes in the compact MiniMELF (SOD-80) has been released by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH). The new Vishay Telefunken TLZ series gives designers 130 new options for constant voltage control applications in a surface-mount glass package, enabling high-density board layouts and simplifying high-speed assembly.

The new TLZ devices offer power handling capabilities up to 500 mW at Zener voltages from 2.4 V to 56 V and reverse currents from 5 mA to 20 mA. A sharp reverse characteristic helps ensure a stable reverse voltage - even at low current levels - and promotes efficient use of power in dc-to-dc converters, PC motherboards, power supplies, consumer products, and communications systems. Low levels of differential Zener impedance eliminate ac distortion.

For maximum design flexibility, the TLZ Zener diodes are available in 30 overlapping voltage groups. Within each group, from three to six devices are offered with more narrowly specified reverse voltages. For the 4.04-V to 4.57-V range, for example, designers can select a device with the standard reverse-voltage range of 4.04 V to 4.57 (TLZ4V3) or from more narrowly specified devices with reverse voltage ranges of 4.04 V to 4.29 V (TLZ4V3A), 4.17 V to 4.43 V (TLZ4V3B), and 4.30 V to 4.57 V (TLZ4V3C).

The TLZ series' glass MiniMELF packages measure just 3.5 mm end-to-end with a 1.5-mm diameter. All devices are rated for a 175°C maximum junction temperature for maximum reliability.

Samples of the new TLZ Zener diodes are available now. Production quantities, supplied in tape and reel form, will be available in August 2001, with lead times of four 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.