Vishay Releases Industry's First Four-Terminal, 1-W, Power Metal Strip® Resistor

New Surface-Mountable Device Enhances Current Measurement for Computer, Instrumentation, and Other Precision Applications

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - October 5, 2001 - A new current sensing resistor that significantly improves current measuring accuracy in precision sensing, voltage division, and pulse applications was announced today by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH). The new 1-W device features a four-terminal, surface-mount design that allows for 1% resistance tolerance down to 1 m and minimizes the influence of the copper terminals on the overall TCR characteristics, enabling precise current sensing in computer, consumer, automotive, and industrial end products.

Built on Vishay's patented Power Metal Strip® technology, the WSK2512 is constructed with the solderable copper terminals welded directly to a self-supporting solid metal resistive element. The result is a highly stable device that combines extremely low resistance and low RTC with strong surge-handling capabilities. Encapsulation with a high-temperature coating allows the WSK2512 to be derated linearly to 170°C and remain at peak functioning performance in temperatures as low as -65°C. Depending upon the resistance value, the device is offered with either a nickel-chrome or manganese-copper alloy resistive element. The surface-mountable WSK2512 resistor, measuring just 6.35 mm by 3.18 mm, with a 0.635-mm height profile (0.250 in. by 0.125 in. by 0.025 in.) can be easily designed into a variety of ultra-compact end products.

Samples and production quantities of the WSK2512 are available now, with lead times of four to six 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.

Power Metal Strip is a registered trademark of Vishay Intertechnology.