New Low-Inductance Metallized-Film Power Capacitors Provide Industry's Highest RMS Current Rating, Longer Guaranteed Lifetimes, and Exceptional Reliability

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - November 16, 2001 - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced the release of a new series of low-inductance metallized-film power capacitors. Intended for DC-linking, voltage conversion, frequency conversion, and impulse discharge applications, the new Vishay ESTA GLI series devices will be used in traction and industrial drives, uninterruptible power supplies, and other power electronics applications.

The GLI series capacitors feature the industry's highest RMS current rating as a result of an advanced metallized-film on the polypropylene dielectric. With a lifetime expectancy of 100,000 hours at 60°C at voltages from 700 V to 2150 V (DC) and from 200 V to 500 V (AC), GLI series devices offer improved longevity compared with aluminum electrolytic capacitors and even with competing devices having identical electrical specifications. The GLI power capacitors are resistant to high surge voltages, heavy-duty shock, and vibration, and feature a reliability rating of 300 FIT.

The new GLI devices provide extremely low losses even at high frequencies, a low ESR, and an exceptionally low inductance value of <30 nH. Rated for operation over a temperature range of -40°C to +70°C, devices in the series are capable of operating at temperatures as high 100°C at half of the rated voltage.

The GLI series features a dissipation factor lower than 8 x 10^-4 at a frequency of 1 kHz and a capacitance tolerance of ≥5%. Terminal-to-terminal voltage is 1.5 times the rated DC voltage for 10 seconds.

In addition to offering standard voltage and capacitance ratings, the new devices may be customized with a wide range of dielectrics to meet specifications for a variety of AC and DC applications. Integrated flanges enable mounting in close proximity to multiplanar busbars in IGBT applications. The capacitor casing is polyester with a resin polyurethane filling.

Samples and production quantities of the GLI series capacitors are available now, with lead times of six to 10 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.