New Vishay Spectrol Potentiometer Provides Metric Alternative for Industrial Control Applications

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA — April 15, 2002 — - A new 7/8-inch (22-mm) 10-turn precision wirewound potentiometer with a metric bore was announced today by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH).

The new Vishay Spectrol Model 534-8872-XXX is rated for one million lifecycles and is intended for industrial control applications in end products including medical instruments, welding machines, wire-cutting machines, and virtually any industrial control system that requires a potentiometer with a metric shaft.

With metric dimensions, a choice of accompanying dials, and available standard part configuration, the new potentiometer from Vishay serves as part of a complete positioning and sensing solution. As a result, manufacturers can cut design and component costs by purchasing the potentiometer and related system components and add-ons from a single supplier.

The new Vishay Spectrol device is available in a choice of 100 Ω, 200 Ω, 500 Ω, 1 kΩ, 2 kΩ, 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 20 kΩ, 50 kΩ, and 100 kΩ standard resistance values, with a standard tolerance of ±5% and special resistance tolerances down to ±1%. The metric Model 534 features a standard independent linearity of ±0.25%. The device's maximum TCR for standard resistance values is 20 ppm/°C.

The Model 534-8872-XXX features a dual gang configuration, concentric shafts with front and rear shaft extensions, an insulating plastic shaft, a non-turn lug, and a center tap. The maximum torque for the device's first section starts at 0.5 oz.-in. (36 gm-cms), and at 0.9 oz.-in. (65 gm-cms) for the second section. Section two is phased to section one within ±2°. Bushing and servo mounts are available. An operating temperature range of -55°C to +125°C ensures reliable operation even in extreme environments.

To provide additional design flexibility, the potentiometer can be customized with mechanical packaging modifications and other functions.

Samples and production quantities of the Vishay Spectrol Model 534-8872-XXX are available now, with lead times of six to 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.