Temperature- and Current-Sensing TrenchFETs® in Thermally Enhanced D2PAK Package Improve Performance and Reliability, Save Board Space, and Lower Costs

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - August 16, 2002 - Siliconix incorporated (NASDAQ: SILI), an 80.4%-owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH), today announced the introduction of seven new temperature- and current-sensing TrenchFETs® - including the industry's first 75-V current-sensing MOSFET - in a thermally enhanced D²PAK package.

The new 30- to 75-V TrenchFETs are designed for any application requiring temperature or current sensing, such as motor drives and valve drives, as well as industrial and automotive applications including door modules, EPS, and 12-V or 42-V Powernet systems in cars.

The temperature-sensing function of the new SUM Series devices can be used to allow the MOSFET to shut down circuitry before extreme temperature causes circuit malfunction or damage. Likewise, the current-sensing diode allows the MOSFET to shut down circuitry when it detects excessive current, as in the case of a stalled motor or short circuit.

Like preceding devices in the Vishay Siliconix "SUM" series, these new power MOSFETs are provided in an enhanced D²PAK with a proprietary leadframe design that allows the devices to offer the industry's lowest thermal resistance for this package type, depending on the die-size used.

With no increase in footprint, the new TrenchFETs provide thermal resistance up to 33% lower than standard D²PAK packages, as well as up to 20% higher current-handling capability, up to 50% higher power dissipation, and maximum on-resistance ratings as low as 4.5 mΩ. As a result, these new TrenchFETs can handle higher current and more power, or run cooler while handling the same amount of current and power.

Higher current-handling capability and lower on-resistance values allow designers to save board space and lower production costs because in some cases fewer MOSFETs need to be run in parallel to reach the required current level and power load for a given application. By eliminating one or more MOSFETs, designers can reduce component, assembly, and testing costs.

Samples and production quantities of the SUM50N03-13LC, SUM60N04-12LT, SUM60N04-05LT, SUM60N04-06T, SUM60P05-11LT, SUM60N08-07C, and SUM60N08-07T are available now, with lead times of 10 to 12 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.

TrenchFET is a registered trademark of Siliconix incorporated