Vishay Semiconductors Launches 3-Pin SOT490 Package for RF Transistors with Dimensions of 1.6 mm by 0.85 mm

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - December 6, 2002 - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE VSH) today announced plans to offer a number of its most popular RF transistors in the new surface-mount SOT490 package. This 3-pin plastic package occupies just 60% of the board space required by the SOT323 and only 40% of the space required by the SOT23, with a compact footprint measuring just 1.6 mm by 0.85 mm.

Vishay Semiconductors transistors in the SOT490 package will set a new standard for dynamic performance in high-volume, mainstream, cost-effective handheld and space-critical applications. Examples of products in the new package include the BFQ67F RF transistor, which provides broadband amplification at frequencies up to 2 GHz with a low noise figure of 1.2 dB, a high transition frequency of 7.5 GHz, and a high power gain of 16 dB.

In addition to space savings and enhanced electrical performance, the SOT490 package provides superior reliability compared with 3-pin devices with "gull wing" leads. The SOT490's flat-lead design increases moisture resistance by eliminating the mechanical handling that can cause cracks or gaps, while the package's short lead length serves to reduce package inductances.

Improvements in size, performance, reliability, feedback capacitances, and typical transition frequencies and power gain will provide designers with high-performing yet cost-effective solutions for a variety of RF applications.

Samples of the SOT490-packaged transistors will be available in the fourth quarter of 2002. Production quantities will be available at the end of 2002, with lead times of four 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.