New Commercial Thin Film Chip Resistors Provide Tolerances As Low As ±0.1% with Resistance Values from 1 Ω to 330 kΩ

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - January 24, 2003 - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced a new family of commercial thin film rectangular chip resistors intended for measurement and control applications in medical, automotive, industrial, communications, and portable electronics systems.

The new Vishay Draloric thin film M series resistors are available in industry standard case sizes including 0402, 0603, 0805, and 1206, with minimum resistance values ranging from 1 Ω to 330 kΩ and tight tolerances as low as ±0.1%. The tightest TCR value for the M series devices is currently ±25 ppm/°C. Working voltages range from 25 V to 200 V, and maximum DC power ratings range from 63 mW to 250 mW, depending on case size.

With the industry’s smallest ΔR/R ratio in a moisture test (HAST-Test) and with excellent resistance to thermal shock, high and low temperatures, and short-term overload, resistors in the M series provide exceptional stability even in extreme environmental conditions. As a result, end products incorporating the M series resistors - such as precision scales, clinical thermometers, X-ray systems, diesel fuel injection control systems, car audio systems, digital cameras, and mobile phones will demonstrate a higher life expectancy and greater reliability than products using standard components.

Wraparound terminations featuring a thin film adhesion layer covered with a leach-resistant nickel barrier layer enable operation in temperatures as high as +155°C. The devices are rated for operation over a standard temperature range of -55°C to +125°C (+155°C).

The M series high-purity alumina substrate enables high power dissipation, while a nickel-chrome-alloy-based thin film provides dependable performance. The new resistors offer high-speed laser trimming for high-volume requirements, and they are available in tape-and-reel packaging.

Samples of the M series thin film chip resistors are available now, with lead times of six to eight weeks for production quantities.

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.