Vishay Siliconix's New 3.3 V Buck-Boost Regulator With Compact 4.9 mm by 3.0 mm Footprint Ensures Stable Operating Conditions, 100 mA Output Current in Handheld Electronics

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA — July 21, 2004 — A new buck-boost regulator that offers designers a simple, low-cost solution for obtaining a stable voltage from the batteries in portable electronic systems was announced today by Siliconix incorporated (NASDAQ: SILI), an 80.4%-owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH).

The new Vishay Siliconix SiP1759 provides a stable 3.3 V fixed output or 2.5 V to 5.5 V variable output voltage with a 1.6 V to 5.5 V input voltage range. The new regulator is designed for handheld, battery-powered equipment including digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, camcorders, cell phones, and drivers for flashlights using white LEDs.

Serving as a pin-for-pin replacement for the MAX1759 charge-pump dc to dc converter and available in the same 10-pin MSOP package, the SiP1759 measures just 4.9 mm by 3.0 mm by 1.1 mm and requires only three compact external ceramic capacitors.

Suitable for use with equipment using lithium-ion, nickel metal-hydride (NiMH), and alkaline batteries, the device produces a regulated 3.3 V output for batteries above or below 3.3 V and provides maximum useful battery life down to 1.6 V.

The new Vishay Siliconix regulator offers 100 mA guaranteed output current, as well as 60 µA quiescent current and less than 1 µA current in shutdown mode. The device's 1.5 MHz operating frequency helps to reduce capacitor size. Foldback short-circuit protection reduces power dissipation and battery current drain, and a soft-start feature limits inrush current to avoid stressing components as the system powers up. An open-collector digital power-OK output pin signals when the output is out of regulation.

Samples and production quantities of the SiP1759 are available now, with lead times of 8 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.