MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA — July 30, 2004 — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced the addition of a new fully integrated constant current source module to the FunctionPAK® family of BGA-packaged dc-to-dc converters. This device is not only the first complete constant current source module to include all necessary components in a single package, but also the industry's smallest complete power LED driver.

As a complete converter solution requiring no external components, the new FX5959G701ADJ converter drives power LEDs rated for operation at or above 300 mA simply by being connected with the LED and a low voltage source, such as a battery. The constant current source module ensures the full load life of LEDs without exceeding the applicable LED voltage. It is intended for use in end products including bike lamps, headlamps, flashlights, medical instrumentation, general and emergency alarm lighting, design and architectural lighting, interior and runway lights, outdoor accent lighting, household appliances, and other systems requiring an extremely small design. The FX5959G701ADJ can also be used as a laser diode driver and to drive the ultraviolet LEDs used in printers to dry ink quickly.

The new constant current source converter module incorporates 20 components and a dc-to-dc converter in a single BGA package measuring just 0.59 in. by 0.59 in. [15 mm by 15 mm] with a low height profile of 0.126 in. [3.2 mm], reducing costs and time to market by eliminating the need for engineering, testing, and assembly of multiple discrete components.

The FX5959G701ADJ provides designers with the flexibility to utilize various battery configurations and chemistries (NiCd, NiMH, or Li+) with an input voltage range of 2.5 V to 6 V. It is rated for an output power of 15 W and a maximum current of 2.5 A. Ultra-high-efficiency operation is delivered over a large load range, with synchronous-rectified PWM mode operation under full load and externally controlled pulse-skipping mode (PSM) under light load.

Each converter in the FunctionPAK family draws just 1 μA of current in shutdown mode and features programmable PWM and PSM output controls to optimize power conversion efficiency. With 100% duty cycle control for PSM operation, the converter acts much like a saturated linear regulator to extract every bit of power from single-cell lithium ion or triple-cell NiCd and NiMH battery packs and thus deliver the highest potential output voltage.

For maximum reliability, the BGA package for FunctionPAK is rated for the full industrial temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C, is specified for military operating temperatures, shock levels, and moisture resistance, and provides short-circuit protection.

Samples of the new FX5959G701ADJ are available now, with lead times of 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, MOSFETs, and infrared optoelectronics) and passive electronic components (resistors, inductors, and capacitors). These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, power supplies, and medical markets. Vishay's product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and "one-stop shop" service have made it a global industry leader. Vishay can be found on the Internet at http://www.vishay.com.

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FunctionPAK is a registered trademark of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.