Vishay’s New Surface-Mount, Highly Integrated Reflective Optical Sensor Includes IR Emitter and PIN Photodiode in Single Package, Operates at Distances up to 40 mm

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - January 5, 2005 - A new reflective optical sensor capable of detecting objects at operating distances of up to 40 mm was announced today by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH). The surface-mount TCND5000 reflective sensor, which includes an IR emitter and PIN photodiode in a single package, is well suited for use in object presence sensors, touch sensors, and proximity sensors in a broad range of consumer, industrial, and automotive applications.

With high sensitivity and an operating distance from 2 mm to as great as 40 mm, the highly integrated TCND5000 sensor offers designers a compact and reliable solution for enhancing the performance of electronic systems such as cell phones, in which the device compensates for the proximity of the user’s ear and adjusts the volume of the speakerphone function accordingly.

To ensure excellent performance, the new sensor is designed with precisely positioned optical components. The TCND5000 device combines an IR emitter as the source and a photo diode as the receiver for the touch/proximity signal. The optical axes of the emitter and detector are parallel-aligned for optimized reflective operation.

The sensor’s high-intensity IR emitter features an operating wavelength of 950 nm, while a 950 nm IR bandpass filter eliminates interference from daylight. An optical barrier between the emitter and detector reduces crosstalk to very low levels.

Dimensions of each TCND5000 sensor are 6.0 mm by 3.76 mm with a height profile of 3.9 mm. These RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances)- and WEEE-compliant devices meet JEDEC Level 4 standards and are available in a lead (Pb)-free, surface-mount-style package. The new sensors are designed for IR reflow soldering with a peak temperature of 260 °C and therefore are suitable for lead (Pb)-free solder processes.

Delivered in tape-and-reel packaging, samples and production quantities of the new TCND5000 optical sensor are available now with lead times of 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.