Vishay's New Highly Integrated Miniature Reflective Optical Sensor Provides Operation in Bright Sunlight up to 200 kLux; Enables Proximity Detection at Distance of 2 cm and Touch Detection at Distance of 1 cm from Sensor Surface

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - February 11, 2005 - A new miniature reflective optical sensor capable of operating in bright sunlight was announced today by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH). The TCND3000 surface-mount optical sensor integrates touch and proximity functions and operates in conjunction with an integrated circuit (E909.01) built on ELMOS Semiconductor's HALIOS® (High Ambient Light Independent Optical System) technology to provide reliable operation in very bright sunlight up to 200 kLux.

Offering designers a low-cost alternative to mechanical switches, the TCND3000 series device enables improvements in the design and functionality of electronic systems such as mobile phones, automotive systems, home appliances, and cameras. Highly integrated, the device combines an IR emitter as the source for the touch/proximity signal, another for compensation for ambient light, and a photo diode as the receiver for the touch/proximity signal.

Working with the new electrical signal evaluation system provided by the ELMOS E909.01 IC, the TCND3000 solution allows contact-free detection of movement through a translucent surface, enabling proximity detection at a distance of 2 cm and touch detection at a distance at a distance of 1 cm from the sensor surface. As a result, the sensor may be contained within a clear protective or decorative casing without loss of sensitivity. The self-adjusting system compensates for environmental disturbances such as ambient light, aging of optical components, and surface impurities or scratches. The performance of touch/proximity systems is highly dependent on the precise positioning of the optical components to achieve reliable performance, and the superior design of the TCND3000 meets this requirement.

TCND3000 sensors measure 5 mm by 2.6 mm with a height profile of 3 mm. These RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances)-compliant devices are available in a lead (Pb)-free, surface-mount-style package constructed on PCB mold technology. Each features a 5-V operating voltage, a ±20° angle of half-sensitivity, an 870-nm operating wavelength, and an operating temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C. Devices in the new series are designed for IR reflow soldering with a peak temperature of 260 °C and therefore are suitable for lead-free solder processes.

Further information on the E909.01 IC from ELMOS Semiconductor AG is available at www.elmos.de.

Samples and production quantities of the new TCND3000 optical sensor are available now with lead times of 8 to 12 weeks for larger orders.

Vishay, a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, transistors, optoelectronics, and selected ICs) and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transducers). The Company's components can be found in products manufactured in a very broad range of industries worldwide. Vishay is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has operations in 17 countries employing over 26,000 people. Vishay can be found on the Internet at www.vishay.com.

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.

Halios is a registered trademark of MECHALESS Systems GmbH