Vishay’s New Transceiver Modules are the Industry’s First Multi-Channel, 2.4-GHz DSSS Transceivers Supporting a Data Rate of up to 8 Mbps

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA — September 8, 2006 — Vishay Intertechnology Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced a new 2.4-GHz ISM transceiver module family that supports seven operating channels, each spread with a unique direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) code. These modules offer a unique combination of features, such as high data rate, wide operating voltage, wide temperature range, and much more. The new modules are intended for a variety of wireless applications, including load cells and weighing systems, strain gages, transducers and sensors, voice-over-IP systems, and audio/video systems.

The new Vishay RFWaves transceivers, which operate over a wide voltage range of 2.5 V to 3.6 V, feature a channel switching time of only 60 µs and data rate of up to 8 Mbps. A combination of fast wakeup and lockup times of 60 µs and 1 µs, respectively, enables an efficient power consumption management method of switching the transceivers off for even very short periods of time without impairing performance, particularly useful in ultra-low-power products. The modules are the industry’s first multi-channel, 2.4-GHz DSSS transceivers that integrate this combination of features.

The modules’ high data rate enhances data transmission quality, enables the transceivers’ use in applications requiring a high bandwidth, and provides a more robust communications link and capability to handle more complex network scenarios than the lower-rate alternatives currently on the market. Two versions of the modules are available. The RFW3M provides a data rate of 3 Mbps, while the higher-end RFW8M offers an 8-Mbps data rate.

The modules have an indoor communication range of up to 20 meters, which can be doubled with a power amplifier. Offering robust performance, both devices are designed to coexist with 802.11b/g, Bluetooth®, and other wireless networks. The modules offer a simple 3-wire-bus digital interface. Overall, the modules include 15 interface pins and can be soldered on a motherboard like a standard SMT component, enabling simple product integration. Designers do not need to have any knowledge of RF systems in order to integrate the devices into their products. Extensive application notes and design documents, as well as a very easy-to-use evaluation kit, are available for system-level integration.

The modules operate over an enhanced temperature range of –40 °C to +85 °C, suitable for industrial applications. They are RoHS-compliant and meet FCC, CE, ETSI, and other worldwide regulations and standards.

Samples and production quantities of the 3-Mbps RFW3M are available now, with lead times of 12 weeks for larger orders. Samples of the RFW8M will be available in Q4 2006.

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.