New IrDA-Compatible Vishay Telefunken Transceivers Offer Wide Operating Voltage Range For Data Transmission Rates Up To 4 Megabits Per Second

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - August 4, 1999 - The industry's first IrDA-compatible transceivers capable of fast-infrared operation from voltage supplies ranging from 2.6 V to 5 V were released today by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Offering data rates up to 4 megabits per second, the new Vishay Telefunken devices are the first on the market to offer full performance across this voltage range and to be functional at voltages as low as 2.4 V, allowing OEM designers to use a single device for 2.6-V through 5-V designs in notebook computers, digital cameras, and other systems.

The six new devices released today offer designers a choice of three package styles. Side-view (TFDS) and top-view (TFDT) devices are packaged in a surface-mount package measuring 13 mm x 5.3 mm with a height of 5.6 mm, while devices in Vishay Telefunken's BabyFace package (TFDU) can be mounted for either top or side orientation and measure just 9.7 mm by 4.7 mm with a height of 4 mm.

All six new transceivers integrate the optical components and mixed-signal control chip necessary for fast infrared, serial infrared, or carrier-based remote control infrared implementations. Transmit and receive functions are accomplished by using proven emitter and detector technology pioneered by Vishay Telefunken. By integrating the preamplifier of the receiver and the driver stage of the transmitter, the new devices combine the functions of two ICs and eliminate a large number of discrete components. Many competitive solutions require up to nine discretes. The new Vishay Telefunken products, by contrast, require as few external components as a current-limiting resistor and bypass capacitor.

To minimize power consumption and prolong battery life in notebooks, palmtops, PDAs, and digital still and video cameras, the new devices are specified for a supply currents of 3 milliamps while operating and just 1 microamp in shutdown mode. A split power supply design allowing transmitter and receiver to be powered independently further saves on battery life.

"These new devices significantly expand the choices available to designers for enabling IrDA-compatible infrared connectivity, whether the end product is a notebook computer, cell phone, printer, fax machine, set-top box, or digital assistant used for collecting information in the industrial or medical environments," said Jan Nilsson, Director, Product Marketing, IrDCs.

TFDx6x01E devices provide an auto-detect plug and play feature that allows super I/Os from SMSC and other suppliers to recognize the Vishay Telefunken part and automatically install the correct drivers. TFDx6x02E devices provide a tri-state output on the RXD pin, allowing several devices - whether IrDA transceivers or other components - to share the same communications bus.

Unlike other miniaturized IrDA-compatible transceivers, the new Vishay Telefunken devices require no additional metal shielding to create a complete, surface-mount solution. Internal automatic gain control circuitry ensures maximum sensitivity, even with a high level of optical interference.

Samples and production quantities of all six new devices are available now, with lead times of eight 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.