Vishay Launches Industry-First Silicon-Based RF Capacitors in 0201 Footprint

New High-Precision Devices Reduce Size and Assembly Costs While Improving Performance in Wireless Systems

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA — April 28, 2004 — A new family of silicon-based RF capacitors in the 0201 footprint that will help designers reduce the size and improve the performance of wireless communications products was released today by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH).

Based on a proprietary Vishay semiconductor process, the new HPC0201A silicon capacitors enable higher-performance, higher-precision operation at high frequencies while delivering low parasitic inductance and tight tolerances. Device dimensions are just 0.024 in. [0.61 mm] by 0.012 in. [0.30 mm] with an extraordinarily thin 0.009-in [0.23 mm] height profile.

The single-side contact configuration of the HPC0201A eliminates the “tombstoning” problem that plagues board assembly when using conventional capacitors with wraparound terminations. The smooth, flat silicon surface of the HPC0201A simplifies the pick up step in pick-and-place operations, making board assembly faster and more efficient. Yet the HPC0201A capacitors fit on exactly the same pads designed for conventional wraparound terminations.

Typical applications for the HPC0201A capacitors include voltage-controlled oscillators, filter networks, matching networks, and RF modules for wireless communications products including mobile phones, cordless phones, and global positioning systems. HPC0201A capacitors are also used in medical applications such as implantable defibrillators.

Compared with conventional RF capacitors, Vishay’s HPC0201A silicon capacitors offer extremely stable capacitance over a wide range of frequencies from1 MHz to several GHz. Their semiconductor construction additionally provides low ESR values, high Q factors, tight tolerances, an ultra-high self-resonant frequency (SRF), and low parasitic inductance of ~0.035 nH. For example, at 39 pF, the HPC0201A offers twice the capacitance in one-fourth the space required by conventional RF capacitors in the 0402 size.

Available in 44 standard capacitance options ranging from 0.4 pF to 39 pF with tight tolerances as low as ±1 % or 0.05 pF, the capacitors announced today are rated for 6 V, 10 V, 16 V, and 25 V operation. Devices with non-standard capacitance values and with lead (Pb)-free solder are available on request.

Samples of the HPC0201A silicon capacitors are available now, with lead times of stock to 10 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, 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.