Vishay’s New Electro-Pyrotechnic Initiator Chip Resistor is Industry’s First to Offer Joule Effect Ignition For Fast Firing Times Down to 50 µs, and a No Fire/All Fire Ratio up to 70 %

Device Offers Designers Firing Energy Down to 50 µJ and an Ohmic Range of 2 R to 10 R

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA — Dec. 19, 2007 — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced the development of a special thin film resistor chip specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of pyrotechnic engineers. The new electro-pyrotechnic initiator chip resistor (EPIC) is the industry’s first such device to offer Joule effect ignition for very fast firing times down to 50 µs, and a no fire/all fire ratio up to 70 %.

EPIC resistors, also known as bridge resistors, are resistive elements that convert electrical energy into heat energy in a precise electro-thermal profile for the purpose of initiating a series of pyrotechnic events in a controlled energetic reaction.

Vishay’s new resistor is optimized for squib header applications in automotive safety systems for the deployment of airbags and other safety devices; military pilot ejection systems, explosive bolt disengagement of airborne missiles, chaff dispensers, artillery projectile activators, and anti-tank mines; and in mining and demolition systems.

With firing energy down to 50 µJ and an ohmic range of 2 R to 10 R, the device provides designers with very predictable, reproducible, and reliable behavior. Offered in the standard 0603 case size, with other sizes available upon request, the resistor features easy set up of firing levels, and is compatible with various pyrotechnic compositions, even those requiring no primer.

Samples and production quantities of Vishay’s new EPIC resistor are available now, with lead times of 10 to 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.