EL SEGUNDO, CA. December 2000 - International Rectifier (NYSE: IRF) announces the next phase of their DC-DC conversion roadmap with the introduction of a new synchronous rectification IC (SRIC) and a new line of HEXFET^® power MOSFETs specially designed to maximize DC-DC power system efficiency.

IR's application-specific, high efficiency devices enable new performance standards for upcoming GHz-class processors for Internet servers and notebooks, as well as CPUs and ASICs for the latest broadband networking equipment.

Faster microprocessor speeds, wider bandwidths and the explosive growth of the Internet continue to push power management efficiency, density and reliability requirements to higher levels. IR's application-specific approach continues to raise power management standards in advanced microprocessor-based systems.

Alex Lidow, International Rectifier Chief Executive Officer, says, "Benchmark performance is the driving force behind IR's DC-DC product development strategy. IR strives to anticipate, develop and deliver the industry's most efficient power management solutions the most demanding applications."

IR's newest devices enhance DC-DC performance in three main areas:

First, for next-generation telecom and network power management, the new IR1176 SRIC teams up with the new IRF7822 HEXFET power MOSFET that achieves efficiency levels of 85% in 48V input, 1.5V isolated output converters at a full load of 40A. This new chipset simplifies high efficiency, cost effective low voltage, high current output DC-DC conversion designs that can be used to power the latest broadband networks.

Second, new 30V HEXFET MOSFETs for isolated and non-isolated (buck) synchronous DC-DC converters increase efficiencies by up to 3% compared to previous industry-best devices. The new MOSFETs are manufactured using a new process that essentially decouples device on-resistance and gate charge, parameters that are historically a trade-off with power MOSFETs.

Third, IR expands its targeted, highly-efficient, DC-DC HEXFET power MOSFET offerings to include a wide range of voltages, packages and performance levels to maximize efficiency in the most popular power conversion topologies.

Lidow continues, "IR's quest for ultimate DC-DC efficiency is not over. In early 2001, International Rectifier will launch a new power architecture that re-defines efficiency standards. The new concept will combine many advancements in power semiconductors, analog ICs and packaging technology for power supply design, including a very innovative integration of power, control and passive elements within the converter."

In the first two phases of its DC-DC roadmap, IR has demonstrated industry-best power conversion performance in buck converters for latest-generation mobile and server CPUs and peripherals operating at 1.3V and under. Similar industry-leading performance has been achieved for popular 3.3V and 2.0V isolated converters, including the industry's first monolithic synchronous rectification IC used in telecom and networking applications.