EL SEGUNDO, CA. April 2001 - International Rectifier Corp. (IR®, NYSE: IRF) announced today the establishment of a new software design center: International Rectifier Electronic Motion Systems (EMS) Canada, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The new facility expands IR's power management systems expertise into the software arena of electronic Motor Controls.

This expansion is part of a strategic initiative to position International Rectifier as the premiere enabler for high-efficiency automotive, appliance and industrial motor drive circuits. The rising cost of electrical power and worldwide environmental concerns are accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient motor drive solutions, and the motor drive marketplace is growing rapidly.

Ivo Jurek, International Rectifier's Vice President of Electronic Motion Systems, said, "Proprietary systems and components from International Rectifier, combined with IR EMS digital electronics and software, create system-level solutions for customers in the rapidly expanding Motor Control marketplace. IR's goal is to help all customers enhance energy efficiency, performance, profitability and value in their new products."

IR EMS Motor Control software technology is specifically tailored for brushless DC and AC induction motor drives deployed in emerging applications in the automotive and home appliance markets. Automotive applications include electric power steering (EPS), integrated starter-alternator (ISA) electronics, brake-by-wire systems, electro-hydraulic valve train lifters and fuel injection systems. Appliance and industrial applications include electronically controlled refrigeration compressors, air conditioning and industrial Motor Controls.

Currently, IR EMS is enhancing automotive performance with software for electric power steering control modules. Electric power steering replaces bulky hydraulic systems and polluting fluids with lighter electric motor-assisted systems. A vehicle equipped with EPS enhances safety and performance by adjusting steering control to match the drivers' preferences, taking vehicle speed and steering wheel input into consideration. Other cutting-edge automotive projects include integrated starter-alternator systems that can increase vehicle performance and efficiency by up to 80%.

IR EMS applies their energy-saving product expertise to the home and industrial appliance arena as well. According to the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, new central air conditioners and heat pumps must deliver a minimum of 30% improvement over existing standards by 2006. This can best be achieved with electronic control of motor speed.

IR EMS-manufactured products are already saving energy in energy-efficient refrigeration systems sold in Europe. These highly energy efficient systems include an IR EMS motor control module that varies compressor speed depending on refrigerator temperature. The variable speed compressor drive provides users with energy savings of up to 40%.

International Rectifier's Electronic Motion System hardware, components and modules, mated with IR EMS software, will be instrumental in achieving power efficiency increases, a decrease in ambient noise with fewer components and a reduction in overall system cost.

High Resolution JPEGs are available in the Press Room.