LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2002-- International Rectifier (NYSE:IRF - news) announced today a breakthrough in power management technology with the release of a new semiconductor package that keeps power chips running cooler, so they can pump twice as much electricity through power-hungry, next-generation electronics, without increasing the size of the power system. Called DirectFET(TM), IR's new development represents a major advance in power management for a broad range of electronic devices, especially the next generation of high-end, gigahertz-class servers.

``We've doubled the capability of the power system,'' says Alex Lidow, International Rectifier's chief executive officer. ``The DirectFET package supports exponential growth of processor speed and provides enabling technology for everything from cell phones to MP3 players to cars.''

Power management circuits use semiconductors which break electricity into small packets of power and then deliver exactly what an electronic device requires for optimal speed, efficiency and performance. These circuits power virtually all electronic devices, ranging from advanced notebooks to household appliances, electric power steering and broadband networks.

``Today's advanced processors draw a huge amount of power and generate a huge amount of heat,'' says Carl Blake, technical marketing manager for DC-DC products at International Rectifier. ``We've come up with a device that beats the heat and makes it possible to handle nearly double the current.''

Key customers for International Rectifier's power management technology in the IT market include Intel, IBM, Dell, and Compaq.

International Rectifier designs, manufactures and markets power management products to industry leaders in information technology and other market sectors. The company supplies analog power ICs and advanced circuit devices, power systems, and components and is the pioneer and market leader in the $4 billion power MOSFET industry. The company's devices and systems cut energy consumption in home appliances and industrial motors, allow battery-operated products to run longer off a single charge, and improve automotive fuel efficiency. The company's advancements in power management technology allow its customers to add functionality, improve performance and reduce size and weight in products such as routers, servers, cell phones and notebook computers.

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