EL SEGUNDO, CA. July 1997 - Whether it's transmitting a photo or data to earth, moving along the surface of Mars, taking the latest weather measurements or analyzing rock samples, International Rectifier (IR) power conversion components are working at Ares Vallis to provide a clean, stable source of electricity for the Mars Pathfinder mission.

Both the Sojourner Rover and the Sagan Memorial Station employ various IR power conversion devices to accept raw power from the batteries and solar arrays and deliver refined power to all other subsystems.

The Sojourner employs several standard off-the-shelf IRFM250 HEXFET® power MOSFETs and IR2110L control ICs to condition all power; the Sagan Memorial Station employs several radiation-hardened MOSFETs especially packaged to operate in rugged deep-space environs, as well as on the Martian surface.

"We expect our power conversion components to continue providing the electronic power for the Pathfinder for many years to come," said Derek Lidow, CEO of International Rectifier. "We are extremely proud to be part of this historical event and to help make this Mars Pathfinder mission a success."