EL SEGUNDO, Calif. June 2003 - International Rectifier, IR® (NYSE: IRF) today introduces the PVY116, a microelectronic relay (MER) that enables use of high test-signal frequencies up to approximately 450MHz in semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE). High test-signal frequencies decrease test time, improving ATE system throughput and efficiency.

The ultra-low output off-state capacitance times on-state resistance figure-of-merit (FOM) enables this device to replace dry or Mercury-wetted reed relays in many ATE systems to improve reliability, performance, and decrease size. The PVY116 can also improve general instrumentation applications involving high frequency, low voltage (less than 40V) test signals.

The new MER is packaged in a four-pin, molded small outline package (SOP-4) with surface mount (gull wing) terminals and offers over 80% space savings and over 90% volume savings compared to dry or Mercury-wetted reed relays.

Andy Serkuczewski, Director, Microelectronic Relay Products at International Rectifier, said, "Thanks to its high sensitivity, the PVY116 requires less current and power to operate, compared to equivalent Mercury-wetted reed relays. Like other microelectronic relays offered by IR, the PVY116 delivers bounce-free operation, eliminates contact wear and tear and typically provides up to 1,000 times longer life compared to reed relays."

The PVY116 is a single-pole, normally-open solid-state relay. It utilizes International Rectifier HEXFET® power MOSFETs as the output switch, driven by an integrated circuit photovoltaic generator. The photovoltaic generator is optically isolated from, and is controlled by, a GaAlAs light emitting diode (LED).

An extremely low figure of merit (FOM = C_off * R_on) is the product of the relay's off-state output capacitance and on-state resistance. The FOM is 9.1pF x Ohm typical. The combination of low Coff and Ron results in ultra-low signal distortion and loss at high test frequencies.

The PVY116 offers 1,500V RMS input-to-output isolation and an electro-static discharge (ESD) tolerance of 2000V using Human Body Model.

Availability and Pricing

PVY116 samples are available immediately. Pricing begins at US $2.40 each in 50,000-unit quantities. The PVY116 is available in plastic shipping tubes or on tape-and-reel, as PVY116-T.

High Resolution JPEGs are available in the Press Room.