EL SEGUNDO, Calif. September 2003 - R&D magazine has awarded International Rectifier's (NYSE:IRF) DirectFET® power MOSFET package its 2003 R&D Top 100 Award. From hundreds of candidates, the independent judging panel and editors of the magazine chose the DirectFET MOSFET for its significant contribution to the market and as one of the most innovative new products of 2003.

International Rectifier's new packaging concept broke new ground by solving the serious threat that heat poses to the performance of advanced microprocessors. By deploying a new dual-sided cooling design, the DirectFET package draws heat away from a computer circuit board and the high performance processors it powers. In doing so, the DirectFET power MOSFET effectively doubles its current handling capacity for high frequency DC-to-DC converters to enable even greater performance advancements in high-end desktop PCs, laptops, routers and servers.

"We are truly honored to be recognized by such a distinguished group of experts. DirectFET is one of the fastest growing products in our 56-year history. It serves as a shining example of our continuing commitment to deliver the gold standard in power management technology," said Robert Grant, Executive Vice President of Sales and Corporate Marketing.

Initiated in the early 1960s, the R&D 100 Awards recognize technologically significant products that display vision and leadership across multiple industries and a broad range of products. Past R&D 100 Award winners include Polacolor instant film (1963), the flashcube (1965), the automated teller machine (1973), the halogen lamp (1974), the fax machine (1975), the liquid crystal display (1980), the printer (1986), the Kodak Photo CD (1991), the Nicoderm anti-smoking patch (1992), Taxol anti-cancer drug (1993), lab on a chip (1996) and HDTV (1998).

The award winners will be published in the September issue of R&D magazine. For more information about R&D magazine and the R&D 100 Awards, go to www.rdmag.com. For more information about the DirectFET Power MOSFET can be found at the DirectFET Home Page.

About International Rectifier

International Rectifier is recognized as a leading supplier of power semiconductors and systems solutions. IR's patented HEXFET® power MOSFETs, IGBTs and high-voltage ICs make electricity work smarter in industrial automation and controls, automotive electrical systems, consumer electronics, computers and peripherals, telecommunications, lighting and satellite/launch vehicle applications.

Trademark Notice

IR® and HEXFET® are registered trademarks of International Rectifier Corporation. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information, contact Graham Robertson, grobert1@irf.com, 310-726-8512.