EL SEGUNDO, Calif. January 2004 International Rectifier (NYSE: IRF) today introduced the new PVT212 microelectronic relay (MER) that delivers 75% lower on-resistance and up to 37.5% higher load current capacity compared to similar competing devices. The primary applications for the new PVT212 Series include load switching in industrial controls, telecom line switching and power control and distribution in computer peripherals and instrumentation.

The PVT212 photovoltaic relay is a single-pole, normally-open solid-state relay that can replace many electromechanical and reed relays to improve reliability. It utilizes International Rectifier's proprietary HEXFET® power MOSFETs as the output switch, driven by an integrated circuit photovoltaic generator. The output switch is controlled by radiation from a GaAlAs light emitting diode, which is optically isolated from the photovoltaic generator.

The PVT212 offers high load current capacity of up to 550mA in AC-DC mode or up to 825mA in DC-only mode at up to 150V. At the same time, it provides extremely low on-resistance of 0.75 Ohms maximum in AC-DC mode and 0.25 Ohms maximum in DC-only mode.

Andy Serkuczewski, International Rectifier Director of Product Management, Microelectronic Relays said, "Like all microelectronic relays offered by IR, the PVT212 delivers bounce-free operation, eliminates contact wear and tear and has as much as 1,000 times longer life compared to reed and electromechanical relays."

In addition, the PVT212 has 4,000V RMS input-to-output isolation and an electro-static discharge (ESD) tolerance of 4,000V using human body model.

The PVT212 is packaged in a 6-pin, molded DIP (dual-in-line package) with either thru-hole (PVT212) or surface mount, gull-wing leads (PVT212S). The new MER is available in plastic shipping tubes (50 each) or on tape-and-reel (750 each).