EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - September 2004 - International Rectifier Corporation (NYSE:IRF), a world leader in power management technology, today announced that Chairman Eric Lidow is the first recipient of the Pinnacle Award from Power Electronics Technology (PET) magazine in honor of his lifetime commitment to the advancement of power electronics innovation and business development throughout the world.

Publisher Barry LeCerf said, "Mr. Lidow's vision spawned today's power electronics industry. Under his leadership, International Rectifier defined core technologies pervasive in our industry and, as one of the first semiconductor companies to set up shop across three continents, pioneered a successful, worldwide business model."

Mr. Lidow's accomplishments, spanning 60 years in the industry, are chronicled in David Morrison's recent interview with him which can be found in September's issue of Power Electronics Technology magazine.

PET's presentation of the Pinnacle Award will take place on November 16 at Chicago's Navy Pier during the opening session of Power Systems World Expo.

The Pinnacle Award, to be given annually, will continue to recognize individuals who have advanced the power electronics industry over the course of a lifetime.

About Eric Lidow

Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, Eric Lidow graduated in 1937 from the Technical University of Berlin with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He immigrated to the U.S. from Germany in 1937. In 1944, Mr. Lidow co-founded Selenium Corporation of America which was acquired by Sperry Corporation in 1944. Three years later, he founded International Rectifier where he continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. He is a Life Associate of Caltech, a Life Member of IEEE, and an Life Trustee of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and holds an Honorary Doctorate from Technion Israel Institute of Technology.

About International Rectifier

International Rectifier, a world leader in power management technology, employs about 5800 people with operations in 20 countries throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. The company's headquarters are located in El Segundo, California. Its mixed-signal analog ICs, advanced circuit devices, integrated power systems, and components are relied upon by the world's leading makers of next generation laptops, desktops, energy-efficient appliances, automobiles, lighting, aircraft, satellites, and advanced defense systems. International Rectifier's stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IRF. The company's Web site is located at www.irf.com.

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