Cost-Effective Integrated Switchers From International Rectifier Shrink Size and Cut Component Count by 25% Compared to Discrete Solutions.

Technology Editors

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 2, 2001

International Rectifier, IR(r) (NYSE:IRF) today introduced a series of efficient, low-cost and rugged integrated switchers which combine a HEXFET(r) power MOSFET with the controller IC in a single package.

The IRIS-Series integrated switchers simplify design, reduce size and decrease component count by 25% at the same or better efficiency than discrete-based circuits in AC-DC switched mode power supply (SMPS) applications.

Shrinking power conversion circuits increase designers' options for sleeker, streamlined products such as monitors, DVD players, fax machines, printers and set-top boxes.

Stephen Oliver, Marketing Manager for AC-DC Products at International Rectifier, said, "The IRIS Series devices will simplify power system design, and allow product engineers to concentrate on design-critical features, functions and performance capabilities of their end products."

Technical Details

The new devices are optimized for flyback topologies in universal- and single-input, 60 to 180W SMPS. The new IRIS Series integrated switchers combine a low-loss, fully characterized avalanche energy HEXFET power MOSFET with a dual-mode voltage and current control IC in a single package.

Circuit stray inductance due to PCB and discrete packaging is reduced, which results in lower switching losses at higher PWM frequencies. In-circuit testing demonstrates that IRIS Series integrated switchers improve efficiency by up to 1.5% compared to a discrete solution with equivalent MOSFET ratings and up to 4.5% compared to competitive devices with equivalent ratings.

International Rectifier uses a patent-pending film die attach technology using superior insulated material that reduces stray package inductance. International Rectifier's novel die attach technology also reduces assembly steps, making SMPS circuits built with IRIS devices cost-competitive with discrete solutions.

This new technology has been extensively tested through temperature life tests and exceeds industry standard requirements.

The IRIS Series integrated switchers can operate in either a quasi-resonant or pulse ratio control (PRC) mode. In quasi-resonant mode, switching is done when the drain voltage is at the lowest point of oscillation to reduce switching losses, which increases the overall efficiency at high load conditions.

PRC mode is preferred when a low-current standby mode may be required. The operation of the device can be made to switch between PRC and quasi-resonant modes to achieve higher efficiency and reduced switching losses.

Availability and Pricing

Engineering samples are available now with volume production scheduled for August 2001. Pricing for IR's new IRIS devices begins at US $1.14 each in 1,000-unit quantities (IRIS4011K). A data sheet for the IRIS4011K is posted on the IR Web site. Go directly to http://www.irf.com/product-info/datasheets/data/iris4011.pdf.

About International Rectifier

International Rectifier is recognized as the leading supplier of power semiconductors and systems solutions. IR's patented HEXFET(r) 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.

Note to Editors: HEXFET(r) and IR(r) are registered trademarks of International Rectifier Corporation. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.