Vishay's Technology Agreement With DaimlerChrysler

Vishay Intertechnology (Malvern, PA) and DaimlerChrysler (Auburn Hills, MI) have signed a licensing agreement that will enable Vishay to undertake the high-volume manufacture of semiconductor products using DaimlerChrysler's silicon carbide (SiC) technology.Under development at DaimlerChrysler AG since 1993, SiC technology enables the creation of semiconductor devices for compact power-conversion systems in electric cars, railways systems and other mobile applications. SiC devices allow the design of smaller and lighter converter modules, which can be operated at the elevated temperatures typical of these systems."Both contract partners will benefit from this agreement," said Felix Zandman, founder and chairman of Vishay Intertechnology Inc. "For Vishay, SiC represents a new and promising key technology with substantial market potential. Daimler-Chrysler, on the other hand, profits from the semiconductor experience of this partner and, in addition, gains access to a Sic-foundry."