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Vishay Intertechnology's New Massive Electro-Pyrotechnic Ignitor Chip (MEPIC) Resistor Is Industry's First Offered in Integrated Version
[February 21, 2013]

Vishay Intertechnology's New Massive Electro-Pyrotechnic Ignitor Chip (MEPIC) Resistor Is Industry's First Offered in Integrated Version


MALVERN, PA, Feb 21, 2013 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- To meet the demanding needs of pyrotechnic engineers, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today introduced a new massive electro-pyrotechnic ignitor chip (MEPIC) resistor offering Joule effect or flash ignition for fast firing times down to 250 microseconds. The device -- based on an established technology used in the automotive industry -- is available in wraparound or flip chip versions, or as the industry's first MEPIC resistor to be integrated on a PCB substrate to simplify the assembly process.



MEPIC resistors, also known as bridge resistors, are resistive elements that convert electrical energy into heat energy in a precise electro-thermal profile for the purpose of initiating a series of pyrotechnic events in a controlled energetic reaction.

The new Vishay Sfernice resistor is optimized for electronic ignitor applications in automotive safety systems for the deployment of airbags and other safety devices; digital blasting in mining applications; and in fireworks applications for better synchronization of fireworks, music, and special effects.


With firing energy down to 1.5 mJ and a typical ohmic range of 2 ohms (10 %), the device provides designers with very predictable, reproducible, and reliable behavior. Offered in the standard 0805 case size for the wraparound and flip chip versions, with other sizes available upon request, the resistor features easy set-up of firing levels, and is compatible with various pyrotechnic compositions.

Offering ESD withstanding to 25 kV without extra protection, the MEPIC resistor's performance meets no fire/all fire conditions and the requirements of USCAR, AKLV16, and major car manufacturer standards. The device is RoHS-compliant and conforms to Vishay "Green" standards.

Samples of the new MEPIC resistor are available now. Production quantities will be available in Q1 2013, with lead times of six to eight weeks for larger orders. Follow Vishay at http://twitter.com/vishayindust.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, MOSFETs, and infrared optoelectronics) and passive electronic components (resistors, inductors, and capacitors).

These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, power supplies, and medical markets. Vishay's product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and "one-stop shop" service have made it a global industry leader. Vishay can be found on the Internet at www.vishay.com.

Link to datasheet: http://www.vishay.com/doc 53058 (MEPIC) Link to product photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vishay/8492925950 SOURCE: Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

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