International Rectifier
International Rectifier Logo | |
Company type | Public |
---|---|
Industry | Semiconductor Integrated Circuits |
Founded | 1947 |
Headquarters | ![]() |
Key people | Eric Lidow, Founder Robert LeFort, President |
Revenue | $1.1 billion (June 2014)[1] |
Number of employees | 4,200 (June 2014)[1] |
Parent | Infineon Technologies |
Website | www.irf.com |
International Rectifier was an American power management technology company manufacturing analog and mixed-signal ICs, advanced circuit devices, integrated power systems, and high-performance integrated components for computing. On 13 January 2015, the company became a part of Infineon Technologies.[1]
IR's products, as a part of Infineon Technologies' overall semiconductor portfolio, continue to be used in many applications including lighting, automobile, satellite, aircraft, and defense systems; as well as key components in power supply systems in electronics-based products that include especially microcomputers, servers, and networking and telecommunications equipment.
History
- 1954: commercialization of germanium rectifiers
- 1959: creation of the first silicon-based rectifier
- 1974: first power and Darlington transistors which used glass passivation
- 1979: first hexagonal MOSFET
- 1983: first intelligent power ICs
- 1983: lost a patent infringement lawsuit over the rights to doxycycline to Pfizer, Inc., resulting in a judgment of $55 million to Pfizer. To avoid bankruptcy, the International Rectifier gave Pfizer its animal health and feed additive businesses.[2][3]
- 2000: developed FlipFETTM wafer packaging
- 2002: developed DirectFETR, a MOSFET packaging technology developed to address thermal limitations found in advanced computing, consumer and communications applications
- 2003: developed iMOTIONTM Integrated Design Platform for motor control applications
- 2006: introduced SmartRectifierTM IC for AC/DC applications
- 2007: launched SupIRBuckR integrated voltage regulators
- 2008: introduced revolutionary GaN-based power device platform
- 2011: introduced PowIRstageR devices and CHiLR digital controllers
- 2012: launched micro integrated power modules for motor control applications and COOLiRIGBTsR for automotive.
- 2014: bought by Infineon Technologies for $3 billion.[4]
- 2015: officially becomes a part of Infineon Technologies
Manufacturing
International Rectifier also has wafer fabrication and assembly facilities around the world. The locations include:
- El Segundo, California
- Temecula, California
- Leominster, Massachusetts
- Mesa, Arizona
- San Jose, California
- Newport, Wales
- Tijuana, Mexico
References
- ^ a b c "Infineon Technologies AG successfully acquires International Rectifier".
- ^ "RECTIFER RE-EMPHASIZES ELECTRONICS." New York Times, Late Edition (East Coast) ed.Aug 02 1983. ProQuest. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
- ^ Amernick, Burton Patent Law for the Nonlawyer. Springer Science and Business Media, 2012. page 2.
- ^ http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/08/20/infineon-to-buy-international-rectifier-a-chip-maker-for-3-billion/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0 Infineon to Buy International Rectifier, a Chip Maker, for $3 Billion
External links