International Rectifier

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.

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, 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 power 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, International Rectifier gave Pfizer its animal health and feed additive businesses.
 * 2000: developed FlipFET wafer packaging
 * 2002: developed DirectFET, a MOSFET packaging technology developed to address thermal limitations found in advanced computing, consumer and communications applications
 * 2003: developed iMOTION Integrated Design Platform for motor control applications
 * 2006: introduced SmartRectifier IC for AC/DC applications
 * 2007: launched SupIRBuck integrated voltage regulators
 * 2008: introduced revolutionary GaN-based power device platform
 * 2011: introduced PowIRstage devices and CHiL digital controllers
 * 2012: launched micro integrated power modules for motor control applications and COOLiRIGBTs for automotive.
 * 2014: bought by Infineon Technologies for $3 billion.
 * 2015: officially becomes a part of Infineon Technologies

Manufacturing
International Rectifier also had 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