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, networking and telecommunications equipment.
History
In the 1950s the company commercialized germanium rectifiers (1954) and created the first silicon-based rectifier (1959). In 1974 it developed the first power and Darlington transistors which used glass passivation. In 1979 it developed first hexagonal power MOSFET Then in 1983, it developed the first intelligent power ICs. In 1983 it 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.[2][3]