Vishay Intertechnology Vocabulary

name: Vishay Intertechnology Vocabulary
description: >-
  Domain vocabulary for Vishay Intertechnology electronic components, covering
  discrete semiconductors, passive components, packaging, electrical specifications,
  and industry application domains.
version: '1.0'
source: https://www.vishay.com/
terms:
  - term: Discrete Semiconductor
    definition: >-
      An individual semiconductor device in a single package, as opposed to an
      integrated circuit. Vishay produces diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and
      transistors as discrete components.
    tags:
      - Core
      - Semiconductors

  - term: Passive Component
    definition: >-
      An electronic component that does not require external power to operate
      and cannot amplify a signal. Vishay passive components include resistors,
      capacitors, inductors, and thermistors.
    tags:
      - Core
      - Passive Components

  - term: MOSFET
    definition: >-
      Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor. A transistor used as a
      switch or amplifier. Vishay produces a broad range of N-channel and P-channel
      MOSFETs for power management and motor drive applications.
    aliases:
      - Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor FET
    tags:
      - Semiconductors

  - term: Rectifier
    definition: >-
      A semiconductor device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct
      current (DC). Vishay manufactures bridge rectifiers, fast rectifiers, and
      ultrafast rectifiers.
    tags:
      - Semiconductors
      - Power

  - term: TVS Diode
    definition: >-
      Transient Voltage Suppressor diode. A protection device that clamps
      voltage transients and spikes to protect circuits. Used in automotive and
      industrial applications.
    aliases:
      - Transient Voltage Suppressor
    tags:
      - Semiconductors
      - Protection

  - term: Optoelectronics
    definition: >-
      Electronic components that detect and emit light, including infrared
      emitters, IR receiver modules, optocouplers, LEDs, and photodetectors.
      Vishay is a leading manufacturer of optoelectronic components.
    tags:
      - Semiconductors
      - Optoelectronics

  - term: Optocoupler
    definition: >-
      An electronic device that transfers signals between two isolated circuits
      using light. Used for electrical isolation in industrial and medical
      equipment. Also called an opto-isolator.
    aliases:
      - Opto-Isolator
      - Photocoupler
    tags:
      - Optoelectronics

  - term: Resistor
    definition: >-
      A passive component that limits current flow in a circuit. Vishay produces
      thick-film, thin-film, wirewound, and foil resistors in surface-mount and
      through-hole packages.
    tags:
      - Passive Components

  - term: Capacitor
    definition: >-
      A passive component that stores and releases electrical energy. Vishay
      manufactures tantalum, ceramic, film, and aluminum electrolytic capacitors.
    tags:
      - Passive Components

  - term: Thermistor
    definition: >-
      A type of resistor whose resistance changes significantly with temperature.
      Used for temperature sensing and inrush current protection in medical and
      industrial applications.
    tags:
      - Passive Components
      - Sensing

  - term: Load Cell
    definition: >-
      A transducer that converts force or weight into an electrical signal.
      Vishay produces precision load cells for industrial weighing and test
      and measurement applications.
    tags:
      - Sensing
      - Industrial

  - term: Strain Gauge
    definition: >-
      A sensor that measures strain (deformation) in a material. Vishay produces
      precision strain gauges for structural testing, experimental stress
      analysis, and transducer fabrication.
    aliases:
      - Strain Gage
    tags:
      - Sensing
      - Industrial

  - term: Package Type
    definition: >-
      The physical format of an electronic component (e.g., SOD-123, TO-220,
      SOT-23, 0402, 0603). Determines how the component is mounted on a PCB.
    tags:
      - Physical

  - term: RoHS
    definition: >-
      Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (EU). Restricts the use of
      hazardous materials (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) in electrical equipment.
      Most Vishay components are available in RoHS-compliant versions.
    tags:
      - Compliance
      - Environmental

  - term: BIN
    definition: >-
      A categorization of component characteristics (e.g., optical output bins
      for LEDs, voltage bins for Zener diodes) within a part number family.
    tags:
      - Quality

  - term: Vishay Parts Library
    definition: >-
      A cross-reference tool (VPL) that helps engineers find Vishay alternatives
      for components used in industry reference designs, searchable by competitor
      part number.
    aliases:
      - VPL
    tags:
      - Tools
      - Design

  - term: Netcomponents
    definition: >-
      A global authorized distributor inventory search service that Vishay
      partners with to provide real-time stock and pricing via API-based queries.
    tags:
      - Distribution
      - Inventory