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 References External links International Rectifier Corporation History Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange Equipment semiconductor companies Companies based in El Segundo, California 2014 mergers and acquisitions Electronics companies established in 1947 Electronics companies disestablished in 2014 1947 establishments in California 2014 disestablishments in California Defunct semiconductor companies of the United States Defunct manufacturing companies based in Greater Los Angeles