SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING NEWS

Cleveland, OH — Industry leaders Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PIOS), National Semiconductor (NYSE: NSM) and Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE: VSH), today announced the collaborative launch of the first-ever, free online tools that allow engineers to design, simulate and order a complete custom prototype kit of power supply components that will be shipped via overnight carrier.

Constructing a prototype, procuring parts and obtaining prototype components are challenging and typically time-intensive steps in the power supply design cycle. This innovative service allows users to design a power supply prototype within minutes, link to MyPioneer.com to fulfill their complete Bill of Materials (BOM) and have the prototype kit delivered to their door overnight.

The design process begins on National’s POWER.NATIONAL.COM Web site featuring WEBENCH(TM), the first end-to-end online tool set. After creating a design and optimizing it using the powerful WebSIM(TM) and WebTHERM(TM) simulators, users seamlessly link to Pioneer-Standard’s MyPioneer.com to order their custom specified prototype kit.

“This collaboration between Pioneer-Standard, National Semiconductor and Vishay Intertechnology is another innovative accomplishment in the electronics industry,” said Tom Pitera, Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc., Industrial Electronics Division (IED) president. “Pioneer is proud to be the first distributor teaming with such industry leaders to create a fast and easy-to- use tool that speeds time to market.”

“National’s WEBENCH(TM) already saves engineers an average of 50 to 60 hours per design by moving design, analysis and simulation for new product development entirely online,” said Patrick Brockett, executive vice president, National Semiconductor Analog Products Group. “Now, through online order fulfillment with Pioneer-Standard and Vishay, we will accelerate the new product development process by offering even faster and easier-to-use e-commerce capabilities that are unmatched in the semiconductor industry.”

“Vishay Intertechnology is in a unique position in this industry collaboration because we provide the components that are often in high- demand,” said Glyndwr Smith, assistant to the CEO and senior vice president, Vishay Intertechnology. “We were brought into this initiative because Vishay can offer these components in real time, as the BOM is received.”

Pioneer-Standard, National Semiconductor and Vishay Intertechnology customers’ have been beta testing these online design tools since January 1, 2001. Since testing began, customers have seen the benefits of designing, simulating and ordering power supply prototyping kits that are now delivered in days rather than weeks.

“Webench is one of the best examples I’ve seen of how a company can leverage the power of the Internet to satisfy customer needs and expedite delivery,” said Richard Ozer, vice president, California Tritechnical. “In a matter of hours, I was able to spec out a prototype power supply, obtain schematics and tolerances, and place an order for all necessary components. A day later, the parts showed up at my door. It’s worth looking at Webench just to appreciate the new standard National Semiconductor, Pioneer-Standard and Vishay Intertechnology have set for interactive prototyping.”

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.

About Vishay Intertechnology

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company with an annual sales rate of $2.4 billion, is the largest U.S. and European manufacturer of passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) and a major producer of discrete semiconductors (diodes, optoelectronics, transistors), IrDCs (infrared communication devices) and power and analog switching circuits. The Company’s components are vital to electronic operations and can be found in products manufactured in a very broad range of industries worldwide. With headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Vishay Intertechnology employs over 20,000 people in more than 60 plants in the U.S., Mexico, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Taiwan, China and the Philippines. Vishay Intertechnology can be found on the Internet at www.Vishay.com.

About Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc.

Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc. is one of the world’s largest distributors of electronic suppliers and computer systems, with annual revenues of $2.6 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. A Fortune 1000 company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Pioneer-Standard serves North American OEMs through its vast network of regional sales branches, and international customers in Europe and Asia through its equity partners: Taiwan-based World Peace Industrial Co. Ltd.; UK-based Eurodis Electron PLC; and Germany-based Magirus AG. Additional information about Pioneer-Standard can be found at MyPioneer.com.

Web site: http://MyPioneer.com

http://www.Vishay.com

http://www.national.com

http://www.power.national.com

http://www.pios.com /

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