For a start, they are trying to make a rectifier, a simple device for changing the periodically reversing flow of electrons in alternating current (AC) into the one-way flow of .
Last week Texas Instruments began manufacturing a germanium "mesa" transistor; this week General Electric starts full production of a controlled rectifier that can handle a .
The Klein "speech rectifier" includes a tiny microphone that is worn over the larynx.
Rhodri Morgan in BBC News Mr Morgan said: "International Rectifier is a hugely successful company with an international lead in the semi-conductor market, and this announcement will be very warmly welcomed in Newport and South Wales. Our backing for this project has been...