EXHIBIT 12.1 CHEROKEE INTERNATIONAL, LLC CALCULATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES For the period from March 30, 1996 (date of formation) through December 31, 1996 and the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited) (in thousands, except ratios) Three months ended March 30, 1996 Years ended December 31 March 31 through ----------------------- ------------------ December 31, 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999 Earnings Income before income taxes $7,614 $18,538 $23,900 $4,748 $10,722 Fixed charges 1,953 1,504 860 191 199 ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- Total earnings $9,567 $20,042 $24,760 $4,939 $10,921 ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- Fixed Charges Interest $1,638 $1,065 $ 373 $ 72 $ 43 Implicit rental interest expense 315 439 487 119 156 ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- Total fixed charges $1,953 $1,504 $ 860 $ 191 $ 199 ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 4.9x 13.3x 28.8x 25.8x 54.9x ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------- ------ -------