About the GR Versa AT

The GR Versa AT solution builds on and expands the benefits of GenRad’s highly flexible GPX621, a 21 slot, 6U, PXI/CompactPCI chassis. The GPX621 chassis accommodates both 3U and 6U PXI/CompactPCI modules and is specifically designed to handle the dissipation requirements of custom loads often required by the automotive and other industries. The GR Versa AT also includes GenRad’s PXIScan™ switching architecture that enables virtually any instrument or resource to be routed to any test point on the Unit Under Test (UUT), minimizing cabling and maximizing reliability. The GR Versa AT combines National Instruments’ multi-threaded test engine, TestStand™, with GenRad’s ENCOMPASS™ test management software suite, enabling users to manage all aspects of the test process including security, calibration and the development environment.

Paul Bennett, General Manager of GenRad’s EMS Product Verification Group, commented, "The GR Versa AT functional test solution is ideal for the automotive industry. This modular solution will allow electronics manufacturers to develop standard solutions that can be globally deployed, and also expanded to meet specific test requirements."

Automotive Communications Protocol Module

Included with GR Versa AT is the Automotive Communications Protocol (ACP) module developed at GenRad’s Advanced Diagnostic Solutions business unit. The ACP module supports a flexible serial communications interface to the UUT. Primarily designed to meet the needs of the automotive industry, the module provides CAN, ISO9141-2, KWP2000, J1850 PWM and VPW protocols to allow connection to a broad range of vehicle ECUs or sub-assemblies. Other protocols may be added by means of plug-in daughterboards to provide multiple protocols (duplication) or customer-specific 'proprietary' protocols.

MXI-3 Interface

The GR Versa AT utilizes National Instruments’ innovative MXI-3 interface, eliminating the embedded controller and providing additional slots for instrumentation. MXI-3 is a complete PCI-to-PCI bridge in a single instrument width form/factor, providing a transparent interface between any commercial PC and the GPX621 chassis. Users are able to take advantage of the additional instrument slots, PC plug-ins and easy PC upgrades.

"By taking advantage of the PXI/CompactPCI platform, GenRad's GR Versa AT breaks new ground in terms of price and performance for automotive functional test systems," said James Kimery, Strategic Marketing Manager at National Instruments. "Implementing the PXI/CompactPCI platform in such a solution, however, is only now possible because of MXI-3 technology, a seamless PC connection to PXI/CompactPCI. MXI-3 advances the natural union of computer and PXI instruments to provide flexible, low-cost systems that fully leverage the latest PC technologies."

Availability and Additional Information

The GR Versa AT will be available for customer shipment in Q4 1999. Further product, feature and pricing information can be obtained by calling Bob Stasonis at 978-589-7544 or by visiting our website at http://www.genrad.com/ems/functional/pxi.

National Instruments Background

National Instruments, a leading supplier of computer-based measurement and automation products, manufactures and sells hundreds of software and hardware products which, when combined with industry standard computers, replace and/or communicate with traditional instrumentation to acquire, analyze and display data and to monitor and control processes. These computer-based instrumentation systems are used for test, measurement and industrial automation applications. Interested parties can obtain investment information from the company’s Investor Relations Department at 512-349-5090, email nati@natinst.com, or by visiting www.natinst.com/nati.

GenRad Background

GenRad, Inc. provides electronics OEMs and their customers with the hardware, software and services to increase productivity by optimizing product design, manufacturing and after-market service. GenRad, headquartered in Westford, MA, offers products and services through three business units: Advanced Diagnostic Solutions (ADS), Electronic Manufacturing Solutions (EMS), and GR Software (GRS). GenRad’s web site address is http://www.genrad.com.

Product and company names listed herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.