Improves Program Development by 20 Percent

WESTFORD, MA -- September 6, 2000 -- GenRad, Inc. (NYSE: GEN), a leading producer of electronic test equipment, today announced the release of GR TestPak Switching, a software application which improves functional test program development by up to 20 percent. The GR TestPak Switching module uses simple point and click routing of virtually any stimulus or measurement, and is available for GenRad's PXI-based functional test systems, the GR Versa¥ and the GPX621 Test Mainframe.

Users of GenRad's PXI-based test systems can use GR TestPak Switching to eliminate the difficult and time-consuming process of manually programming functional test program switching sequences. The reduction in programming time enables faster deployment of new products to manufacturing, improving time-to-market.

GenRad developed GR Versa and its family of functional test systems to work seamlessly with National Instruments' TestStand test management system, providing customers with a fast, flexible method of signal routing. GR TestPak switching is the first of a series of software modules that operates with NI TestStand software in a production environment.

"For functional test programmers, one of the most difficult problems is that of determining signal routing functions," reports Jim Clicquennoi, Functional Solutions Product Line Manager for GenRad.

"The programmer has to analyze the matrix, determine which relays to open and close, and write the appropriate code," according to Mr. Clicquennoi. "GR TestPak Switching allows for point and click routing of virtually any stimulus or measurement. Users of GenRad's PXI-based test systems can save as much as 20% of their development time, thus bringing their products to market more quickly, and boasting a major competitive advantage when using GR TestPak switching."

The optional GRTestPak Switching module works with GenRad's PXIscanTM switching/routing subsystem, automatically routing signals from instruments and stimulus sources to a unit under test in a functional test environment. The new module uses point-and-click methodology for signal routing development, automatically generating the appropriate relay closures after the user selects the required instrument resource and the test point to be connected.

GR TestPak Switching manages multiple signals simultaneously and provides advanced warnings of any resource limitations. All test signal routing decisions are cached to minimize test execution times. GR TestPak Switching also includes a database of instruments and PXIscan¥ switching and scanning modules produced by GenRad for the GR Versa and GPX621, further simplifying the programming process.

Over the coming months, GenRad plans to release other GR TestPak modules which will provide enhancements such as revision control, calibration and security. Each GR TestPak software module can be purchased and implemented separately on the GR Versa and GPX621.

GR TestPak Switching is expected to ship in the fourth quarter of 2000. System requirements are a Windows NT (4.0 or greater) operating system, either a GR Versa test system or GPX621 test mainframe, a PXIscan Resource controller and the appropriate PXIscan switches/scanners, as well as NI's TestStand. Sell price is expected to be $2,000. For more information, visit GenRad online at http://www.genrad.com/ems/functional/pxi.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] develops, manufactures and markets advanced performance-assurance technologies. GenRad's primary global markets for OEM and contract manufacturers include computers, advanced telecommunications for e-commerce and Internet services and diagnostic systems for the transportation/automotive industry.

GenRad is comprised of three business units bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower always-on services and uninterruptable business applications:

Process Solutions: focuses on in-circuit and x-ray test solutions as well as plant and line management solutions for electronic product manufacturers.

Functional Solutions: focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.

Diagnostic Solutions: focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs 1,600 people and maintains worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.

About NI

NI manufactures hundreds of software and hardware products that leverage industry-standard computers and internet technology for measurement and automation applications. NI stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System under the systems NATI.