The MoU outlines cooperation between the two companies for engineering and marketing, as well as information sharing towards the continued development of production test platforms for cellular handset manufacturing. IFR will supply GenRad with radio test sets, RF digitizers and signal sources for integration into GenRad's current and future product lines.

GenRad's GR Versa(TM) low cost functional test platform is being used as the foundation for this system. Initially configured for end-of-line testing, the GR Versa platform has been configured to test GSM handsets and is a complete test system that includes GenRad's Versa's 21-slot PXI 6U rack, PXIscan(TM) signal switching/routing, audio instrumentation, test fixturing, personal computer and display, all integrated with IFR's 2935 GSM radio test set. Future developments will incorporate IFR signal generators and RF digitizer products to provide customized "in-process" test solutions for advanced wireless test.

"Our agreement with IFR will help GenRad provide our customers with the very best RF capabilities in many areas of manufacturing," said Jim Ficaro, vice president of functional solutions at GenRad, Inc. "We have already shown a working system at several key exhibitions and we see strong interest in the GR Versa cell phone solution. It combines GenRad's ATE expertise with IFR's wireless test expertise."

"We are excited about the opportunities that working with GenRad will bring for IFR worldwide. Our focus on creating new and better solutions for testing wireless products will definitely be advanced with IFR and GenRad's new ATE solutions," said Jeff Bloomer, chief executive officer, IFR Systems, Inc.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] is a global leader of electronics manufacturing productivity solutions for contract and original equipment manufacturers [OEM] of handheld and wireless devices, PCs and business servers, DSL and other broadband switching and routing technologies, and other devices integral to emerging Internet e-commerce markets. GenRad also applies its technologies to development of diagnostic solutions for the automotive and general transportation industry.

GenRad is comprised of four lines of business bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower always-on services and un-interruptable business applications:

• Process Solutions focuses on in-circuit test, x-ray test, and re-work 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.
• Support and Services focuses on maintenance programs, on-site and remote support, programming services, and training to help customers optimize their hardware and software solutions.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs approximately 1,400 people and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.

About IFR Systems

Founded in 1968 as Instrument Flight Research Corporation, today IFR is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless test solutions for communications, avionics and general test and measurement applications.

In February 1998, IFR acquired Marconi Instruments, Stevenage, England, to create a global test and measurement company. IFR was attracted to Marconi Instruments because of its wide range of RF and microwave products, a global sales presence in over 100 countries and extensive service and support network.

Today, IFR provides a wide range of test instrumentation with expertise in wireless test solutions incorporating high performance RF signal sources, microwave system analyzers, spectrum analyzers and signal analyzers for the wireless design, manufacturing and service markets. IFR continues to build on its impressive portfolio of wireless solutions by drawing on its extensive and expanding RF and microwave design expertise, intellectual property and patent portfolio. The IFR 2029 vector modulator was recently named as a finalist for the prestigious EDN Magazine "Innovation of the Year" award for test and measurement.

For more information about IFR, in the United States, contact: IFR, 10200 West York Street, Wichita, Kan., 67215-8999. Contact us via e-mail at info@ifrsys.com , on the Web at www.ifrsys.com, or by telephone at 800/835-2352 or 316/522-4981.