WESTFORD, MA, -- May 30, 2001 -- GenRad, Inc. [NYSE: GEN], a global leader in electronics testing and manufacturing solutions, today announced two new test instrumentation modules for its GR Versa OT™ test solution that will allow manufacturers to address specific test requirements more efficiently and reduce overall test costs significantly.

The two enhancements give GenRad's GR Versa Optical Test platform exceptional flexibility by allowing it to measure transmission power and to verify receiver sensitivity. By adding these instruments to the GR Versa OT™ platform, GenRad is able to offer the most flexible, compact, modular test solution available for the opto-electronics marketplace.

"GenRad's OEM and contract manufacturer customers are looking for a powerful and flexible optical test solution that can be easily deployed to the manufacturing floor. The GR Versa OT is that solution," said James Ficaro, Vice President of GenRad's Functional Solutions unit. "The system's automated switching results in faster test times, more efficient use of human resources and speeds products to market; a smaller system foot print minimizes manufacturing floor space used; and the system's modularity allows manufacturers to focus on precise test requirements more cost effectively."

Optical networks are high-capacity telecommunications networks for applications such as the Internet, video and multimedia interaction, and advanced digital services. The GR Versa OT test solution is designed to address the production test requirements of manufacturers of key switching components in the optical telecom network. Manufacturers competing in the optical marketplace will ship almost $19 Billion worth of products to telecom and IT companies worldwide in 2001, according to RHK and IGI consulting.

The GRPX1030 Series is the first optical power meter available in the CompactPCI format. A single-slot, standard 6U cPCI module, it is available in either a 4-channel or 8-channel configuration and offers the highest channel count available in a modular form factor. The power meter and the attenuator can be used jointly to support common production tests such as mean launch power and receiver sensitivity. The GRPX1030 Series power meter offers a measurement range from -55 to 0 dBm within the 1200-1625 nm wavelength window. The GRPX1009 offers attenuation from 0-60 dB with 0.1 dB tuning resolution.

Both the power meter and attenuator are delivered with LabWindows/CVI® software drivers as part of GenRad's standard GR Versa OT system configuration. Together with GenRad's GR TestManager program management software and optical switching modules, the GR Versa OT provides a superior, integrated test solution for photonics test as well as providing repeatable and reliable measurements for the production test environment.

As part of GenRad's alliance with Tektronix, these new additions to the GR Versa OT platform will be demonstrated at SUPERCOMM2001 from June 5-7 (Tektronix booth #7247) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

GR Versa OT

The GR Versa OT is a PXI/CompactPCI-based test solution for supporting functional test of optical network products in a production environment. The low-cost, fully integrated single-rack system is specifically designed to meet the broad range of optical interfaces employed by communication network equipment. The system's small footprint, ability to test multiple ports simultaneously, and GR TestManager production test software gives optical communication equipment manufacturers a cost-effective solution that minimizes floor space requirements. The system also incorporates Tektronix's OTS9000 Series SONET/SDH modules which can be configured within the GR Versa OT system to address additional transmission test requirements.

The GR Versa OT provides optical switching capabilities with integrated power splitters resulting in a high-performance, cost-effective, and repeatable test solution. These features and options reduce the need for manufacturers to purchase large and expensive racks of instrumentation or to manually move instruments from channel to channel, enhancing test reliability and repeatability. Additionally, the fully integrated system is easy to operate and offers a superior program development and production environment, resulting in faster test system deployment and maintainability.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] a global leader in electronics testing and production solutions serving the worldês leading original equipment [OEM] and electronics manufacturing services [EMS] markets. GenRadês customers manufacture a wide range of advanced technology products ranging from computer, telecommunications and broadband networking devices to wireless products and enterprise hardware. With 37 offices in 22 countries, GenRad is comprised of four business units, each providing integrated hardware, software and service solutions

• Process Solutions develops products that enhance and optimize manufacturing processes. The unit's hardware products focus on in-circuit testing, x-ray imaging and rework solutions. Its software products address global supply chain collaboration and execution including Design-to-Build (D2B) software tools.
• Functional Solutions focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.
• Diagnostic Solutions Diagnostic Solutions focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.
• Support and Services Support and Services focuses on maintenance programs, on-site and remote support, and training to help customers optimize their hardware and software solutions

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs about 1,300 people with worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1978, GenRadês Web address is www.GenRad.com.

LabWindows/CVI® is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective companies.