PARIS -- October 17, 2001 -- GenRad, Inc. [NYSE: GEN], a global leader in electronics testing and manufacturing solutions will be presenting the new GR VERSA OT™ optical transmission tester, for the first time in Europe, at Forum Mesures in Paris, from October 23 to 25. The GR Versa OT is the result of a development partnership with Tektronix Inc.

GR Versa OT provides electronics manufacturers with a low-cost, fully integrated optical test solution, with a small footprint that minimizes floor space requirements. It offers ease of operation, the ability to test multiple ports simultaneously, and a library-based test development environment, which accelerates development time and reduces manufacturing costs.

"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."

Exceptional Flexibility

The GR Versa OT platform is the most flexible, compact, modular test solution available for the opto-electronics marketplace. It provides a superior, integrated test solution for photonics test, as well as providing repeatable and reliable measurements necessary for the production test environment. The flexibility of the GR Versa OT platform allows manufacturers to address specific test requirements more efficiently and reduce overall test costs significantly.

In order to facilitate full-featured testing in a small footprint, GenRad developed three new hardware modules. 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 GRPX1030 Series power meter offers a measurement range from -60 to 0 dBm within the 1200-1625 nm wavelength window.

The GRPX1009 Optical Attenuator offers two channels of attenuation from 0-60 dBm with 0.1 dBm tuning resolution in a dual-slot CompactPCI module. The GRPX1030 power meter, in conjunction with the GRPX1009 Attenuator can be used jointly to support common production tests such as mean launch power and receiver sensitivity.

Finally, GenRadês PXIscanTM optical switching modules also afford manufacturers greater flexibility, providing integral power splitters, which minimize the need for external switching, instrumentation, and cabling. This compact, modular solution provides superior reliability, measurement repeatability, and greater test accuracy.

Exceptional Flexibility

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 data rates and protocols employed by communication network equipment. Its small footprint, ability to test multiple ports simultaneously, and GR TestManager production test software gives optical communication equipment manufacturers a complete, cost-effective solution that minimizes floor space requirements. The system also incorporates Tektronix's OTS9000 Series SONET/SDH modules, which are integral to transmission test requirements.

The GR Versa OT provides optical switching capabilities with integrated power splitters. the addition of GenRad Optical Power Meters and Attenuators result 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, which can compromise 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, Inc.

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] is 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 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, 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.