GenRad Expands Automotive Testing Capabilities

    WESTFORD, Mass.--Aug. 22, 2001--GenRad, Inc. , a global leader in electronics testing and manufacturing solutions, today announced two new modules for its GR Versa(TM) test platform that will reduce GenRad's automotive customers' development costs and time to market.
    The two new modules---the Signal Conditioning Module (SCM) and Multi-Channel Amplifier (MCA)---enhance GenRad's capabilities in the automotive applications marketplace by enabling automotive manufacturers to take advantage of GenRad's PXI-based testing technologies, a rugged PC-based platform for instrumentation, which leverages the high-speed PCI Bus.
    "These new modules offer the automotive manufacturing industry greater flexibility in a smaller footprint, help minimize the need for custom fixture electronics, shorten test development cycles, and decrease associated fixture development costs," stated James Ficaro, vice president of GenRad's Functional Solutions group.
    "Another tremendous benefit to our customers is our collection of GenRad software libraries, which come standard with the new modules. They allow for rapid deployment of Versa test systems to the manufacturing floor, and remove expenditures associated with test software development."
    "As automotive manufacturers continue to add very specialized Electronic Control Units (ECU's) to their products, the need for high performance test capability will expand as well. The SCM and MCA will help provide the required performance and functionality needed to test these complex products," continued Ficaro. "We are expanding our GR Versa line of automotive test modules to meet the needs of this very dynamic marketplace."
    The Signal Conditioning Module (SCM) addresses the market need for a programmable high voltage measurement instrument, surpassing the capabilities of most PXI-based analog instruments on the market. It provides six independently programmable channels and accommodates inputs from 1.0 Volt to 500 Volts with the ability to capture multiple analog signals simultaneously.
    Additional features of the SCM include overvoltage protection, 3MHz bandwidth and compatibility with digitizers from National Instruments, Analogic and other vendors.
    The Multi-Channel Amplifier (MCA) provides the ability to amplify analog instrument output signals up to +/- 24 volts. Its 16 output channels can simultaneously generate multiple analog signals and makes it ideal for applications such as testing of antilock brake systems (ABS) and engine management units. Each channel features programmable amplification, bandwidth up to 1 MHz and inputs compatible with most CompactPCI(TM)/PXI(TM) function generators and arbitrary waveform generators.
    Both the SCM and MCA are delivered with National Instruments LabWindows/CVI(R) software drivers and libraries. This GUI-based software simplifies program development and accelerates the test program deployment for both modules.

    GR Versa

    The GR Versa platform features a 21 slot, 6U height, and PXI/CompactPCI backplane that provides the space needed for signal switching and instrumentation, all within one compact mainframe. Maximum flexibility is achieved with the GPX621 by accommodating CompactPCI, PXI, 3U, or 6U size modules. Software Options include GenRad's TestManager and National Instruments LabWindows/CVI(TM). GR Versa can address a variety of functional test applications including consumer, automotive, and communication electronics and is designed specifically for the manufacturing environment. GR Versa uses a standardized platform for global deployment. This modular approach to functional test supports chassis-only configurations to application specific, full turnkey solutions for automotive, communications, or PC products.