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Excelsior Deploys GenRad X-Ray Technology; Slashes Test Time from 30 Minutes to 4 Minutes.


Business/Technology Editors

WESTFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2001

-GenRad, Inc. (NYSE NYSE

See: New York Stock Exchange
: GEN), a global leader in electronics testing and manufacturing solutions, today announced that Excelsior Manufacturing has purchased GenRad's next-generation 3D automated X-ray inspection Automated x-ray inspection (AXI) is a technology based on the same principles as automated optical inspection. It uses x-rays as its source, instead of visible light, to automatically inspect features, which are typically hidden from view.  (AXI AXI Automated X-Ray Inspection (electronics)
AXI Association Xpertise Inc (Calgary, AB, Canada)
AXI Ada to X-Window System Interface
) system and expects to cut its inspection time by over 1500 percent while improving overall product quality and time-to-market.

Excelsior is a leading manufacturer of complex printed circuit boards for the telecom, networking and computer industries. The company will deploy it new GenRad GR-X Station 3D(TM) technology at its San Jose San Jose, city, United States
San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850.
, CA., manufacturing facility, where it currently is using multiple GenRad test technologies.

"The new GenRad automated X-ray system will dramatically improve inspection time for our most complex 2500-component boards from 30 minutes each to about four minutes," stated Manny Manny may refer to:

In nobility:
  • Baron Manny, a title in the Peerage of England
  • Walter de Manny, 1st Baron Manny (died 1372), soldier of fortune and founder of the Charterhouse
People with the given name Manny:
  • Manny (given name)
 Lee, Excelsior president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. . "Also with the GenRad system we will be able to achieve a repeatable, high-quality test level for every board, an achievement that will provide us with a level of product consistency previously unattainable. Therefore, the automated x-ray system will help us ensure a high level of overall inspection excellence."

Deploys New GR Software

In addition to the GR-X-Station test technology, Excelsior will further enhance its electronics production facility with deployment of GenRad's new GR Force/Strategist(TM) software designed for the distributed test environment.

"GR Force/Strategist software will work well in our environment because it will allow us to quickly distribute the test programs to the most appropriate system, including our non-GenRad systems," Lee stated. Excelsior currently has nine GenRad in-circuit testers including a GR Pilot flying prober in service at its manufacturing facility.

About the GR X-Station

GenRad's new, patented 2D and 3D AXI platforms establish a new standard for X-Ray-based imaging products by delivering unprecedented levels of flexibility, image resolution and test-time execution. The GR X-Station 3D is unique in that it combines the production proven Transmission (2D) AXI technique together with GenRad's patented Digital Tomosynthesis (3D) into a single chassis. GR X-Station 3D delivers the superior performance of transmission AXI in conjunction with the superior test access (on double-sided printed circuit assemblies) provided by cross-section AXI. The new 3D X-ray systems offer a testing rate of up to 3.0 square inches per second. The system is available with two set fields of view, 0.8 inches or 0.5 inches, to meet specific inspection requirements.

Key features of the new X-ray systems include:
-- Industry-leading throughput

-- Industry-leading image resolution

-- Advanced X-ray tube technology, and high-speed optics,


providing higher quality imaging and lower maintenance costs

-- LINUX(TM) operating system operating system (OS)

Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs.
 with all 32-bit architecture

-- GR Force(TM)/A3 (formerly GR Alchemist III(TM)), GenRad's general purpose integrated software package Software that combines several applications in one program, typically providing at least word processing, spreadsheet and database management. Presentation graphics, page layout, paint, calendar, address book, e-mail and other applications may also be included.  with an all-new board viewer

-- Easy to Use Graphical User Interface graphical user interface (GUI)

Computer display format that allows the user to select commands, call up files, start programs, and do other routine tasks by using a mouse to point to pictorial symbols (icons) or lists of menu choices on the screen as opposed to having to


-- SMEMA SMEMA Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association (Association of SMT board assemblers)  compatible auto-width conveyor Conveyor

A horizontal, inclined, declined, or vertical machine for moving or transporting bulk materials, packages, or objects in a path predetermined by the design of the device and having points of loading and discharge fixed or selective.
 handling system

-- Capable of inspecting boards up to 18 inches x 22 inches

-- Minimal footprint of less than 5 feet x 10 feet (including staging conveyor systems)

-- Worldwide support and training included.

GR Force/Strategist

GR Force/Strategist is a unique decision-making software tool that determines the optimal test and inspection strategy for electronics manufacturers. The software analyzes the design of each printed circuit assembly, models the production line configuration, and then determines the optimum strategy for the programming of the test and inspection equipment. Operating under Microsoft(R) Windows, the software gives manufacturers the capability to develop multiple strategies that maximize fault coverage and inspection efficiencies, while improving time to market and time to volume.

Best practice test strategies are developed to ensure that fault coverage and throughput are optimized for the application. GR Force/Strategist is unique in the marketplace with its open architecture that allows the modeling and programming of GenRad and non-GenRad test and inspection equipment.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. (NYSE: GEN) develops, manufactures and markets advanced performance-assurance technologies. GenRad's primary global markets for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and  and contract manufacturers include computers, advanced telecommunications Communicating information, including data, text, pictures, voice and video over long distance. See communications.  for e-commerce and Internet services, and diagnostic systems for the transportation/automotive industry.

GenRad is comprised of four business units bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower empower verb To encourage or provide a person with the means or information to become involved in solving his/her own problems  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, and training to help customers optimize their hardware and software solutions.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs 1,400 people and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2001, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Publication:Business Wire
Geographic Code:1USA
Date:May 8, 2001
Words:784
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