NASHUA, N.H.--Jan. 29, 2002-- Teradyne, Inc. (NYSE: TER) Connection Systems Division (TCS), a leading manufacturer of high-speed/high-density interconnect, printed circuit backplanes, and high-performance systems integration and test today announced the release of its GbX(TM) platform connector for general availability.

Teradyne's GbX connector offers an upgrade path beyond existing 2mm platforms and delivers the highest level of density available today. GbX balances mechanical robustness and higher signal integrity to deliver an effective 10 Gb/s Ethernet interconnect, especially where high-density is required, with less than 2% crosstalk.

"As existing 2 mm connector platforms run out of steam, OEM designers will be looking for the best balance between mechanical packaging and signal integrity," said Peter Traver, GbX project leader, Teradyne Connection Systems. "GbX makes the right tradeoffs and ends up as the high-performance, low risk solution."

The GbX connector is ideal for 10 Gb/s (4 x 3.125 Gb/s) XAUI data rates, with four high-speed pairs per wafer, ease of routability, reduced capacitance via structure, low cross talk and high performance. At 3.125Gb/s, the GbX connector offers exceptional performance with a significant amount of headroom for faster data rates.

The GbX 4-pair platform offers 55 differential pairs per linear inch, while the 5-pair configuration offers 69 differential pairs per linear inch. With 55 pairs per linear inch, GbX allows for the most XAUI links in the industry today.

The GbX connector delivers excellent electrical performance and provides enhanced signal integrity with 100 Ohm matched differential impedance for reduced reflections. The twin-axial structure in the mating area provides added shielding, offering better crosstalk control at fast rise times.

Pricing and Availability

The GbX platform connector is priced at approximately $.20 - $.28 per mated signal line in full production volumes and is available immediately.

Demonstrations

Teradyne will demonstrate GbX performance Jan. 29-30 at the International Engineering Consortium's (IEC) DesignCon 2002 conference; Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, Calif.; booth #509.

About Teradyne Connection Systems Division
Teradyne Connection Systems (TCS), a division of Boston-based Teradyne, Inc., provides high performance system solutions to industry leading OEMs, with printed circuit boards, high-speed, high-density connectors, multi-gigabit backplane assemblies and complete systems integration and test. Teradyne's high-technology components and electronic manufacturing services are used by manufacturers of communications and computing systems central to building networking infrastructure. For more information visit http://www.teradyne.com/tcs.

About Teradyne Inc.
Teradyne (NYSE: TER) is the world's largest supplier of automatic test equipment and is also a leading supplier of high performance interconnection systems and electronic manufacturing services. Teradyne's test products are used by manufacturers of semiconductors, circuit assemblies, voice and broadband telephone networks. Teradyne's high performance components and electronic manufacturing services are used by manufacturers of communications and computing systems central to building networking infrastructure. The company had sales of $1.4 billion in 2001 and currently employs about 8000 people worldwide. For more information visit http://www.teradyne.com.