Over the decade, Synaptics has transformed from a leader in human interface solutions (touch and sensing) to a full portfolio, a one-stop shop for offering more semiconductor solutions from compute to wireless connectivity (acquisition from Broadcom) for edge applications. At CES 2025, we had an opportunity to converse with Synaptics’ “Veros” wireless connectivity and “Astra” native-edge embedded AI compute team and discuss their portfolio, partnerships and progress. We went in-depth in our Counterpoint Conversations with Synaptics SVP & GM of Wireless Business, Venkat Kodavati, on the evolving wireless connectivity landscape where Synaptics operates and is leading the ecosystem.

The Interview

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

• Talking about the progress, Kodavati discusses Synaptics’ leadership in connectivity solutions, highlighting the key aspects of the company’s technology like coexistence with multiple wireless technologies, range, and low power requirements for wearables.

• Kodavati also highlights Synaptics' dominance in markets such as security cameras, set-top boxes, wearables, drones and other emerging applications, and expansion into newer markets such as tablets.

• Automotive is also a focus market and the number of chips per vehicle will keep on increasing from infotainment to rear-seat connectivity and car keys.

• However, robust connectivity and interoperability are the key to wireless connectivity coexistence, and this is where Synaptics has put in more effort and differentiates.

• AI at the edge and tight integration with Astra SoC and AI across wireless applications from power management to interoperability to sensing is becoming important.

• Wi-Fi 7 is one area where Synaptics is heavily investing as a teaser for their upcoming products and innovative form factors for the solutions.

• The balance between cost and quality is the most important success factor for Synaptics.

Analyst Takeaways:

• Synaptics has made its mark and expanded Broadcom’s wireless business successfully at the edge. The synergies with other sensing and touch businesses help Synaptics to upsell/cross-sell its products.

• The combination of Astra and Veros is quite powerful and very well positioned, cementing its leadership in many traditional applications where Broadcom used to be strong.

• The new areas where Synaptics will need to grow are in automotive and other CE products from tablets to wearables to PCs.

• Focus on edge AI developing a robust cloud SDK and working with developers will be the next big step for the company.

• Overall, the company is well positioned in this crowded wireless connectivity space benefiting from synergies across the portfolio.