Products and services
Synaptics originally focused on developing touch technology products and later expanded into IoT technology.[51][45] In 1992, Synaptics introduced a chip designed to read magnetic characters on checks, notable for its higher accuracy and speed in handling poorly printed text compared to conventional technologies.[55] The chip produced by Synaptics I-1000 was used in the Gemstone Onyx check reader of Verifone.[55]
In the automotive industry, Synaptics has developed technology that enables drivers to adjust heating controls on touch screens while wearing thick gloves in freezing temperatures.[63] In September 2018, the company began testing fingerprint technology in cars. This biometric system allows vehicle owners to personalize settings such as music preferences, seat adjustments, navigation options, and temperature settings based on fingerprint recognition.[63] It also enables parents to implement geofencing limits to control where and how far teenage drivers can travel.[63]
As of 2024, Synaptics develops and markets products for connectivity, sensing, and processing, as well as touch and display drivers, focused on the IoT market. In addition to developing enterprise workspace technology such as docking stations.[64] Synaptics' technology is used in devices including PCs, wearables, drones, gaming systems, media systems, cars, industrial security and monitoring equipment, and virtual reality headsets.[51] Its connectivity products include wireless connectivity, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products,[49] and technology such as its wireless device communications protocol, Matter, which enables devices to operate together regardless of their different wireless interfaces.[65] Synaptics acquired DisplayLink in 2020, adding that company's hardware technology for docking stations and video conferencing, and software for graphics connectivity to its products.[46] It also develops wired connection products such as converters for USB Type-C to HDMI or DisplayPort, for high resolution video display.[66]
Synaptics continues to develop laptop computer touchpads and fingerprint biometric technology, and other types of touch sensors and display drivers.[65] It has also developed sensors for multiple parameters, including temperature, magnetic, capacitive, and inductive sensors that can be integrated into devices such as video game controllers, wearable devices such as earbuds.[67] In 2016, Synaptics developed the FS9100, a fingerprint sensor that can function accurately beneath up to one millimeter of glass, making it easier to integrate under a device's display.[68][69]
Synaptics is also the developer of IronVeil, a technology that allows peripheral manufacturers to incorporate fingerprint recognition into devices such as mice, keyboards, and other peripherals compatible with Windows 10. IronVeil is a small embedded sensor measuring 0.15 by 0.39 inches, designed to authenticate users within 180 milliseconds.[70]
Synaptics develops a variety of types of chips, including low-power edge AI processors[51][45] and system-on-chip (SoC) technology for devices, such as smart home wireless devices,[49] headsets,[71] and for graphics connectivity for video displays.[72] It develops and markets sound processing chips for voice recognition, used in voice controlled devices,[73] including far-field voice DSPs.[65][74]
In addition to its processors, it also develops display driver IC chips for technology such as VR headsets.[66]
