Conexant / Rockwell Semiconductor

Rockwell developed a desktop calculator based on a MOSFET chip for use by its engineers. In 1967 Rockwell set up its own manufacturing plant to produce them, starting what would become Rockwell Semiconductor. One of its major successes came in the early 1990s when it introduced the first low-cost 14.4 kbit/s modem chip set, which was used in a huge number of modems.

Rockwell Microelectronics Division developed 4800bps/9600bps IC modems in the 1960s. In 1968 the company entered the commercial modem business, when the first modem market was fax machines. In 1971 it developed the first 4800bps LST modems. The Rockwell International Microelectronics Division was created in 1971 to fuel the development of microprocessor technology and computer products. In 1977 it was renamed the Electronic Devices Division and became the largest producer of the R6502 microprocessor. In 1978 it began shipping high-speed OEM (original equipment manufacturer) modems (4800bps and 9600bps) to facsimile (fax) manufacturers.

The division was renamed Semiconductor Products Division in 1982. During the 1980s it introduced a series of OEM fax, data, and VLSI modems and in 1985 began its fax-modem chipset business that it would subsequently dominate. It also helped create the analog modem market for desktop computers. In 1988 it opened its European Design Center in Sophia Antipolis, France.

In 1990 the division was again renamed, this time as the Digital Communications Division, with headquarters in Newport Beach, California, as part of Rockwell International’s reorganization of its semiconductor and communications business. It opened its Japanese Design Center in Tokyo, Japan, and introduced the world’s first integrated, low-speed data and fax modem as well as the first high-speed, single-device fax modem operating at 14,400bps transmission.

1998: Rockwell International announces it will spin off Rockwell Semiconductor Systems into a new company, Conexant Systems, Inc. In January 1999 Conexant Systems, Inc. was launched as an independent entity after Rockwell International Corp. completed the spinoff of Rockwell Semiconductor Systems to shareholders.

Conexant is the world’s largest independent company focused exclusively on providing semiconductor system solutions for communications electronics. With revenues of approximately $1.5 billion, Conexant has aligned its business to target the fastest-growing markets of the worldwide communications marketplace. The company’s solutions are found in the wireline voice and data products that power the Internet, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems, personal imaging communications equipment, and emerging cable and wireless broadband networks.

Conexant is a separate semiconductor company that emerged as a spin-off from Rockwell's semiconductor division. Conexant, headquartered in the United States, specialized in semiconductor solutions for various applications, including communications, audio, video, and imaging. The company developed a range of communication-related products, such as DSL and cable modem chipsets, as well as audio and video codecs. Conexant was founded in the United States in 1999. The company was formed as a spin-off from Rockwell International's semiconductor division, which had a legacy of expertise in modem technology.

Conexant Systems, Inc. was a semiconductor company that specialized in developing integrated circuits and semiconductor solutions for various applications, particularly in the fields of communications, audio, video, and imaging. Conexant was known for its contributions to the technology industry, and its products were used in a wide range of consumer and industrial electronics.

1. Audio and Voice Processing: Conexant was a leader in audio and voice processing solutions. Their products included codecs, amplifiers, and voice processing technologies used in audio and voice-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics.

2. Video and Imaging: The company also offered semiconductor solutions for video and imaging applications, including video encoders, decoders, and image processing chips.

3. Global Presence: Conexant had a global presence, with offices and operations in various countries to serve a diverse customer base.

4. Technological Contributions: Conexant's technological innovations and contributions were integral to the development of communication and multimedia devices. They played a significant role in advancing the capabilities of data and voice communication technologies.

5. Acquisitions and Divestitures: Over the years, Conexant was involved in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, which affected its business operations and product portfolio.

SAN JOSE, Calif. – July 26, 2017 – Synaptics Incorporated (NASDAQ: SYNA), the leading developer of human interface solutions, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Conexant Systems, LLC, a technology leader in voice and audio processing solutions for the smart home. The combination of Synaptics’ and Conexant’s strong technology and market positions will jumpstart Synaptics’ presence in the smart home and extend the Company’s human interface leadership into the fast-growing consumer IoT market.

About Synaptics: Synaptics is the pioneer and leader of the human interface revolution, bringing innovative and intuitive user experiences to intelligent devices. Synaptics’ broad portfolio of touch, display, and biometrics products is built on the company’s rich R&D, extensive IP and dependable supply chain capabilities. With solutions designed for mobile, PC and automotive industries, Synaptics combines ease of use, functionality and aesthetics to enable products that help make our digital lives more productive, secure and enjoyable. (NASDAQ: SYNA). Join Synaptics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit www.synaptics.com.