
Conexant is a leading provider of audio, imaging, and voice solutions that are used in a wide range of devices.
The company was founded in 1999 and has since become a trusted name in the industry.
Conexant's products are used in many different applications, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Their solutions are designed to help manufacturers create high-quality devices that meet the needs of consumers.
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History and Milestones
Conexant has a rich history that spans several decades. Founded in 1998, the company has grown significantly since its inception.
Conexant's early success can be attributed to its innovative approach to audio processing technology. This technology allowed for the development of high-quality audio solutions that revolutionized the industry.
One of Conexant's earliest milestones was the release of its first audio processor in 1998. This marked the beginning of the company's journey towards becoming a leading provider of audio and video solutions.
Conexant's audio processors have been used in a wide range of applications, from mobile devices to automotive systems. The company's technology has enabled the creation of high-quality audio experiences in various settings.
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In 2005, Conexant was acquired by Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, expanding its reach and capabilities. This acquisition marked a significant turning point in the company's history.
Conexant's commitment to innovation has led to the development of cutting-edge solutions that continue to shape the industry today. The company's technology has enabled the creation of advanced audio and video systems that are used in various applications.
Conexant's audio processors have been used in numerous notable devices, including the original iPhone. This collaboration demonstrated the company's ability to deliver high-quality audio solutions that meet the demands of the latest technology.
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Products and Technology
Conexant's products and technology are quite impressive. The company had two main product families: AudioSmart and ImagingSmart. AudioSmart was a line of analog-to-digital converters, codecs, and voice/speech processors that improved how audio signals are processed for electronic audio equipment.
Conexant's AD Converters were used for far-field voice/speech capture applications, converting analog signals to digital to enhance the signal before transmitting it to third party speech recognition products. This technology is used in voice-enabled consumer products, including those with low power versions that have a standby mode and a fast wake up mode for battery powered devices.
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Conexant's codecs encoded and decoded digital signals, allowing transmission, storage, encryption, and playback or editing of audio signals. They were used to improve audio signals in tablets and PCs, as well as for consumer audio applications such as conferencing, streaming media, and editing.
Here are some of the key products and technologies offered by Conexant:
- AD Converters: used for far-field voice/speech capture applications
- Codecs: encoded and decoded digital signals for transmission, storage, encryption, and playback or editing
- USB & IS DSP codecs: had USB and integrated interchip sound (IS) interfaces for connecting to electronic devices
- VoiceSpeech processors: added voice command capabilities to smart TVs
- AudioSmart software: provided audio and voice processing technologies for far-field voice communication and far-field speech control
Acquisition of New Technologies: 1999-2000
In 1999, Conexant started acquiring smaller technology firms to stay ahead in the rapidly growing market.
Conexant invested $10 million in Entridia Corp., a privately held start-up that designed chips for routing voice, video, and data transmissions.
Conexant's acquisition strategy was influenced by rival chip makers Intel Corp. and Broadcom Corp., which had also acquired communication-technology companies.
In December 1999, Conexant acquired Maker Communications Inc. of Framingham, Massachusetts, for $942.8 million in stock.
This acquisition brought Conexant software that enabled engineers to create semi-conductors for Internet communications.
Conexant also opened a design center in Portland, Oregon, to attract talent from the area known as Silicon Forest.
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Products Lines

Conexant was a leading provider of processors for modems and communication systems, and their products were widely used in various devices such as modems, fax machines, ATMs, and credit card readers.
The company maintained a significant market share in the modem industry, with most modems using their Softmodem solutions on HCF and HSF standards.
Conexant had two main product families: AudioSmart and ImagingSmart.
AudioSmart was a line of audio processors that improved audio signals for electronic audio equipment, including analog-to-digital converters, codecs, USB digital signal processors, voice/speech processors, and software.
- AD Converters were used for far-field voice/speech capture applications, converting analog signals to digital to enhance the signal before transmitting it to third-party speech recognition products.
- Codecs encoded and decoded digital signals for transmission, storage, encryption, playback, or editing.
- USB & IS DSP codecs had USB and integrated interchip sound interfaces to connect to electronic devices like headsets and docking stations.
- VoiceSpeech processors added voice command capabilities to smart TVs, using far-field voice pre-processing algorithms and 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion.
- AudioSmart software provided audio and voice processing technologies for far-field voice communication and speech control, available on Windows, Android, and Linux operating systems.
The company's headquarters was located in Irvine, California.
Business and Market
Conexant has been a major player in the audio and imaging technology market for decades. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications, from voice and audio processing to image processing and display.
Conexant's audio processing technology is used in many consumer electronics devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This technology enables advanced features such as voice assistants, noise reduction, and audio enhancement.
The company's imaging technology is used in various applications, including digital cameras, scanners, and printers. Conexant's imaging technology provides high-quality image processing and display capabilities.
Conexant's products are used by many leading technology companies, including Intel, Qualcomm, and Samsung.
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Funding and Investors
Conexant has secured a significant amount of funding, with a total of $650M raised over 2 rounds.
Its first funding round took place in 2000, marking the beginning of the company's financial journey.
Conexant's latest funding round was a PE round on May 12, 2011, for an undisclosed amount.
The company has 6 institutional investors, including August Capital, Ventana Capital Management, and Western Technology Investment.
Here's a breakdown of Conexant's funding rounds:
One of the notable investors in Conexant's latest round is August Capital, which participated in the PE round on May 12, 2011.
Competitors and Alternates
Conexant's competitors and alternates are a mix of companies that have been acquired, acqui-hired, or are still independent. Some of these companies have received significant funding.
Conexant is ranked first in terms of overall rank, with a Tracxn score of 49/100. It has received $650M in funding from investors like August Capital and Ventana Capital Management.
Frontier Smart Technologies is the second-ranked competitor, with a Tracxn score of 45/100. It has received $28M in funding from investors like Herald Investment Management and Apax.
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Here's a list of the top 10 competitors and alternates, ranked by overall rank:
Investments and Acquisitions
Conexant has made significant investments and acquisitions over the years to expand its reach and capabilities.
In 2002, Conexant invested in Sirf, a company founded in 1995 in San Jose, United States. This investment helped Conexant tap into Sirf's expertise in communication technologies.
Conexant has also made several strategic acquisitions, including PaxoNet in 2004 and Globespanvirata in 2003. These acquisitions have enabled Conexant to strengthen its position in the market and expand its product offerings.
Conexant's acquisitions have helped it stay ahead of the competition, particularly in the rapidly growing market for Internet communications. In 1999, Conexant acquired Maker Communications Inc. for $942.8 million in stock, gaining access to its software that enabled engineers to create semi-conductors for Internet communications.
Here's a summary of Conexant's notable investments and acquisitions:
Conexant's strategic investments and acquisitions have helped it establish itself as a major player in the technology industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete Conexant?
To uninstall the Conexant driver, go to Device Manager, find the Conexant High Definition SmartAudio driver, and follow the uninstallation steps. Uninstalling the Conexant driver may resolve audio issues, but be aware of potential consequences.
Who bought Conexant?
Synaptics acquired Conexant Systems in 2017. The acquisition was completed on July 26, 2017.
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