Skyworks Buys Analog SoC Vendor

Analog chip vendor Skyworks Solutions plans to acquire analog SoC vendor Avnera Corp. for $405 million in cash.  

Skyworks (Woburn, Mass.) said the deal would augment its wireless connectivity portfolio by adding ultra-low power analog to enable smart interfaces via acoustic signal processing, sensors and integrated software. Skyworks estimates that the acquisition will expand its addressable market by more than $5 billion.

Target applications for Averna's technology include AI speakers/microphones, virtual assistants, intelligent gaming controllers and vehicle in-dash systems as well as wired/wireless headsets, Skyworks said.

Avnera (Beaverton, Ore.) markets analog SoCs that combine audio/voice analog circuits, highly efficient power management and custom hardware accelerators for smart acoustic signal processing/AI features. The privately held company boasts customers that include Harman, JBL, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Polk, Samsung, Sennheiser, Sony, Vizio and Yamaha, and has more than 100 issued and pending patents.

"Voice is increasingly becoming the primary interface for artificial intelligence and Internet of Things applications. Skyworks’ acquisition of Avnera will enable us to capitalize on the rapid proliferation of audio functionality and its convergence with our advanced connectivity solutions,” said Liam K. Griffin, Skyworks president and CEO, in a press statement.

In addition to $405 in cash that Skyworks will pay to Averna equity holders at the close of the acquisition — expected next month — Skyworks will also pay up to $20 million more if Avnera products exceed certain sales targets, the company said.