Synopsys, a Silicon Valley-based electronic design automation (EDA) software company, has announced the sale of its Optical Solutions Group (OSG) to Keysight Technologies for an undisclosed amount. The agreement, finalized on September 19th, includes OSG’s design tools and services used for optical product simulations and visualizations, such as CODE V, LightTools, and LucidShape.
According to Synopsys, this sale is a necessary step to gain regulatory approval for its planned acquisition of Ansys, another US-based company specializing in simulation and analysis software, including optical technologies. The completion of the Keysight deal is contingent upon standard closing conditions, regulatory reviews, and crucially, the successful conclusion of Synopsys’ acquisition of Ansys. The Ansys acquisition is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025.
Synopsys’ move to acquire Ansys, announced in January 2024 in a cash-and-stock deal valued at US$35 billion, aims to create a more comprehensive offering by combining their software portfolios. The companies are targeting growth in areas like AI and intelligent systems, envisioning an “end-to-end” or “silicon to systems” solution for customers. This merger is projected to expand Synopsys’ potential market by 50%, reaching approximately US$28 billion, but is subject to regulatory approvals.
To facilitate the Ansys acquisition, Synopsys has decided to divest OSG, which develops software like CODE V for imaging systems, LightTools for illumination design, and LucidShape for automotive lighting. OSG recently launched ImSym, an imaging system prototyping platform powered by Code V and LightTools.
Keysight, a company providing electronic design and test solutions across various industries, views the acquisition of OSG as a strategic expansion of its software portfolio. Keysight aims to leverage OSG’s capabilities to enhance its core strengths in RF and microwave EDA as well as physics-based computer-aided engineering.
Ravi Subramanian, General Manager of the Systems Design Group at Synopsys, expressed pride in OSG and believes Keysight will be a strong future owner, fostering continued competition in optical design solutions.
Keysight anticipates that OSG will complement their existing offerings, strengthening their position in software simulation. Niels Faché, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Design Engineering Software, highlighted the increasing complexity of electronics design and expressed excitement about extending their simulation capabilities into optics and photonics through this acquisition.
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