Synopsys to Sell Optical Solutions Group to Keysight in Ansys Deal

EDA vendor Synopsys has announced its decision to sell its Optical Solutions Group (OSG) to Keysight Technologies in a move that is set to reshape the landscape of optical design tools in the industry. The OSG, known for providing cutting-edge design tools to optical engineers, recently unveiled the industry's first end-to-end optical design and simulation tool, marking a significant milestone in the field.

The acquisition of OSG by Keysight Technologies is strategically aligned with the proposed $35 billion acquisition of Ansys, a deal that is currently awaiting regulatory approvals and expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025. The transaction involving OSG is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review and the completion of the Ansys acquisition, highlighting the complexity and scale of the overall strategic realignment.

OSG's suite of design tools and services enables comprehensive modeling of light propagation for high-accuracy optical product simulations and visualizations. From imaging systems design with CODE V to automotive lighting design with LucidShape, OSG's portfolio encompasses a wide range of solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of optical engineers across various industries.

Keysight Technologies stands to benefit significantly from the addition of OSG's software solutions for optical systems design, analysis, simulation, and virtual prototyping. This strategic move will not only expand Keysight's design engineering software portfolio but also enhance its capabilities in RF/microwave EDA and physics-based computer-aided engineering, positioning the company as a leader in multi-physics simulations.

Niels Faché, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight's Design Engineering Software division, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Given the increasing complexity of electronics design, Keysight is excited to expand its software simulation portfolio with the acquisition of Synopsys' Optical Solutions Group. This acquisition will give us the capabilities to enable high-performance system use cases beyond electronics, including optics and photonics."

Ravi Subramanian, general manager of the Systems Design Group at Synopsys, also shared his thoughts on the acquisition, emphasizing the expertise and innovation that OSG brings to the table. He stated, "We are proud of Synopsys' Optical Solutions Group, which has developed leading optical design tools backed by an expert team of optical engineers and scientists. Keysight will be an excellent future steward for this team, and customers worldwide will benefit from continued, strong competition in the development and delivery of optical design solutions."