Synaptics is headquartered in San Jose, California, and was founded in 1986 by Fegan and Carvermead. It is a global leader in the design and manufacture of human-machine interface development solutions for mobile computing, communications and entertainment devices.

Synaptics is engaged in the development and supply of user interface solutions for the interaction of a variety of mobile computing, communications and other electronic devices, and supplies a number of technologies including application specific integrated circuits, firmware, software, pattern recognition and tactile technologies. The company successfully created interface solutions for multiple MP3 players, including some versions of iPod and iPod mini and touchpads for later Creative Zen devices; and Onyx, a touchscreen concept phone different from Apple's iPhone.

Synaptics launched the touchpad interface in 1995 and quickly became a leader in the industry, providing touchpad OEM suppliers to most major computer and laptop companies, including Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, Sony , Toshiba, Gateway (English: Gateway, Inc.), International Business Machines, Lenovo Group, Samsung Electronics, etc. Since then, Synaptics has continued to innovate in human-machine interface solutions, continuously expanding product applications with new technologies. In addition to laptops, Synaptics' solutions are widely used in PC peripherals, digital music players, mobile phones, GPS devices and remote control devices.