CRUS introduces next-gen haptics, enhancing automotive experience

Cirrus Logic Expands into the Automotive Sector with New Haptic Driver Portfolio

Cirrus Logic Inc. (CRUS) has made a significant move into the automotive industry by launching its CS40L51, CS40L52, and CS40L53 closed-loop haptic driver family. These chips mark the company’s first series to achieve AEC-Q100 automotive reliability certification, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards required for use in vehicles. Designed to deliver fast, realistic, and consistent tactile feedback across various scenarios, these drivers enhance the user experience by providing intuitive and satisfying responses when interacting with digital controls.

Engineering samples of the CS40L51, CS40L52, and CS40L53 are now available, with mass production expected to begin in December 2025. As automakers continue to prioritize personalized and immersive in-car experiences, haptics-enabled smart surfaces have become essential for modern vehicle interiors. Cirrus Logic’s closed-loop technology improves actuator response, expands the range of haptic effects, and ensures consistent performance under all conditions, delivering high-quality feedback across displays, steering wheels, consoles, seats, and other touchpoints.

Advanced Features of the New Haptic Drivers

Cirrus Logic’s expertise in signal processing is at the core of the new haptic driver lineup. The CS40L51, CS40L52, and CS40L53 offer a scalable, next-generation haptics platform that leverages the company's deep knowledge in this field. Each device is tailored to support different design approaches:

• CS40L51: This driver delivers immersive, high-fidelity feedback through Sensor-less Velocity Control (SVC), real-time Audio-to-Haptics (A2H) synchronization, and active vibration compensation.

• CS40L52: It enhances closed-loop performance with faster response times, wider bandwidth, and automatic compensation for manufacturing and temperature variations.

• CS40L53: This model uses Click Compensation to ensure consistent haptic effects across different actuators.

Together, these drivers enable reliable, high-quality haptic experiences for current and future automotive designs. Designers benefit from a scalable platform that reduces development friction while enabling unique user experiences.

Benefits of the Haptic Solution

The solution delivers reliable, high-quality haptic performance by using advanced closed-loop algorithms that maintain consistency across manufacturing differences and temperature changes. It supports a broader frequency range than conventional systems, enabling richer effects and new user experiences. Faster actuator response provides crisp, high-definition feedback. Development is made easier with tools that streamline waveform creation, and the technology meets AEC-Q100 reliability standards for use across diverse automotive applications.

Financial Outlook for Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic is benefiting from robust demand for components integrated into smartphones while advancing its diversification strategy. The company is winning mainstream laptop designs and sampling AI-driven voice products, showing momentum across new markets such as PCs, automotive, industrial, and professional audio. Looking ahead, the company aims to leverage its mixed-signal expertise, expand the addressable market, and drive shareholder value.

For the fiscal third quarter, Cirrus expects revenues to be between $500 million and $560 million, with an estimated $531 million. A stronger product mix is boosting its margins, while an uptick in operating expenses is driven by rising R&D spending in emerging product lines targeting the PC and general market segments. However, the ongoing slowdown in the Android market remains a challenge, along with stiff competition, concentration risks, and forex issues.

Zacks Rank and Stock Price Performance

CRUS currently sports a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). Shares of the company have rallied 17.5% in the past year compared with the sub-industry's growth of 72.6%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Other Key Picks in the Technology Space

Some other top-ranked stocks from the broader technology space include:

• MongoDB, Inc. (MDB): MDB sports a Zacks Rank #1 and has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 69.3%. Its shares have surged 96.6% over the past six months.

• Atlassian Corp. (TEAM): TEAM carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has also beaten earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 20.7%. However, its shares have declined 24.6% in the past six months.

• Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR): PLTR carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 16.3%. Its shares have surged 156% in the past year.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.