Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Jan. 25, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year The Company reports results on the basis of 52 and 53 week periods and ends its fiscal year on the last Sunday in January.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Semtech Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company's Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) as defined by guidance regarding segment disclosures (see Note 17 for further discussion). In fiscal year 2015, the Company completed the reassessment of its operations in light of its restructuring efforts (see Note 19 for further discussion) and recent strategic business decisions. Based on this reassessment, the Company has identified four operating segments in total. Three of the four operating segments aggregate into one reportable segment, the Semiconductor Products Group. The remaining operating segment, the Systems Innovation Group (shown as “All others”), could not be aggregated with the other operating segments and did not meet the criteria for a separate reportable segment as defined by the guidance regarding segment disclosure. As a result, the financial activity associated with the Systems Innovation Group is reported separately from the Company's Semiconductor Products Group. This separate reporting is included in the “All others” category. Prior to fiscal year 2015, the Company included “All others” as part of the Company’s one reportable segment. The historical activity of the reportable segment and “All others” has been recast for consistent presentation for all periods presented.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassification	Reclassification Certain prior period footnote amounts have been re-cast to reflect the effect of the changes to the Company's identified operating segments.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances and investments in highly-qualified financial institutions. At various times such amounts are in excess of insured limits. Investments consist of government and corporate obligations and bank time deposits. The Company’s investment policy restricts investments to high credit quality investments with limits on the length to maturity and the amount invested with any one issuer. These investments, especially corporate obligations, are subject to default risk. The Company designates its investments as available for sale (“AFS”). Investments designated as AFS are reported at fair value. The Company records the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses are recorded in “Interest income and other (expense) income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value or the amount that the Company expects to collect on gross customer trade receivables. The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. The Company generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable as the majority of the Company’s customers are large, well-established companies. Historically, bad debt provisions have been consistent with management’s expectations. If the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations after a sale has occurred, it records an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount it reasonably believes it will be able to collect from the customer. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment and historical experience. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate or if economic conditions worsen, additional allowances may be required in the future. All of the Company’s accounts receivables are trade-related receivables.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market and consist of materials, labor and overhead. The Company determines the cost of inventory by the first-in, first-out method. The Company evaluates inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analysis of sales levels by product and projections of future demand. In order to state the inventory at lower of cost or market, the Company maintains reserves against its inventory. If future demand or market conditions are less favorable than the Company’s projections, a write-down of inventory may be required, and would be reflected in cost of goods sold in the period the revision is made.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The Company accounts for business combinations at fair value. Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the acquisition date net fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. All changes that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are included in current period earnings. Significant judgment is required to determine the estimated fair value for assets and liabilities acquired and to assign their respective useful lives. The fair values assigned to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration, are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including available historical information and valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. The Company employs the income approach to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. The fair value of acquired in-process research and development projects (“IPR&D”) was determined using an income approach or replacement cost approach as applicable. The replacement cost approach was used for IPR&D projects that were considered long-term core investments and were not anticipated to be profitable for a period of time. IPR&D projects which were valued using an income approach, measured the returns attributable to each specific IPR&D project, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate of return, including as appropriate, any tax benefits derived from amortizing the intangible assets for tax purposes. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates and profitability), the underlying product life cycles, economic barriers to entry, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows, among others. If actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these estimates, the amounts recorded in the financial statements could result in a possible impairment of the intangible assets and goodwill, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of finite-lived intangible assets.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and impairments. The Company’s cost basis includes certain assets acquired in business combinations that were recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the related asset type or term of the operating lease using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Also, the Company reassesses the estimated remaining useful lives of any impaired assets and adjusts accordingly estimates of future depreciation expense related to these assets.
Impairment of Goodwill, Other Intangible and Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Goodwill, Other Intangible and Long-Lived Assets Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment using a two-step method. Step one is the identification of potential impairment. The Company’s operating segments represent its reporting units since segment management, who report to the CODM, regularly review operating results and make resource allocation decisions at this level. This involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The Company tests, by reporting unit, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at November 30 or more frequently if it believes indicators of impairment exist or if it makes changes to a reporting unit with assigned goodwill. For its annual impairment review, the Company primarily uses an income approach, which incorporates multi-period excess earnings present value techniques (discounted cash flows) as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies to determine the fair value of the assets using Level 3 inputs. The Company's assumptions incorporate judgments as to the price received to sell a reporting unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Considering the integration of its operations, the Company has assumed that the highest and best use of a reporting unit follows an “in-use” valuation premise. Significant management judgment is required in determining the estimations of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the long-term rate of growth for the Company's business, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the weighted average cost of capital. The value of goodwill, could be impacted by future adverse changes such as: (i) any future declines in operating results, (ii) a decline in the valuation of technology company stocks, including the valuation of the Company's common stock, (iii) a significant slowdown in the worldwide economy and the semiconductor industry or (iv) any failure to meet the Company's performance projections included in its forecasts of future operating results. Other Intangibles and Long-lived Assets Finite-lived intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions or technology licenses purchased are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The useful lives of acquisition-related intangible assets represent the point where over 90% of realizable undiscounted cash flows for each intangible asset are recognized. The assigned useful lives are based upon the Company’s historical experience with similar technology and other intangible assets owned by the Company. The useful life of technology licenses is usually based on the term of the agreement. In-process research and development is recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts or impairment. Upon completion of development, acquired in-process research and development assets are transferred to finite-lived intangible assets and amortized over their useful lives. The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis in conjunction with goodwill or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future discounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. Also, the Company reassesses the estimated remaining useful lives of any impaired assets and adjusts accordingly estimates of future amortization expense related to these assets. The Company assesses finite-lived intangibles and long-lived assets for impairment when indicators of impairment, such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns in the semiconductor industry, are present. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of an asset is impaired, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows. If this comparison indicates that there is impairment, the impaired asset is written down to fair value, which is typically calculated using: (i) quoted market prices and/or (ii) discounted expected future cash flows utilizing a discount rate. Impairment is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.
Cost Method Investments	Cost Method Investments The Company reviews its cost method investments on a regular basis to evaluate whether or not any investment has experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. The Company considers factors such as the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and its intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment's amortized cost basis. If the Company believes that an other-than-temporary decline exists in one of these investments, the Company writes down the impaired investment to fair value. Any impairment to these investments would be recorded as a non-operating expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Functional Currency	Functional Currency The Company has concluded that, with the exception of a subsidiary based in Reynosa, Mexico, the functional currency of all subsidiaries is the United States Dollar.
Investments	Investments that have original maturities of three months or less are accounted for as cash equivalents. This includes money market funds, time deposits and U.S. government obligations. Temporary and long-term investments consist of government, bank and corporate obligations, and bank time deposits with original maturity dates in excess of three months. Temporary investments have original maturities in excess of three months, but mature within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Long-term investments have original maturities in excess of twelve months. The Company determines the cost of securities sold based on the specific identification method. Realized gains or losses are reported in “Interest income and other (expense) income, net” on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company classifies its investments as available-for-sale because it may sell some securities prior to maturity. The Company’s investments are subject to market risk, primarily interest rate and credit risks. The Company’s investments are managed by a limited number of outside professional managers that operate within investment guidelines set by the Company. These guidelines include specified permissible investments, minimum credit quality ratings and maximum average duration restrictions and are intended to limit market risk by restricting the Company’s investments to high quality debt instruments with relatively short-term maturities.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurements When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. The Company uses the following three levels of inputs in determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, focusing on the most observable inputs when available: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Available-for-sale securities included in Level 2 are valued utilizing inputs obtained from an independent third-party service (the “Service”), which uses quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments rather than direct observations of quoted prices in active markets. The Service gathers observable inputs for all of our fixed income securities from a variety of industry data providers, for example, large custodial institutions and other third-party sources. Once the observable inputs are gathered by the Service, all data points are considered and an average price is determined. The Service’s providers utilize a variety of inputs to determine their quoted prices. The Company reviews and evaluates the values provided by the Service and agrees with the valuation methods and assumptions used in determining the fair value of investments. The Company believes this method provides a reasonable estimate for fair value. The fair value of the interest rate cap at January 25, 2015 is estimated as described in Note 11 and is included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet. Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Some of the Company’s financial instruments are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Such financial assets and financial liabilities include: cash and cash equivalents, receivables, net, certain other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses, accrued personnel costs, and other current liabilities. The Company’s long-term debt is not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, but is measured at fair value for disclosure purposes. Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis The Company reduces the carrying amounts of its goodwill, intangible assets, long-lived assets and non-marketable equity securities to fair value when held for sale or determined to be impaired. For its investment in equity interests, the Company has not identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of its cost method investment during fiscal year 2015.
Interest Rate Derivative	Interest Rate Derivative The Company incurs interest expense through its variable rate debt. To manage its interest rate risk, the Company occasionally hedges the future cash flows of its variable rate debt, principally through interest rate contracts with major financial institutions. Interest rate contracts that meet specific criteria are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company’s objective in using interest rate contracts is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses interest rate contracts as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate cap contracts involve the receipts of variable amounts from a counterparty when one-month LIBOR exceeds the capped interest rate in exchange for an upfront payment from the Company, capping the Company’s one-month LIBOR floating interest payments at the strike rate on its interest rate cap contract. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated, and that qualify, as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The upfront payment the Company paid for the interest rate cap agreement will be amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income and recorded as interest expense according to the amortization schedule created at inception of the hedging relationship. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. The Company records derivative instruments in the statements of cash flows to operating, investing, or financing activities consistent with the cash flows of the hedged item. The assessment of effectiveness is based on the total changes in an option’s cash flows such that the assessment will include the interest rate caps entire change in fair value. The interest rate cap is considered a highly effective hedge since the key features and terms match with the hedged item at inception. Key features and terms are notional amount, cap effective date, rate threshold, index, repricing dates, payments dates, and maturity dates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes product revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. Recovery of costs associated with product design and engineering services are recognized during the period in which services are performed. The product design and engineering recovery, when recognized, will be reported as a reduction to product development and engineering expense. Historically, these recoveries have not exceeded the cost of the related development efforts. The Company includes revenue related to granted technology licenses as part of “Net sales.” Historically, revenue from these arrangements has not been significant though it is part of its recurring ordinary business. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company entered into a single licensing arrangement that resulted in the recognition of $7.5 million of revenue. The Company defers revenue recognition on shipment of products to certain customers, principally distributors, under agreements which provide for limited pricing credits or return privileges, until these products are sold through to end-users or the return privileges lapse. For sales subject to certain pricing credits or return privileges, the amount of future pricing credits or inventory returns cannot be reasonably estimated given the relatively long period in which a particular product may be held by the customer. Therefore, the Company has concluded that sales to customers under these agreements are not fixed and determinable at the date of the sale and revenue recognition has been deferred. The Company estimates the deferred gross margin on these sales by applying an average gross profit margin to the actual gross sales. The average gross profit margin is calculated for each category of material using standard costs which is expected to approximate actual costs at the date of sale. The estimated deferred gross margins on these sales, where there are no outstanding receivables, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets under the heading of “Deferred revenue.” The Company records a provision for estimated sales returns in the same period as the related revenues are recorded. The Company bases these estimates on historical sales returns and other known factors. Actual returns could be different from Company estimates and current provisions for sales returns and allowances, resulting in future charges to earnings.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes materials, depreciation on fixed assets used in the manufacturing process, shipping costs, direct labor and overhead.
Sales and Marketing	Sales and Marketing The Company expenses sales and marketing costs, which include advertising costs, as they are incurred.
Product Development and Engineering	Product Development and Engineering Product development and engineering costs are charged to expense as incurred. Recoveries from nonrecurring engineering services are recorded as an offset to product development expense incurred in support of this effort since these activities do not represent an earnings process core to the Company’s business and serve as a mechanism to partially recover development expenditures.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. The consolidated balance sheets include current and long term prepaid taxes under “Prepaid taxes” and “Other assets” and current and long term liabilities for uncertain tax positions under “Accrued liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities.” As part of the process of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves estimating the current tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company must assess the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent the Company believes that recovery is not likely, it must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent the Company changes its valuation allowance in a period, the change is generally recorded through the tax provision on the consolidated statements of operations. The income tax effects of share-based payments are recognized for financial reporting purposes only if such awards are expected to result in a tax deduction. The Company does not recognize a deferred tax asset for an excess tax benefit (that is, a tax benefit that exceeds the tax benefit for the amount of compensation cost recognized for the award for financial reporting purposes) that has not been realized. In determining when an excess tax benefit is realized, the Company has elected to follow the ordering provision of the tax law. For intra-entity differences between the tax basis of an asset in the buyer’s tax jurisdiction and their cost as reported in the consolidated financial statements, the Company does not recognize a deferred tax asset. Income taxes paid on intra-entity profits on assets remaining within the group are accounted for as prepaid taxes.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, unrealized loss on interest rate hedging activities and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax. This information is provided in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Share-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has various equity award plans (“Plans”) that provide for granting stock based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The Plans provide for the granting of several available forms of stock compensation. As of January 25, 2015, the Company has granted stock option awards (“Options”) and restricted stock unit awards (“RSU”) under the Plans and has also issued some stock-based compensation outside of any plan, including options and restricted stock issued as inducements to join the Company. Share-based Payment Arrangements The Company has various equity award plans that provide for granting stock-based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The plans provide for the granting of several available forms of stock compensation. As of January 25, 2015, the Company has granted options and restricted stock under the plans and has also issued some stock-based compensation outside of the plans, including options and restricted stock issued as inducements to join the Company. Grant Date Fair Values and Underlying Assumptions; Contractual Terms The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to value options. For awards classified as equity, stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s or director’s requisite service period. For awards classified as liabilities, stock-based compensation cost is measured at fair value at the end of each reporting date until the date of settlement, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s or director’s requisite service period. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility using daily and monthly stock price observations.
Earnings per Share	Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share incorporates the incremental shares issuable, calculated using the treasury stock method, upon the assumed exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock.
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company accrues an undiscounted liability for contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, and the Company discloses the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not record liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. Because litigation outcomes are inherently unpredictable, the Company’s evaluation of legal proceedings often involves a series of complex assessments by management about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. If the assessments indicate that loss contingencies that could be material to any one of our financial statements are not probable, but are reasonably possible, or are probable, but cannot be estimated, then the Company discloses the nature of the loss contingencies, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. The Company also records contingent earn-out liabilities which represent the Company’s requirement to make additional payments related to acquisitions based on certain performance targets achieved during the earn-out periods. For such earn-outs that do not relate to employee services, the Company estimates the fair value based on probability assessments of achieving the specified performance targets.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events The Company evaluates all events through the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements to determine whether any subsequent events have occurred that require recognition or disclosure.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 25, 2015

The Company reports results on the basis of 52 and 53 week periods and ends its fiscal year on the last Sunday in January.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Semtech Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

Segment Information

The Company's Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) as defined by guidance regarding segment disclosures (see Note 17 for further discussion). In fiscal year 2015, the Company completed the reassessment of its operations in light of its restructuring efforts (see Note 19 for further discussion) and recent strategic business decisions. Based on this reassessment, the Company has identified four operating segments in total. Three of the four operating segments aggregate into one reportable segment, the Semiconductor Products Group. The remaining operating segment, the Systems Innovation Group (shown as “All others”), could not be aggregated with the other operating segments and did not meet the criteria for a separate reportable segment as defined by the guidance regarding segment disclosure. As a result, the financial activity associated with the Systems Innovation Group is reported separately from the Company's Semiconductor Products Group. This separate reporting is included in the “All others” category. Prior to fiscal year 2015, the Company included “All others” as part of the Company’s one reportable segment. The historical activity of the reportable segment and “All others” has been recast for consistent presentation for all periods presented.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassification

Certain prior period footnote amounts have been re-cast to reflect the effect of the changes to the Company's identified operating segments.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances and investments in highly-qualified financial institutions. At various times such amounts are in excess of insured limits. Investments consist of government and corporate obligations and bank time deposits. The Company’s investment policy restricts investments to high credit quality investments with limits on the length to maturity and the amount invested with any one issuer. These investments, especially corporate obligations, are subject to default risk. The Company designates its investments as available for sale (“AFS”). Investments designated as AFS are reported at fair value. The Company records the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses are recorded in “Interest income and other (expense) income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value or the amount that the Company expects to collect on gross customer trade receivables. The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. The Company generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable as the majority of the Company’s customers are large, well-established companies. Historically, bad debt provisions have been consistent with management’s expectations. If the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations after a sale has occurred, it records an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount it reasonably believes it will be able to collect from the customer. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment and historical experience. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate or if economic conditions worsen, additional allowances may be required in the future. All of the Company’s accounts receivables are trade-related receivables.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market and consist of materials, labor and overhead. The Company determines the cost of inventory by the first-in, first-out method. The Company evaluates inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analysis of sales levels by product and projections of future demand. In order to state the inventory at lower of cost or market, the Company maintains reserves against its inventory. If future demand or market conditions are less favorable than the Company’s projections, a write-down of inventory may be required, and would be reflected in cost of goods sold in the period the revision is made.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for business combinations at fair value. Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the acquisition date net fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. All changes that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are included in current period earnings. Significant judgment is required to determine the estimated fair value for assets and liabilities acquired and to assign their respective useful lives. The fair values assigned to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration, are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including available historical information and valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques.

The Company employs the income approach to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. The fair value of acquired in-process research and development projects (“IPR&D”) was determined using an income approach or replacement cost approach as applicable. The replacement cost approach was used for IPR&D projects that were considered long-term core investments and were not anticipated to be profitable for a period of time. IPR&D projects which were valued using an income approach, measured the returns attributable to each specific IPR&D project, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate of return, including as appropriate, any tax benefits derived from amortizing the intangible assets for tax purposes. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates and profitability), the underlying product life cycles, economic barriers to entry, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows, among others.

If actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these estimates, the amounts recorded in the financial statements could result in a possible impairment of the intangible assets and goodwill, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of finite-lived intangible assets.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and impairments. The Company’s cost basis includes certain assets acquired in business combinations that were recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the related asset type or term of the operating lease using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Also, the Company reassesses the estimated remaining useful lives of any impaired assets and adjusts accordingly estimates of future depreciation expense related to these assets.

Impairment of Goodwill, Other Intangible and Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment using a two-step method. Step one is the identification of potential impairment. The Company’s operating segments represent its reporting units since segment management, who report to the CODM, regularly review operating results and make resource allocation decisions at this level. This involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The Company tests, by reporting unit, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at November 30 or more frequently if it believes indicators of impairment exist or if it makes changes to a reporting unit with assigned goodwill.

For its annual impairment review, the Company primarily uses an income approach, which incorporates multi-period excess earnings present value techniques (discounted cash flows) as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies to determine the fair value of the assets using Level 3 inputs. The Company's assumptions incorporate judgments as to the price received to sell a reporting unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Considering the integration of its operations, the Company has assumed that the highest and best use of a reporting unit follows an “in-use” valuation premise.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the estimations of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the long-term rate of growth for the Company's business, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the weighted average cost of capital. The value of goodwill, could be impacted by future adverse changes such as: (i) any future declines in operating results, (ii) a decline in the valuation of technology company stocks, including the valuation of the Company's common stock, (iii) a significant slowdown in the worldwide economy and the semiconductor industry or (iv) any failure to meet the Company's performance projections included in its forecasts of future operating results.

Other Intangibles and Long-lived Assets

Finite-lived intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions or technology licenses purchased are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The useful lives of acquisition-related intangible assets represent the point where over 90% of realizable undiscounted cash flows for each intangible asset are recognized. The assigned useful lives are based upon the Company’s historical experience with similar technology and other intangible assets owned by the Company. The useful life of technology licenses is usually based on the term of the agreement.

In-process research and development is recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts or impairment. Upon completion of development, acquired in-process research and development assets are transferred to finite-lived intangible assets and amortized over their useful lives.

The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis in conjunction with goodwill or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future discounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. Also, the Company reassesses the estimated remaining useful lives of any impaired assets and adjusts accordingly estimates of future amortization expense related to these assets.

The Company assesses finite-lived intangibles and long-lived assets for impairment when indicators of impairment, such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns in the semiconductor industry, are present. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of an asset is impaired, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows. If this comparison indicates that there is impairment, the impaired asset is written down to fair value, which is typically calculated using: (i) quoted market prices and/or (ii) discounted expected future cash flows utilizing a discount rate. Impairment is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.

Cost Method Investments

The Company reviews its cost method investments on a regular basis to evaluate whether or not any investment has experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. The Company considers factors such as the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than the cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and its intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment's amortized cost basis. If the Company believes that an other-than-temporary decline exists in one of these investments, the Company writes down the impaired investment to fair value. Any impairment to these investments would be recorded as a non-operating expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Functional Currency

The Company has concluded that, with the exception of a subsidiary based in Reynosa, Mexico, the functional currency of all subsidiaries is the United States Dollar.

Investments

Investments that have original maturities of three months or less are accounted for as cash equivalents. This includes money market funds, time deposits and U.S. government obligations. Temporary and long-term investments consist of government, bank and corporate obligations, and bank time deposits with original maturity dates in excess of three months. Temporary investments have original maturities in excess of three months, but mature within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Long-term investments have original maturities in excess of twelve months. The Company determines the cost of securities sold based on the specific identification method. Realized gains or losses are reported in “Interest income and other (expense) income, net” on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company classifies its investments as available-for-sale because it may sell some securities prior to maturity. The Company’s investments are subject to market risk, primarily interest rate and credit risks. The Company’s investments are managed by a limited number of outside professional managers that operate within investment guidelines set by the Company. These guidelines include specified permissible investments, minimum credit quality ratings and maximum average duration restrictions and are intended to limit market risk by restricting the Company’s investments to high quality debt instruments with relatively short-term maturities.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurements

When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. The Company uses the following three levels of inputs in determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, focusing on the most observable inputs when available:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Available-for-sale securities included in Level 2 are valued utilizing inputs obtained from an independent third-party service (the “Service”), which uses quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments rather than direct observations of quoted prices in active markets. The Service gathers observable inputs for all of our fixed income securities from a variety of industry data providers, for example, large custodial institutions and other third-party sources. Once the observable inputs are gathered by the Service, all data points are considered and an average price is determined. The Service’s providers utilize a variety of inputs to determine their quoted prices. The Company reviews and evaluates the values provided by the Service and agrees with the valuation methods and assumptions used in determining the fair value of investments. The Company believes this method provides a reasonable estimate for fair value.

The fair value of the interest rate cap at January 25, 2015 is estimated as described in Note 11 and is included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet.

Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Some of the Company’s financial instruments are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Such financial assets and financial liabilities include: cash and cash equivalents, receivables, net, certain other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses, accrued personnel costs, and other current liabilities.

The Company’s long-term debt is not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, but is measured at fair value for disclosure purposes.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company reduces the carrying amounts of its goodwill, intangible assets, long-lived assets and non-marketable equity securities to fair value when held for sale or determined to be impaired.

For its investment in equity interests, the Company has not identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of its cost method investment during fiscal year 2015.

Interest Rate Derivative

The Company incurs interest expense through its variable rate debt. To manage its interest rate risk, the Company occasionally hedges the future cash flows of its variable rate debt, principally through interest rate contracts with major financial institutions. Interest rate contracts that meet specific criteria are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

The Company’s objective in using interest rate contracts is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses interest rate contracts as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate cap contracts involve the receipts of variable amounts from a counterparty when one-month LIBOR exceeds the capped interest rate in exchange for an upfront payment from the Company, capping the Company’s one-month LIBOR floating interest payments at the strike rate on its interest rate cap contract.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated, and that qualify, as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The upfront payment the Company paid for the interest rate cap agreement will be amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income and recorded as interest expense according to the amortization schedule created at inception of the hedging relationship. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. The Company records derivative instruments in the statements of cash flows to operating, investing, or financing activities consistent with the cash flows of the hedged item.

The assessment of effectiveness is based on the total changes in an option’s cash flows such that the assessment will include the interest rate caps entire change in fair value. The interest rate cap is considered a highly effective hedge since the key features and terms match with the hedged item at inception. Key features and terms are notional amount, cap effective date, rate threshold, index, repricing dates, payments dates, and maturity dates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes product revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. Recovery of costs associated with product design and engineering services are recognized during the period in which services are performed. The product design and engineering recovery, when recognized, will be reported as a reduction to product development and engineering expense. Historically, these recoveries have not exceeded the cost of the related development efforts.

The Company includes revenue related to granted technology licenses as part of “Net sales.” Historically, revenue from these arrangements has not been significant though it is part of its recurring ordinary business. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company entered into a single licensing arrangement that resulted in the recognition of $7.5 million of revenue.

The Company defers revenue recognition on shipment of products to certain customers, principally distributors, under agreements which provide for limited pricing credits or return privileges, until these products are sold through to end-users or the return privileges lapse. For sales subject to certain pricing credits or return privileges, the amount of future pricing credits or inventory returns cannot be reasonably estimated given the relatively long period in which a particular product may be held by the customer. Therefore, the Company has concluded that sales to customers under these agreements are not fixed and determinable at the date of the sale and revenue recognition has been deferred. The Company estimates the deferred gross margin on these sales by applying an average gross profit margin to the actual gross sales. The average gross profit margin is calculated for each category of material using standard costs which is expected to approximate actual costs at the date of sale. The estimated deferred gross margins on these sales, where there are no outstanding receivables, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets under the heading of “Deferred revenue.”

The Company records a provision for estimated sales returns in the same period as the related revenues are recorded. The Company bases these estimates on historical sales returns and other known factors. Actual returns could be different from Company estimates and current provisions for sales returns and allowances, resulting in future charges to earnings.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes materials, depreciation on fixed assets used in the manufacturing process, shipping costs, direct labor and overhead.

Sales and Marketing

The Company expenses sales and marketing costs, which include advertising costs, as they are incurred.

Product Development and Engineering

Product development and engineering costs are charged to expense as incurred. Recoveries from nonrecurring engineering services are recorded as an offset to product development expense incurred in support of this effort since these activities do not represent an earnings process core to the Company’s business and serve as a mechanism to partially recover development expenditures.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. The consolidated balance sheets include current and long term prepaid taxes under “Prepaid taxes” and “Other assets” and current and long term liabilities for uncertain tax positions under “Accrued liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities.”

As part of the process of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves estimating the current tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company must assess the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent the Company believes that recovery is not likely, it must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent the Company changes its valuation allowance in a period, the change is generally recorded through the tax provision on the consolidated statements of operations.

The income tax effects of share-based payments are recognized for financial reporting purposes only if such awards are expected to result in a tax deduction. The Company does not recognize a deferred tax asset for an excess tax benefit (that is, a tax benefit that exceeds the tax benefit for the amount of compensation cost recognized for the award for financial reporting purposes) that has not been realized. In determining when an excess tax benefit is realized, the Company has elected to follow the ordering provision of the tax law.

For intra-entity differences between the tax basis of an asset in the buyer’s tax jurisdiction and their cost as reported in the consolidated financial statements, the Company does not recognize a deferred tax asset. Income taxes paid on intra-entity profits on assets remaining within the group are accounted for as prepaid taxes.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, unrealized loss on interest rate hedging activities and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax. This information is provided in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Share-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has various equity award plans (“Plans”) that provide for granting stock based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The Plans provide for the granting of several available forms of stock compensation. As of January 25, 2015, the Company has granted stock option awards (“Options”) and restricted stock unit awards (“RSU”) under the Plans and has also issued some stock-based compensation outside of any plan, including options and restricted stock issued as inducements to join the Company.

Share-based Payment Arrangements

The Company has various equity award plans that provide for granting stock-based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The plans provide for the granting of several available forms of stock compensation. As of January 25, 2015, the Company has granted options and restricted stock under the plans and has also issued some stock-based compensation outside of the plans, including options and restricted stock issued as inducements to join the Company.

Grant Date Fair Values and Underlying Assumptions; Contractual Terms

The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to value options. For awards classified as equity, stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s or director’s requisite service period. For awards classified as liabilities, stock-based compensation cost is measured at fair value at the end of each reporting date until the date of settlement, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s or director’s requisite service period. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility using daily and monthly stock price observations.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share incorporates the incremental shares issuable, calculated using the treasury stock method, upon the assumed exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock.

Contingencies

The Company accrues an undiscounted liability for contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, and the Company discloses the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not record liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote.

Because litigation outcomes are inherently unpredictable, the Company’s evaluation of legal proceedings often involves a series of complex assessments by management about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. If the assessments indicate that loss contingencies that could be material to any one of our financial statements are not probable, but are reasonably possible, or are probable, but cannot be estimated, then the Company discloses the nature of the loss contingencies, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable.

The Company also records contingent earn-out liabilities which represent the Company’s requirement to make additional payments related to acquisitions based on certain performance targets achieved during the earn-out periods. For such earn-outs that do not relate to employee services, the Company estimates the fair value based on probability assessments of achieving the specified performance targets.

Subsequent Events

The Company evaluates all events through the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements to determine whether any subsequent events have occurred that require recognition or disclosure.