Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

13. Related Party Transactions

We own 45% of the outstanding equity of Powersem, a module manufacturer based in Germany. The investment is accounted for using the equity method. In fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded revenues of $2.7 million, $2.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively, from sales of products to Powersem for use as components in our products. In fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, we purchased $5.5 million, $4.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively, from Powersem. At March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the accounts receivable balances from our sales to Powersem were $161,000, $253,000 and $330,000, respectively. The accounts payable balances to Powersem, as of March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were $296,000, $210,000 and $208,000, respectively.

We own 20% of the outstanding equity of EB Tech Ltd, a company with expertise in radiation technology based in South Korea. The investment is accounted for using the equity method. In fiscal 2012 and 2011, EB Tech rendered processing services totaling approximately $56,000 and $39,000, respectively, to our company.As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, no accounts payable balance was due to EB Tech.

We owned35% of the equity in Zencell Co. Ltd, a manufacturer of rechargeable and primary alkaline batteries in South Korea. The investment has been accounted for using the equity method. In fiscal 2011 and 2010, we recognized losses of $102,000 and $46,000, respectively, on our investment in Zencell. In March 2011, Zencell declared bankruptcy. As a result, we recorded an impairment loss for the entire investment in Zencell of $502,000 in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further information on this investment.

We had no other material related party transactions with companies in which we invested and which were accounted for by the equity method during fiscal 2012.