Exar (EXAR) 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Nov. 03, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Exar Corporation
Trading Symbol	exar
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-27
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		48,415,278
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	753,568
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,484	$ 55,233
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $734 and $1,334)	26,527	27,459
Accounts receivable, related party (net of allowances of $708 and $774)	5,520	1,663
Inventories	32,398	30,767
Other current assets	2,515	3,090
Total current assets	120,444	118,212
Property, plant and equipment, net	23,327	26,077
Goodwill	44,871	44,871
Intangible assets, net	79,327	86,102
Other non-current assets	790	7,838
Total assets	268,759	283,100
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	16,545	13,526
Accrued compensation and related benefits	3,601	5,649
Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors	2,595	3,362
Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors, related party	4,156	6,982
Other current liabilities	15,306	21,287
Total current liabilities	42,203	50,806
Long-term lease financing obligations	4,188	5,069
Other non-current obligations	3,364	4,393
Total liabilities	$ 49,755	$ 60,268
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 14, 15 and 16)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 48,175,637 and 47,745,618 shares outstanding	$ 5	$ 5
Additional paid-in capital	524,369	521,490
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(26)	(26)
Accumulated deficit	(305,344)	(298,637)
Total stockholders' equity	219,004	222,832
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 268,759	$ 283,100

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 734	$ 1,334
Common stock par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	48,175,637	47,745,618
Related Party [Member]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 708	$ 774

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Sales:
Net sales	$ 26,037	$ 34,369	$ 55,082	$ 56,067
Net sales, related party	8,705	8,790	20,082	17,811
Total net sales	34,742	43,159	75,164	73,878
Cost of sales:
Cost of sales	16,447	19,747	32,048	32,100
Cost of sales, related party	3,906	3,471	8,822	7,309
Amortization of purchased intangible assets and inventory step-up costs	2,493	3,137	4,961	6,682
Research and development	7,499	10,369	16,976	18,612
Selling, general and administrative	9,092	11,597	19,391	21,674
Restructuring charges and exit costs	2,100	6,600	2,100	7,000
Proceeds from legal settlement	(1,500)		(1,500)
Impairment of Intangibles		12,300		12,284
Merger and acquisition costs		2,726		6,776
Net change in fair value of contingent consideration		(3,912)		(4,343)
Total operating expenses	17,907	26,962	37,683	49,270
Total cost of sales	22,086	39,027	45,071	58,790
Loss from operations	(5,251)	(22,830)	(7,590)	(34,182)
Other income and expense, net:
Interest income and other, net	(19)	177	(33)	467
Interest expense	(49)	(494)	(101)	(980)
Total other income and expense, net	(68)	(317)	(134)	(513)
Loss before income taxes	(5,319)	(23,147)	(7,724)	(34,695)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(1,122)	107	(1,017)	799
Net loss	(4,197)	(23,254)	(6,707)	(35,494)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests		98		(37)
Net loss attributable to Exar Corporation	$ (4,197)	$ (23,352)	$ (6,707)	$ (35,457)
Net loss per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.75)
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.75)
Shares used in the computation of net loss per share:
Basic (in Shares)	48,121	47,139	48,024	47,188
Diluted (in Shares)	48,121	47,139	48,024	47,188
Gross profit	$ 12,656	$ 4,132	$ 30,093	$ 15,088
Cost of Sales [Member]
Cost of sales:
Restructuring charges and exit costs	740	4,305	740	4,332
Impairment of Intangibles		8,367		8,367
Operating Expense [Member]
Cost of sales:
Restructuring charges and exit costs	$ 1,316	2,265	$ 1,316	2,634
Impairment of Intangibles		$ 3,917		$ 3,917

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Net loss	$ (4,197)	$ (23,254)	$ (6,707)	$ (35,494)
Changes in market value of investments:
Changes in unrealized loss				199
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains				26
Release of tax provision for unrealized gains				828
Net change in market value of investments				1,053
Comprehensive loss	(4,197)	(23,254)	(6,707)	(34,441)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		98		(37)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Exar Corporation	$ (4,197)	$ (23,352)	$ (6,707)	$ (34,404)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (6,707)	$ (35,494)
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,807	8,570
Stock-based compensation expense	3,389	6,727
Restructuring charges and exit costs	850	5,587
Impairment of intangibles		12,284
Release of deferred tax valuation allowance		828
Net change in fair value of contingent consideration		(4,343)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and accounts receivable, related party	(2,925)	492
Inventories	(2,055)	(573)
Other current and non-current assets	7,623	(1,025)
Accounts payable	2,874	(2,469)
Accrued compensation and related benefits	(2,048)	(1,339)
Other current and non-current liabilities	(7,192)	(2,622)
Deferred income and allowance to distributors including related party	(3,593)	3,280
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	23	(10,097)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intellectual property, net	(567)	(656)
Purchases of short-term marketable securities		(9,296)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term marketable securities		3,997
Proceeds from sales of short-term marketable securities		158,412
Restricted cash		(26,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(567)	53,798
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,269	2,542
Purchase of stock for withholding taxes on vested restricted stock	(1,201)	(611)
Payments of lease financing obligations	(919)	(1,005)
Cash settlement of equity award	(354)
Proceeds from issuance of debt		91,000
Repayment of debt		(65,000)
Repurchase of common stock		(6,864)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(1,205)	20,062
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,749)	63,763
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	55,233	14,614
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	$ 53,484	78,377
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow and non-cash information:
Release of restricted stock upon vesting		408
Integrated Memory Logic Limited [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of Integrated Memory Logic Limited, net of cash acquired		(72,659)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow and non-cash information:
Reclassification of non-controlling interest as liability upon close of Integrated Memory Logic Limited acquisition		$ 18,883

Note 1 - Organization and Basis

Note 1 - Organization and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business— Mixed-signal, Power Management, High Performance Analog, Processors, Flat Panel Display and LED lighting. Basis of Presentation and Use of Management Estimates— as filed with the SEC. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that we believe are necessary for a fair statement of Exar’s financial position as of September 27, 2015 and our results of operations for the three and six months ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, respectively. These condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year . The financial statements include management’s estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and material effects on operating results and financial position may result. Our fiscal years consist of 52 or 53 weeks. In a 52-week year, each fiscal quarter consists of 13 weeks. Fiscal years 2016 and 2015 both consist of 52 weeks.

Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pron

Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	NOTE 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that revenue should be recognized in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process in order to achieve this core principle which may require the use of judgment and estimates. The entity may adopt ASU 2014-09 either by using a full retrospective approach for all periods presented or a modified retrospective approach. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Exar has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect of adoption of this standard, if any, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, to provide guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures requirement. ASU 2014-15 (1) provides a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) requires an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual reporting period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Exar does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. ASU 2015-11 primarily provides that an entity using an inventory method other than last-in, first out ("LIFO") or the retail inventory method should measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The new guidance clarifies that net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Exar is currently evaluating the effect of adoption of this standard, if any, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 3 - Business Combinations

Note 3 - Business Combinations	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS We periodically evaluate potential strategic acquisitions to broaden our product offering and build upon our existing library of intellectual property, human capital and engineering talent, in order to expand our capabilities in the areas in which we operate or to acquire complementary businesses. We account for each business combination by applying the acquisition method, which requires (1) identifying the acquiree; (2) determining the acquisition date; (3) recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest we have in the acquiree at their acquisition date fair value; and (4) recognizing and measuring goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are recognized at fair value on the acquisition date if fair value can be determined during the measurement period. If fair value cannot be determined, we typically account for the acquired contingencies using existing guidance for a reasonable estimate. To establish fair value, we measure the price that would be received by selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an ordinary transaction between market participants. The measurement assumes the highest and best use of the asset by the market participants that would maximize the value of the asset or the group of assets within which the asset would be used at the measurement date, even if the intended use of the asset is different. When partial ownership in an acquiree is obtained and it is determined that the company controls the acquiree, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interests are recognized and consolidated at 100% of their fair values at that date, regardless of the percentage ownership in the acquiree. As goodwill is calculated as a residual, all goodwill of the acquired business, not just the company's share, is recognized under this “full-goodwill” approach. Non-controlling interests are stated at the non-controlling shareholder's proportion of the acquired net assets. The results of entities acquired during the year are included until the date control changes. Acquisition related costs, including finder’s fees, advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees are accounted for as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received, with the exception that the costs to issue debt or equity securities are recognized in accordance with other applicable GAAP. Acquisition of Integrated Memory Logic Limited On June 3, 2014, we acquired approximately 92% of the outstanding shares of Integrated Memory Logic Limited (“iML”), a leading provider of analog mixed-signal solutions for the flat panel display market. On September 15, 2014, we completed the acquisition through a second-step merger to acquire all of the remaining outstanding shares of iML. The iML acquisition supports Exar's strategy of building a large scale diversified analog mixed-signal business. iML’s results of operations and estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were included in our consolidated financial statements beginning June 4, 2014. Consideration In June 2014, we acquired approximately 92% of iML’s outstanding shares for $206.4 million in cash. In September 2014, we acquired the remaining 8% of iML’s outstanding shares and vested options exercised subsequent to June 3, 2014 for $18.9 million. Additionally, as required under the terms of the merger agreement, we assumed and converted iML’s employees’ then outstanding options into options to purchase 1.5 million shares of Exar’s common stock. The fair value of pre-merger vested options of $3.8 million was recorded as purchase consideration. In accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations, the acquisition of iML’s outstanding shares was recorded as a purchase business acquisition since iML was considered a business. Under the purchase method of accounting, the fair value of the consideration was allocated to net assets acquired. The fair value of purchased identifiable intangible assets was determined using discounted cash flow models from operating projections prepared by management using an internal rate of return of 16.9%. The excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the fair values of net assets acquired and identifiable intangible assets resulted in recognition of goodwill of $14.5 million. Goodwill was primarily from expected synergies resulting from combining the operations of iML with that of Exar and is not deductible for tax purposes. The fair value of non-controlling interests was calculated using cash value per acquired share multiplied by the remaining 8% outstanding shares. The summary of the purchase consideration was as follows (in thousands): Amount Cash $ 206,411 Consideration for the acquisition of non-controlling interests 17,872 Fair value of assumed iML employee options 3,835 Total purchase price $ 228,118 Purchase Price Allocation The allocation of total purchase price to iML’s tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed was based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair value allocated to each of the major classes of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the iML acquisition was as follows (in thousands): Amount Identifiable tangible assets (liabilities) Cash $ 133,752 Accounts receivable 10,096 Inventories 3,950 Other current assets 962 Property, plant and equipment 480 Other assets 308 Current liabilities (12,356 ) Long-term liabilities (3,595 ) Total identifiable tangible assets (liabilities), net 133,597 Identifiable intangible assets 80,060 Total identifiable assets, net 213,657 Goodwill 14,461 Fair value of total consideration transferred $ 228,118 The following table sets forth the components of identifiable intangible assets acquired in connection with the iML acquisition (in thousands): Amount Developed technologies $ 55,780 In-process research and development 8,100 Customer relationships 15,060 Trade names 1,120 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 80,060 Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition related costs, or deal costs, relating to iML were included in the merger and acquisition costs and interest expense line on the consolidated statement of operations for fiscal year 2015 and were approximately $7.2 million.

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 4 . BALANCE SHEET DETAILS Our inventories consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands): September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Work-in-process and raw materials $ 17,734 $ 16,789 Finished goods 14,664 13,978 Total i nventories $ 32,398 $ 30,767 Our property, plant and equipment consisted of the following as of the dates indicated below (in thousands): September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Land $ 6,660 $ 6,660 Building 17,413 17,431 Machinery and equipment 41,228 41,449 Software and licenses 22,592 22,044 Property, plant and equipment, total 87,893 87,584 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (64,566 ) (61,507 ) Total property, plant and equipment, net $ 23,327 $ 26,077 Our other current liabilities consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands): September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Short-term lease financing obligations $ 3,796 $ 3,834 Accrued retention bonus 3,176 2,951 Provision for dispute 2,500 — Purchase consideration holdback 1,006 1,006 Accrued manufacturing expenses, royalties and licenses 720 1,122 Accrued legal and professional services 676 982 Accrued sales and marketing expenses 629 686 Accrued restructuring charges and exit costs 169 982 Deferred tax liability — 7,021 Other current liabilities 2,634 2,703 Total other current liabilities $ 15,306 $ 21,287 The provision for dispute which was recorded as a reduction of revenue represented the cash consideration paid to one of our distributors to settle a dispute. The payment was made in October 2015. Our other non-current obligations consisted of the following (in thousands) as of the dates indicated: September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Long-term taxes payable $ 3,157 $ 4,351 Other 207 42 Total other non-current obligations $ 3,364 $ 4,393

Note 5 - Fair Value

Note 5 - Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 5 . FAIR VALUE Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. GAAP describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value as follows: Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Our cash and investment instruments are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The fair value of contingent consideration arising from the acquisitions of Altior Inc. (“Altior”) and Cadeka Technologies (Cayman) Holding Ltd. (“Cadeka”) are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy since it is based on a probability-based approach that includes significant unobservable inputs. Due to a significant decrease in revenue projections during the quarter ended September 28, 2014, we reversed $3.9 million of contingent consideration as the payment of such consideration was no longer probable. The fair value of the contingent consideration from the acquisitions of Altior and Cadeka was fully released as of September 28, 2014. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we received approximately 93,000 common shares of CounterPath Corporation (“CounterPath”) through the dissolution of Skypoint Telecom Fund II (US), LP. (“Skypoint Fund”) in which we were a limited partner since 2001. CounterPath was one of the investee companies of Skypoint Fund. We estimated the fair value using the market value of common shares as determined by trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market. These securities have been classified to Level 2 as of September 28, 2014 and recorded in the o ther non-current assets line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. We believe the fair value inputs of CounterPath do not meet all of the criteria for Level 1 classification primarily due to the low trading volume of the stock. See Note 7– “ Long-term Investments ” There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 during the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2015. The following table summarizes our investment assets as of September 27, 2015 (in thousands): September 27 , 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds $ 4 $ — $ — $ 4 Common shares of CounterPath — 43 — 43 Total investment assets $ 4 $ 43 $ — $ 47 The following table summarizes our investment assets as March 29, 2015 (in thousands): March 29, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds $ 6 $ — $ — $ 6 Common shares of CounterPath — 48 — 48 Total investment assets $ 6 $ 48 $ — $ 54 Our cash and cash equivalents as of the dates indicated below were as follows (in thousands): September 2 7 , 2015 March 29, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents Cash at financial institutions $ 53,480 $ 55,227 Money market funds 4 6 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 53,484 $ 55,233 In the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we sold all of our short term investments to fund the iML acquisition. Realized gains (losses) on the sale of marketable securities are determined by the specific identification method and are reflected in the interest income and other net, line item on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Our net realized gains (losses) on marketable securities for the periods indicated below were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Gross realized gains $ — $ — $ — $ 264 Gross realized losses — — — (238 ) Net realized income (losses) $ — $ — $ — $ 26 In fiscal year 2013 and 2014, we completed acquisitions of Altior Inc. (“Altior”) and Cadeka and recorded $10.1 million and $4.7 million purchase consideration earn-outs, respectively. The fair value of contingent consideration arising from the Altior and Cadeka acquisitions is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy since it is based on a probability-based approach that includes significant unobservable inputs. A significant increase (decrease) in the projected revenue, discount rate or probability of occurrence in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. We calculate the fair value of the contingent consideration on a quarterly basis based on a collaborative effort of our operations and financial accounting groups based on additional information as it becomes available. Any change in the fair value adjustment is recorded in the earnings of that period. The fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities was reduced to zero during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015.

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangibl

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 6 . GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We conduct our annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. Estimations and assumptions regarding the number of reporting units, future performances, results of our operations and comparability of our market capitalization and net book value will be used. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. Because we have one single operating segment and one chief operating decision maker, our President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), we utilize an entity-wide approach to assess goodwill for impairment. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, due to the significant decrease of our company’s stock value, we conducted impairment analysis by comparing the fair value of our single reporting unit with its carrying value. As of the test date and as of fiscal quarter-end, and before consideration of a control premium, the fair value, which was estimated as our market capitalization, exceeded the carrying value of our net assets. As a result, no goodwill impairment was recorded for the second quarter of fiscal year 2016. The carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended September 27, 2015 remained the same as last fiscal year end. Intangible Assets Our purchased intangible assets as of the dates indicated below were as follows (in thousands): September 27 , 2015 March 29, 2015 Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Impairment Charge Net Carrying Amount Amortized intangible assets: Existing technology $ 113,785 $ (52,543 ) $ 61,242 $ 120,041 $ (47,259 ) $ (9,134 ) $ 63,648 Customer relationships 14,295 (5,441 ) 8,854 15,165 (4,520 ) (870 ) 9,775 Distributor relationships 7,254 (2,402 ) 4,852 7,254 (1,973 ) — 5,281 Patents/core technology 3,459 (3,459 ) — 3,459 (3,446 ) — 13 Trade names 1,330 (402 ) 928 1,330 (274 ) — 1,056 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 140,123 (64,247 ) 75,876 147,249 (57,472 ) (10,004 ) 79,773 In-process research and development 3,451 — 3,451 9,148 — (2,819 ) 6,329 Total $ 143,574 $ (64,247 ) $ 79,327 $ 156,397 $ (57,472 ) $ (12,823 ) $ 86,102 Long-lived assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Existing technology is amortized over four to nine years. Customer relationships are amortized over five to seven years. Distributor relationships are amortized over seven years. Patents/core technology is amortized over six years. Trade names are amortized over three to six years. In-process research & development (“IPR&D”) is reclassified as existing technology upon completion or written off upon abandonment. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, $2.9 million of IPR&D was reclassified as existing technology upon completion and started amortization. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, $1.2 million of IPR&D was reclassified as existing technology upon completion and started amortization. As a result of a decline in forecasted revenue and not meeting critical specifications, we abandoned two IPR&D projects and recorded a $2.8 million charge in the impairment of intangibles line on the consolidated statement of operations in fiscal year 2015. We expect the remaining IPR&D projects to be completed and to start amortization within the next 12 months. We evaluate the remaining useful life of our long-lived assets that are being amortized each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the long-lived asset is amortized prospectively over the remaining useful life. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets (or asset group) may not be fully recoverable. Whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we estimate the future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets (or asset group) from its use or eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. Significant management judgment is required in the grouping of long-lived assets and forecasts of future operating results that are used in the discounted cash flow method of valuation. If our actual results, or the plans and estimates used in future impairment analyses are lower than the original estimates used to assess the recoverability of these assets, we could incur additional impairment charges. As of September 27, 2015 there were no indicators or events that required us to perform an intangible assets impairment review. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, d ue to the decline in forecasted revenue related to certain intangible assets that were acquired in prior business combinations, we recorded $12.3 million in impairment charges. The aggregate amortization expenses for our purchased intangible assets for the periods indicated below were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Amortization expense $ 3,405 $ 3,724 $ 6,775 $ 6,001 The total future amortization expenses for our purchased intangible assets excluding IPR&D are summarized below (in thousands): Amortization Expense (by fiscal year) 2016 (6 months remaining) $ 6,738 2017 13,423 2018 13,387 2019 13,073 2020 12,283 2021 and thereafter 16,972 Total future amortization $ 75,876

Note 7 - Long-term Investments

Note 7 - Long-term Investments	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Investment [Text Block]	NOTE 7 . LONG-TERM INVESTMENT S In July 2001, Exar became a Limited Partner in the Skypoint Fund, a venture capital fund focused on investments in communications infrastructure companies. We accounted for this non-marketable equity investment under the cost method in the other non-current assets line item on the consolidated balance sheet. During the term of the fund, we made $4.8 million in capital contributions to Skypoint Fund since we became a limited partner in July 2001. The partnership was dissolved and the fund distributed stock of investee companies to Exar during first quarter of fiscal year 2015. We regularly review and determine whether each investment asset is other-than-temporarily impaired, in which case the investment is written down to its impaired value. As of the date indicated below, our long-term investments balance, which is included in the Other non-current assets line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 27 , 2015 Beginning balance as of March 29, 2015 $ 394 Net distributions — Impairment charges (5 ) Ending balance $ 389 Impairment We evaluate each of our long-term investments for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, the long term-investment is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we received approximately 93,000 common shares of CounterPath through the dissolution of Skypoint Fund in which we were a limited partner since 2001. CounterPath was one of the investee companies of Skypoint Fund. We estimated the fair value using the market value of CounterPath’s common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market. We also received common shares from the other two private investee companies of Skypoint Fund through the dissolution. We regularly assess the fair value of the common shares received from these three companies and recorded $5,000 of impairment charges during the three and six months ended September 27, 2015, respectively. We recorded $7,000 of impairment charges during the three and six months ended September 28, 2014, respectively.

Note 8 - Related Party Transact

Note 8 - Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Alonim Investments Inc. (“Alonim”) through its wholly-owned affiliate, Rodfre Holdings LLC, owns approximately 7.6 million shares, or approximately 16%, of our outstanding common stock as of September 27, 2015. As such, Alonim is our largest stockholder. Future Electronics Inc. (“Future”) is also an affiliate of Alonim and our largest distributor. One of our directors is an executive officer of Future. Our related party transactions were mainly due to sales to Future. Related party net sales as a percentage of our total net sales for the periods indicated below were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 Alonim 25% 20% 27% 24% Related party receivables as a percentage of our net accounts receivables were as follows as of the dates indicated below: September 27, 2015 March 29, 2015 Alonim 17% 6% Related party expenses for marketing promotional materials reimbursed were not significant for the three and six months ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, respectively.

Note 9 - Short-term Debt

Note 9 - Short-term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 9. SHORT-TERM DEBT As part of the acquisition of iML in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we entered into short-term financing agreements with Stifel Financial Corporation (“Stifel”) and CTBC Bank Corporation (USA) (“CTBC”) to provide bridge financing for the acquisition. CTBC On June 9, 2014 we entered into a Business Loan Agreement with CTBC to provide a loan for $26.0 million. This loan bore an interest rate of 3.25% and had a maturity date of December 9, 2014. Interest payments were due monthly with the entire principal due not later than December 9, 2014. All obligations of Exar under the Business Loan Agreement were unconditionally guaranteed by iML through a $26.0 million short-term certificate deposit with the same institution. The CTBC business loan was paid off in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015. Stifel On May 27, 2014 (the “Initial Funding Date”), Exar entered into a bridge credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with certain lender parties and Stifel Financial Corp., as Administrative Agent. The Credit Agreement provided Exar with a bridge term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $90.0 million (the “Bridge Facility”). Interest on loans made under the Bridge Facility accrued, at Exar’s option, at a rate per annum equal to (1) the Base Rate (as defined below) plus (a) during the first 90 days following the Initial Funding Date, 7.5% and (b) thereafter, 8.5% or (2) 1-month LIBOR plus (a) during the first 90 days following the Initial Funding Date, 8.5% and (b) thereafter, 9.5%. The “Base Rate” was equal to, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%, and (c) 1 month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The Base Rate was subject to a floor of 2.5%, and LIBOR was subject to a floor of 1.5%. Exar had drawn $65.0 million in May 2014 to fund the acquisition of iML’s outstanding shares. We repaid $26.0 million of the debt in June 2014 through a loan from CTBC with lower interest rate. The Stifel loan was paid off in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015. Interest For the three and six months ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, interest on our short-term debt, which is included in the “Interest expense” line item on the condensed consolidated statement of operations, consisted of the following (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 CTBC $ — $ 211 $ — $ 256 Stifel — 244 — 646 Total interest on short-term debt $ — $ 455 $ — $ 902

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurcha

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurchases	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 10 . COMMON STOCK REPURCHASES From time to time, we acquire outstanding common stock in the open market to partially offset dilution from our equity award programs, to increase our return on our invested capital and to bring our cash to a more appropriate level for Exar. On August 28, 2007, we announced the approval of a share repurchase plan and authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of our common stock. On July 9, 2013, we announced the approval of a share repurchase program under which we were authorized to repurchase an additional $50.0 million of our common stock. The repurchase program does not have a termination date, and may be modified, extended or terminated at any time. We intend to retire all shares repurchased under the stock repurchase plan. The purchase price for the repurchased shares of Exar is reflected as a reduction of common stock and additional paid-in capital. We did not repurchase any common stock during the three or six months ended September 27, 2015. Stock repurchase activities during fiscal year 2015 were indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Total number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share (or Unit) Amount Paid for Purchase As of March 30, 2014 10,319 $ 9.42 $ 97,189 Repurchases – March 31 to April 27, 2014 273 10.98 3,000 Repurchases – July 28 to September 28, 2014 393 9.83 3,864 Repurchases – September 29 to December 28, 2014 125 9.08 1,135 As of March 29 , 2015 11,110 $ 9.47 $ 105,188 ————— Note: The average price paid per share is based on the total price paid by Exar, which includes applicable broker fees.

Note 11 - Restructuring Charges

Note 11 - Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 11 . RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND EXIT COSTS 2016 Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs During the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, we decided to restructure our data compression product line. In addition, we also completed significant strategic restructuring activities in the second quarter of fiscal year 2016. We believe this restructuring allows us to achieve operating efficiencies and focus our resources on strategic priorities that we expect will yield the highest incremental return for Exar’s stockholders. During the three and six months ended September 27, 2015, we incurred $2.1 million of restructuring charges and exit costs. The charges consisted primarily of reduction of our workforce, the impairment of certain fixed assets and licensed technologies and the write-off of related inventory. 2015 Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs Exar completed a significant strategic restructuring process that began in the quarter ended September 28, 2014 and ended in October 2014. This restructuring was prompted by the acquisition of iML and an associated significant reduction in force. During the three and six months ended September 28, 2014, we incurred $6.6 million and $7.0 million restructuring charges and exit costs, respectively. The charges consisted primarily of reduction of our workforce, the impairment of certain fixed assets and licensed technologies and the write-off of related inventory. Our restructuring liabilities were included in the other current liabilities and other non-current obligations lines within our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the activities affecting the liabilities as of the dates indicated below (in thousands): March 29, 2015 Additions/ adjustments Non-cash charges Payments September 27, 2015 Lease termination costs and others $ 330 $ 57 $ (110 ) $ (210 ) $ 67 Impairment of fixed assets, licensed technologies and write down of inventory — 740 (740 ) — — Severance 652 1,264 — (1,814 ) 102 Total $ 982 $ 2,061 $ (850 ) $ (2,024 ) $ 169

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensat

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	NOTE 1 2 . STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Employee Stock Participation Plan (“ESPP”) Our ESPP permits employees to purchase common stock through payroll deductions at a purchase price that is equal to 95% of our common stock price on the last trading day of each three-calendar-month offering period. Our ESPP is non-compensatory. The following table summarizes our ESPP transactions during the fiscal periods presented (in thousands, except per share amounts): As of September 27, 2015 Six Months Ended September 27, 2015 Shares of Common Stock Shares of Common Stock Weighted Average Price per Share Authorized to issue 4,500 Reserved for future issuance 1,334 Issued 12 $ 9.45 Equity Incentive Plans At the annual meeting of stockholders on September 18, 2014 (the “Annual Meeting”), our stockholders approved the Exar Corporation 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (“2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan authorizes the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock bonuses and other forms of awards granted or denominated in common stock or units of common stock, as well as cash bonus awards. Prior to the Annual Meeting, we maintained the Exar Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) and the Sipex Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Sipex 2006 Plan”). As of June 30, 2014, a total of 6,555,492 shares of our common stock were then subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2006 Plan and the Sipex 2006 Plan, and an additional 669,008 shares of our common stock were then available for new award grants under the 2006 Plan. As part of the stockholder approval of the 2014 Plan at the Annual Meeting, we agreed that no new awards will be granted under the 2006 Plan and the Sipex 2006 Plan, although awards made under these plans will remain subject to the terms of each such plan. The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued or transferred pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan equals the sum of: (1) 5,170,000 shares, plus (2) the number of any shares subject to stock options granted under the 2006 Plan and the Sipex 2006 Plan and outstanding as of the date of the Annual Meeting which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after the date of the Annual Meeting without being exercised, plus (3) the number of any shares subject to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2006 Plan and the Sipex 2006 Plan that are outstanding and unvested as of the date of the Annual Meeting which are forfeited, terminated, cancelled, or otherwise reacquired after the date of the Annual Meeting without having become vested. Awards other than a stock option or stock appreciation right granted under the 2014 Plan are counted against authorized shares available for future issuance on a basis of two shares for each award issued. As of September 27, 2015, there were 4.1 million shares available for future grant under the 2014 Plan. Stock Option Activities Our stock option transactions during the six months ended September 27, 2015 are summarized below: Outstanding Weighted Weighted (in years) Aggregate Value (in thousands) In -the-money Options Vested and Exercisable (in thousands Balance at March 29, 2015 7,609,622 $ 8.77 4.86 $ 14,377 2,850 Granted 885,500 6.36 Exercised (201,767 ) 6.75 Cancelled (135,253 ) 8.05 Forfeited (386,020 ) 9.72 Balance at September 27 , 2015 7,772,082 $ 8.51 4.64 $ 306 442 Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015 7,227,691 $ 8.50 4.54 $ 282 Vested and exercisable, September 27, 2015 3,872,013 $ 8.04 3.64 $ 193 The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic value, which is based on the closing price of our common stock of $6.07 and $10.30 as of September 27, 2015 and March 29, 2015, respectively. These are the values which would have been received by option holders if all option holders exercised their options on that date. In January 2012, we granted 480,000 performance-based stock options to our then CEO. The options were scheduled to vest in four equal annual installments at the end of fiscal years 2013 through 2016 if certain predetermined market based financial measures are met. If the financial measures are not met, each installment would be rolled over to the subsequent fiscal year. In January 2014, we granted 140,000 performance-based stock options to our then CEO. The options were scheduled to vest at the end of fiscal year 2017 if certain predetermined financial measures are met. We recorded $58,000 and $117,000 of compensation expense for these options in the three and six months ended September 27, 2015, respectively . We recorded $75,000 and $187,000 of compensation expense for these options in the three and six months ended September 28, 2014, respectively . See Note 19 - “Subsequent Event” . Options exercised for the periods indicated below were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 172 $ 426 $ 598 $ 856 RSU Activities Our RSU transactions during the six months ended September 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: Shares Weighted Date Weighted (in years) Aggregate Value (in thousands) Unvested at March 29, 2015 1,072,925 $ 10.26 1.50 $ 11,051 Granted 230,595 9.93 Issued and released (352,009 ) 9.84 Cancelled (59,691 ) 10.63 Unvested at September 27 , 2015 891,820 $ 10.32 1.27 $ 5,413 Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015 739,170 1.18 $ 4,487 The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs represents the closing price per share of our stock at the end of the periods presented, multiplied by the number of unvested RSUs or the number of vested and expected to vest RSUs, as applicable, at the end of each period. For RSUs, stock-based compensation expense was calculated based on our stock price on the date of grant, multiplied by the number of RSUs granted. The grant date fair value of RSUs less estimated forfeitures was recognized on a straight-line basis, over the vesting period. In March 2012, we granted 300,000 performance-based RSUs (“PRSUs”) to our then CEO. The PRSUs were scheduled to vest in three equal installments at the end of fiscal year 2013 through 2015 with three year vesting periods if certain predetermined financial measures are met. If the financial measures were not met, each installment would be forfeited at the end of its respective fiscal year. We recorded $64,000 and $128,000 of compensation expense for these awards in the three and six months ended September 27, 2015, respectively . We recorded $0.1 million and $0.9 million of compensation expense for these awards in the three and six months ended September 28, 2014, respectively . See Note 19 - “Subsequent Event” . In July 2013, as part of the acquisition of Cadeka, in order to encourage retention of certain former Cadeka employees, we agreed to recommend to our Board of Directors in July 2015 a bonus, which, if approved by the Board of Directors, would be settled in RSUs subject to fulfillment of the service period. We recorded $0.2 million of compensation expense for these awards in the three and six months ended September 27, 2015. We recorded $0.6 million and $1.0 million of compensation expense for these awards in the three and six months ended September 28, 2014, respectively. The expense is reported in the other current liabilities line on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as the total amount of bonus is to be settled in variable number of RSUs at the completion of the requisite service period. Such non-cash compensation expense is recorded as part of stock compensation expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In July 2015, the Board of Directors ultimately determined not to approve the granting of these RSUs. In October 2013, we granted 70,000 PRSUs to certain executives. The first 50% of the PRSUs are scheduled to start vesting in three equal installments at the end of fiscal year 2015 with a three-year vesting period if certain performance measures are met. The second 50% of the PRSUs are scheduled to start vesting in three equal installments at the end of fiscal year 2016 with a three-year vesting period if certain performance measures are met. We recorded $39,000 and $78,000 of compensation expense for these awards in the three and six months ended September 27, 2015, respectively. We recorded $0.1 million and $0.3 million of compensation expense for these awards in the three and six months ended September 28, 2014, respectively. In December 2013, we granted 100,000 RSUs to our CEO. The RSUs were scheduled to vest in two equal installments at the end of fiscal years 2016 and 2017. In October 2014, the second installment of 50,000 RSUs was modified to 50,000 PRSUs. These modified PRSUs were scheduled to vest at the end of fiscal year 2017 if certain predetermined financial measures are met. For the three and six months ended September 27, 2015 we recorded $47,000 and $94,000 of compensation expense related to these modified PRSUs, respectively. For fiscal year 2015 we recorded $10,000 of compensation expense related to these modified PRSUs. See Note 19 - “Subsequent Event” . In August 2014, we announced the Fiscal Year 2015 Management Incentive Program (“2015 Incentive Program”). Under this program, each participant’s award is denominated in shares of our common stock and is subject to attainment of Exar’s performance goals as established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors for fiscal year 2015. We recorded a stock compensation expense of $2.0 million in fiscal year 2015 related to these awards. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we settled 20% of these awards with cash and recorded $50,000 additional compensation cost due to the fair value change between grant day and settlement day. In August and December 2014, we granted 88,448 PRSUs to certain former iML employees. The PRSUs are scheduled to start vesting in three equal annual installments upon achievement of certain performance measures. In the three and six months ended September 27, 2015, we recorded $47,000 and $86,000 of stock compensation expense related to these PRSUs, respectively. In the three and six months ended September 28, 2014, we did not record stock compensation expense related to these PRSUs. In May 2015, we announced the Fiscal Year 2016 Management Incentive Program (“2016 Incentive Program”). Under this program, each participant’s award is denominated in shares of our common stock and is subject to attainment of Exar’s performance goals as established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors for fiscal year 2016. In the three and six months ended September 27, 2015, we did not record stock compensation expense related to 2016 Incentive Program. Stock-Based Compensation Expense The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and RSUs during the fiscal periods presented (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Cost of sales $ 85 $ 227 $ 172 $ 487 Research and development 205 870 654 1,682 Selling, general and administrative 1,162 2,503 2,563 4,558 Total Stock-based compensation expense $ 1,452 $ 3,600 $ 3,389 $ 6,727 The amount of stock-based compensation cost capitalized in inventory was immaterial for all periods presented. Unrecognized Stock- B ased Compensation Expense The following table summarizes unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and RSUs for the period indicated below: September 27, 2015 Amount (in thousands) Weighted Average Expected Remaining Period (in years) Options $ 7,413 2.18 Performance Options 263 1.31 RSUs 3,070 1.77 PRSUs 1,034 1.52 Total Unrecognized Stock-based compensation expense $ 11,780 Valuation Assumptions We estimate the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation represent our estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment which includes the expected term of the stock-based awards, stock price volatility and forfeiture rates. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. Our Black-Scholes valuation model for valuing stock option grants uses the following assumptions and estimates: Expected Volatility. Expected Term. Risk-Free Interest Rate. Dividend Yield.

Note 13 - Net Income (Loss) Per

Note 13 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	NOTE 13 . NET LOSS PER SHARE Basic net loss per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net loss attributable to Exar by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if outstanding stock options to purchase common stock were exercised for common stock, using the treasury stock method, and the common stock underlying outstanding RSUs was issued. The following table summarizes our net loss per share for the periods indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Net loss attributable to Exar Corporation $ (4,197 ) $ (23,352 ) $ (6,707 ) $ (35,457 ) Shares used in computation of net loss per share: 48,121 47,139 48,024 47,188 ─ ─ ─ ─ 48,121 47,139 48,024 47,188 Net loss per share Basic $ (0.09 ) $ (0.50 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.75 ) Diluted $ (0.09 ) $ (0.50 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.75 ) Outstanding stock options and RSUs are potentially dilutive securities. For all periods presented, all outstanding stock options and RSUs were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share because they were determined to be anti-dilutive.

Note 14 - Lease Financing Oblig

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 1 4 . LEASE FINANCING OBLIGATION S We have acquired engineering design tools (“Design Tools”) under capital leases. We acquired Design Tools of $6.9 million in January 2015 under a two-year license and two three-year licenses with prepayment of $1.0 million, $4.4 million in October 2014 under a three-year license with a prepayment of $1.5 million for the first year license and $0.9 million in July 2012 under a three-year license all of which were accounted for as capital leases and recorded in the property, plant and equipment, net line item in the consolidated balance sheets. The obligations related to the Design Tools were included in other current liabilities and long-term lease financing obligations in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 27, 2015 and March 29, 2015, respectively. The effective interest rates for the Design Tools range from 2.0% to 7.25%. Amortization expense related to the Design Tools, which was recorded using the straight-line method over the remaining useful life for the periods indicated below, was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Amortization expense $ 965 $ 800 $ 2,038 $ 1,600 Future minimum lease and sublease income payments for the lease financing obligations as of September 27, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Years Design T ools 2016 (6 months remaining) $ 3,045 2017 3,961 2018 1,355 Total minimum lease payments 8,361 Less: amount representing interest 377 Present value of minimum lease payments 7,984 Less: short-term lease financing obligations 3,796 Long-term lease financing obligations $ 4,188 Interest expense for the lease financing obligations for the periods indicated below was as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Interest expense $ 45 $ 39 $ 93 $ 78 In the course of our business, we enter into arrangements accounted for as operating leases related to rental of office space. Rent expenses for all operating leases for the periods indicated below were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Rent expense $ 234 $ 564 $ 491 $ 896 Our future minimum lease payments for the lease operating obligations as of September 27, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Years Facilities 2016 (6 months remaining) $ 377 2017 328 2018 128 2019 27 Total minimum lease payments $ 860

Note 15 - Commitments and Conti

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 1 5 . COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In early 2012, we received correspondences from the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (“DTSC”) regarding its ongoing investigation of hazardous wastes and hazardous waste constituents at a former regulated treatment facility in San Jose, California. In 1985, MPSI made two separate permitted hazmat deliveries to a licensed and regulated site for treatment. DTSC has requested that former/current property owners and companies, currently in excess of 50, that had hazardous waste treated at the site participate in further site assessment and limited remediation activities. We have entered into various agreements with other named generators, former property owners and DTSC limited to the investigation of the sites’ condition and evaluation, and selection of appropriate remedial measures. The designated environmental consulting firm has prepared and submitted to DTSC a site profile and is currently engaged in further study. Given that this matter is under investigation and discussions are ongoing with respect to various related considerations, we are unable to ascertain our exposure, if any, or estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. I n the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, and taking into account insurance coverage, any ultimate liability related to current outstanding claims and lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial statements, as a whole. In a letter dated March 27, 2012, Exar was notified by the Alameda County Water District (“ACWD”) of the recent detection of volatile organic compounds at a site adjacent to a facility that was previously owned and occupied by Sipex. The letter was also addressed to prior and current property owners and tenants (collectively “Property Owners”). ACWD requested that the Property Owners carry out further site investigation activities to determine if the detected compounds are emanating from the site or simply flowing under it. In June 2012, the Property Owners filed with ACWD a report of its investigation/characterization activities and analytical data obtained. Accumulated data suggests that compounds of concern in groundwater appear to be from an offsite source. ACWD is investigating alternative upgradient sites. Given that this investigation is ongoing and Exar has not received any recent communications from ACWD, we are unable to ascertain our exposure, if any, or estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. I n the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, and taking into account insurance coverage, any ultimate liability related to current outstanding claims and lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial statements, as a whole. We warrant all custom products and application specific products, including cards and boards, against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months, and occasionally we may provide an extended warranty from the delivery date. We warrant all of our standard products against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of delivery. Reserve requirements are recorded in the period of sale and are based on an assessment of the products sold with warranty, historical warranty costs incurred and customer/product specific circumstances. Our liability is generally limited, at our option, to replacing, repairing, or issuing a credit (if it has been paid for). Our warranty does not cover damage which results from accident, misuse, abuse, improper line voltage, fire, flood, lightning or other damage resulting from modifications, repairs or alterations performed other than by us, or resulting from failure to comply with our written operating and maintenance instructions. Warranty expense has historically been immaterial for our products. A warranty liability of $1.4 million was established during fiscal year 2014 for the return of certain older generation data compression products shipped in prior years. This liability has been fully fulfilled as of March 29, 2015. In February 2015, we received $0.5 million reimbursement from our insurance company and in July 2015, we received a $1.5 million legal settlement from our vendor related to their defective products. In June 2014, we assumed $0.4 million warranty liability from our acquisition of iML. As of the dates indicated below, our warranty reserve balance, which is included in the “Other current liabilities” line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 27, 2015 March 29, 2015 Beginning balance $ 282 $ 1,074 Provisions for warranties issued 91 458 Settlements/adjustments (17 ) (1,250 ) Ending balance $ 356 $ 282 In the ordinary course of business, we may provide for indemnification of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners, purchasers of assets or subsidiaries, and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of our breach of agreements or representations and warranties made by us, services to be provided by us, intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties or, matters related to our conduct of the business. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and certain of our executive officers that will require us, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or executive officers. We maintain director and officer liability insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from our obligation to indemnify our directors and officers, and former directors and officers of acquired companies, in certain circumstances. It is not possible to determine the aggregate maximum potential loss under these indemnification agreements due to the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement and claims. Such indemnification agreements might not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, we have not incurred material costs as a result of obligations under these agreements and we have not accrued any liabilities related to such indemnification obligations in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 16 - Legal Proceedings

Note 16 - Legal Proceedings	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	NOTE 16. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS From time to time, we are involved in various claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the normal course of business. We are not a named party to any ongoing lawsuit or formal proceeding that, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In fiscal year 2014, two former employees of Exar’s French subsidiary asserted claims against that subsidiary for alleged unfair dismissal in the French Labor Courts. Both claims have been settled and the settlements did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In April 2015, Phenix, LLC (“Phenix”) filed a complaint against us and iML for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, and in October 2015 Phenix filed an amended complaint and added a subsidiary of iML as an additional defendant. Phenix alleges that at least the iML 7990 and 7991 integrated circuit products and power management integrated circuit products that are combined with the functionality of the iML 7990 and 7991 integrated circuits infringe one of its patents. The court has set a trial date of September 6, 2016 for this matter. We cannot currently make a reasonable estimate of a possible range of loss, if any, for this action because the matter has not advanced to a stage where we could make such an estimate. Discovery is ongoing in this matter and while there can be no assurance of favorable outcomes, we do not believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 17 - Income Taxes

Note 17 - Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 17. INCOME TAXES During the three months and six months ended September 27, 2015, we recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The income tax benefit was primarily due to the lapsing of the statute of limitations related to the U.S. federal tax reserves. During the three months and six months ended September 28, 2014, we recorded an income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The expense is primarily related to the allocation of tax expense between continuing operations and other comprehensive income when applying the exception to the ASC 740 intraperiod allocation rule upon liquidation of our available for sale security portfolio in fiscal year 2015. During the three months ended September 27, 2015, the unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $1.1 million to $16.6 million primarily related to the lapsing of the statute of limitations, offset by the increase of unrecognized tax benefit on R&D tax credits. If recognized, $13.6 million of these unrecognized tax benefits (net of federal benefit) would be recorded as a reduction of future income tax provision before consideration of changes in valuation allowance. Estimated interest and penalties related to the income taxes are classified as a component of the provision for income taxes in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands): September 27 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Accrued interest and penalties $ 1,228 $ 1,187 Our major tax jurisdictions are the United States federal and various states, Canada, China, Hong Kong and certain other foreign jurisdictions. The fiscal years 2003 through 2014 remain open and subject to examinations by the appropriate governmental agencies in the United States and over varying periods in certain of our foreign jurisdictions.

Note 18 - Segment and Geographi

Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 1 8 . SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION We operate in one reportable segment, which is comprised of one operating segment. We design, develop and market high performance analog mixed-signal integrated circuits and advanced sub-system solutions for the Industrial, High-End Consumer and Infrastructure markets. Our net sales by end market were summarized as follows as of the dates indicated below (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Industrial $ 15,425 $ 19,656 $ 36,000 $ 38,523 High-End Consumer 13,163 16,199 26,699 19,623 Infrastructure 6,154 7,304 12,465 15,732 Total net sales $ 34,742 $ 43,159 $ 75,164 $ 73,878 Our foreign operations are conducted primarily through our wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Our principal markets include Asia Pacific region, North America, and Europe. Net sales by geographic areas represent direct sales principally to original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”), or their designated subcontract manufacturers, and to distributors (affiliated and unaffiliated) who buy our products and resell to their customers. Our net sales by geographic area for the periods indicated below were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 China $ 17,898 $ 16,738 $ 32,822 $ 27,497 Taiwan 3,881 5,826 8,968 7,236 United States 1,782 5,012 8,397 11,239 Singapore 3,300 3,605 7,485 7,195 Germany 3,286 3,055 6,959 6,012 Korea 1,872 5,126 4,840 7,254 Rest of world 2,723 3,797 5,693 7,445 Total net sales $ 34,742 $ 43,159 $ 75,164 $ 73,878 Substantially all of our long-lived assets at each of September 27, 2015 and March 29, 2015 were located in the United States. The following distributors and customer accounted for 10% or more of our net sales in the periods indicated: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Distributor A + 25% 20% 27% 24% Customer D 15% * 11% * Distributor F * 11% * * ————— * Net sales for this distributor or customer for this period were less than 10% of our net sales. + Related Party No other distributor or customer accounted for 10% or more of the net sales for the three and six months ended September 27, 2015 or September 28, 2014, respectively. The following distributors and customers accounted for 10% or more of our net accounts receivable as of the dates indicated: September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Customer D 19 % 10 % Distributor A + 17 % 6 % Distributor E 11 % 12 % Distributor B * 11 % Distributor D * 10 % ————— * Accounts receivable for this distributor for this period were less than 10% of total account balance. + Related Party No other distributor or customer accounted for 10% or more of the net accounts receivable as of September 27, 2015 or March 29, 2015, respectively.

Note 19 - Subsequent Event

Note 19 - Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	NOTE 19 . SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 14, 2015, Louis DiNardo and Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) mutually agreed to the termination of Mr. DiNardo’s employment as the CEO and President of Exar and as a member of the Board. In connection with the termination of Mr. DiNardo’s employment, Exar entered into a Separation and General Release Agreement with Mr. DiNardo (the “Separation Agreement”). The Separation Agreement provided for Mr. DiNardo to receive $600,000 in cash as severance, paid over twelve months, a lump sum cash payment of $140,000 as a prorated bonus for the current fiscal year, and payment of twelve months of COBRA premiums. In addition, Mr. DiNardo was entitled to twelve months’ accelerated vesting of his equity awards granted by Exar (subject in the case of performance-based vesting awards to satisfaction of the applicable performance requirements), as well as accelerated vesting of an outstanding award of 33,333 restricted stock units if a change in control of Exar occurs within a specified period following his separation date, and he would have up to twelve months from the date of his resignation to exercise his vested stock options. The Separation Agreement also included a full and general release by Mr. DiNardo in favor of Exar and Mr. DiNardo’s agreement to certain confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-disparagement obligations. We will record any stock compensation expense (benefit) related to these modifications in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. Simultaneous with Mr. DiNardo’s departure, the Board had appointed Mr. Richard L. Leza to serve as Exar’s interim CEO and President while Exar conducts a search for a permanent replacement for Mr. DiNardo. Mr. Leza will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board following his appointment as interim CEO and President.

Note 3 - Business Combinations

Note 3 - Business Combinations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Note 3 - Business Combinations (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule Of Consideration Paid [Table Text Block]	Amount Cash $ 206,411 Consideration for the acquisition of non-controlling interests 17,872 Fair value of assumed iML employee options 3,835 Total purchase price $ 228,118
Integrated Memory Logic Limited [Member]
Note 3 - Business Combinations (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Amount Identifiable tangible assets (liabilities) Cash $ 133,752 Accounts receivable 10,096 Inventories 3,950 Other current assets 962 Property, plant and equipment 480 Other assets 308 Current liabilities (12,356 ) Long-term liabilities (3,595 ) Total identifiable tangible assets (liabilities), net 133,597 Identifiable intangible assets 80,060 Total identifiable assets, net 213,657 Goodwill 14,461 Fair value of total consideration transferred $ 228,118
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]	Amount Developed technologies $ 55,780 In-process research and development 8,100 Customer relationships 15,060 Trade names 1,120 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 80,060

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Work-in-process and raw materials $ 17,734 $ 16,789 Finished goods 14,664 13,978 Total i nventories $ 32,398 $ 30,767
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Land $ 6,660 $ 6,660 Building 17,413 17,431 Machinery and equipment 41,228 41,449 Software and licenses 22,592 22,044 Property, plant and equipment, total 87,893 87,584 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (64,566 ) (61,507 ) Total property, plant and equipment, net $ 23,327 $ 26,077
Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block]	September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Short-term lease financing obligations $ 3,796 $ 3,834 Accrued retention bonus 3,176 2,951 Provision for dispute 2,500 — Purchase consideration holdback 1,006 1,006 Accrued manufacturing expenses, royalties and licenses 720 1,122 Accrued legal and professional services 676 982 Accrued sales and marketing expenses 629 686 Accrued restructuring charges and exit costs 169 982 Deferred tax liability — 7,021 Other current liabilities 2,634 2,703 Total other current liabilities $ 15,306 $ 21,287
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]	September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Long-term taxes payable $ 3,157 $ 4,351 Other 207 42 Total other non-current obligations $ 3,364 $ 4,393

Note 5 - Fair Value (Tables)

Note 5 - Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	September 27 , 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds $ 4 $ — $ — $ 4 Common shares of CounterPath — 43 — 43 Total investment assets $ 4 $ 43 $ — $ 47 March 29, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds $ 6 $ — $ — $ 6 Common shares of CounterPath — 48 — 48 Total investment assets $ 6 $ 48 $ — $ 54
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	September 2 7 , 2015 March 29, 2015 Cash and cash equivalents Cash at financial institutions $ 53,480 $ 55,227 Money market funds 4 6 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 53,484 $ 55,233
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Gross realized gains $ — $ — $ — $ 264 Gross realized losses — — — (238 ) Net realized income (losses) $ — $ — $ — $ 26

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangi29

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	September 27 , 2015 March 29, 2015 Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Impairment Charge Net Carrying Amount Amortized intangible assets: Existing technology $ 113,785 $ (52,543 ) $ 61,242 $ 120,041 $ (47,259 ) $ (9,134 ) $ 63,648 Customer relationships 14,295 (5,441 ) 8,854 15,165 (4,520 ) (870 ) 9,775 Distributor relationships 7,254 (2,402 ) 4,852 7,254 (1,973 ) — 5,281 Patents/core technology 3,459 (3,459 ) — 3,459 (3,446 ) — 13 Trade names 1,330 (402 ) 928 1,330 (274 ) — 1,056 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 140,123 (64,247 ) 75,876 147,249 (57,472 ) (10,004 ) 79,773 In-process research and development 3,451 — 3,451 9,148 — (2,819 ) 6,329 Total $ 143,574 $ (64,247 ) $ 79,327 $ 156,397 $ (57,472 ) $ (12,823 ) $ 86,102
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Amortization expense $ 3,405 $ 3,724 $ 6,775 $ 6,001
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Amortization Expense (by fiscal year) 2016 (6 months remaining) $ 6,738 2017 13,423 2018 13,387 2019 13,073 2020 12,283 2021 and thereafter 16,972 Total future amortization $ 75,876

Note 7 - Long-term Investments

Note 7 - Long-term Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Investment Holdings, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block]	September 27 , 2015 Beginning balance as of March 29, 2015 $ 394 Net distributions — Impairment charges (5 ) Ending balance $ 389

Note 8 - Related Party Transa31

Note 8 - Related Party Transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 Alonim 25% 20% 27% 24% September 27, 2015 March 29, 2015 Alonim 17% 6%

Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Table

Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 CTBC $ — $ 211 $ — $ 256 Stifel — 244 — 646 Total interest on short-term debt $ — $ 455 $ — $ 902

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurc33

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurchases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	Total number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share (or Unit) Amount Paid for Purchase As of March 30, 2014 10,319 $ 9.42 $ 97,189 Repurchases – March 31 to April 27, 2014 273 10.98 3,000 Repurchases – July 28 to September 28, 2014 393 9.83 3,864 Repurchases – September 29 to December 28, 2014 125 9.08 1,135 As of March 29 , 2015 11,110 $ 9.47 $ 105,188

Note 11 - Restructuring Charg34

Note 11 - Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	March 29, 2015 Additions/ adjustments Non-cash charges Payments September 27, 2015 Lease termination costs and others $ 330 $ 57 $ (110 ) $ (210 ) $ 67 Impairment of fixed assets, licensed technologies and write down of inventory — 740 (740 ) — — Severance 652 1,264 — (1,814 ) 102 Total $ 982 $ 2,061 $ (850 ) $ (2,024 ) $ 169

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens35

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]	As of September 27, 2015 Six Months Ended September 27, 2015 Shares of Common Stock Shares of Common Stock Weighted Average Price per Share Authorized to issue 4,500 Reserved for future issuance 1,334 Issued 12 $ 9.45
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Outstanding Weighted Weighted (in years) Aggregate Value (in thousands) In -the-money Options Vested and Exercisable (in thousands Balance at March 29, 2015 7,609,622 $ 8.77 4.86 $ 14,377 2,850 Granted 885,500 6.36 Exercised (201,767 ) 6.75 Cancelled (135,253 ) 8.05 Forfeited (386,020 ) 9.72 Balance at September 27 , 2015 7,772,082 $ 8.51 4.64 $ 306 442 Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015 7,227,691 $ 8.50 4.54 $ 282 Vested and exercisable, September 27, 2015 3,872,013 $ 8.04 3.64 $ 193
Schedule of Cash Proceeds Received from Share-based Payment Awards [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 172 $ 426 $ 598 $ 856
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Shares Weighted Date Weighted (in years) Aggregate Value (in thousands) Unvested at March 29, 2015 1,072,925 $ 10.26 1.50 $ 11,051 Granted 230,595 9.93 Issued and released (352,009 ) 9.84 Cancelled (59,691 ) 10.63 Unvested at September 27 , 2015 891,820 $ 10.32 1.27 $ 5,413 Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015 739,170 1.18 $ 4,487
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Cost of sales $ 85 $ 227 $ 172 $ 487 Research and development 205 870 654 1,682 Selling, general and administrative 1,162 2,503 2,563 4,558 Total Stock-based compensation expense $ 1,452 $ 3,600 $ 3,389 $ 6,727
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block]	September 27, 2015 Amount (in thousands) Weighted Average Expected Remaining Period (in years) Options $ 7,413 2.18 Performance Options 263 1.31 RSUs 3,070 1.77 PRSUs 1,034 1.52 Total Unrecognized Stock-based compensation expense $ 11,780

Note 13 - Net Income (Loss) P36

Note 13 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Net loss attributable to Exar Corporation $ (4,197 ) $ (23,352 ) $ (6,707 ) $ (35,457 ) Shares used in computation of net loss per share: 48,121 47,139 48,024 47,188 ─ ─ ─ ─ 48,121 47,139 48,024 47,188 Net loss per share Basic $ (0.09 ) $ (0.50 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.75 ) Diluted $ (0.09 ) $ (0.50 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.75 )

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obl37

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule Of Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Amortization expense $ 965 $ 800 $ 2,038 $ 1,600
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Years Design T ools 2016 (6 months remaining) $ 3,045 2017 3,961 2018 1,355 Total minimum lease payments 8,361 Less: amount representing interest 377 Present value of minimum lease payments 7,984 Less: short-term lease financing obligations 3,796 Long-term lease financing obligations $ 4,188
Schedule of Interest Expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Interest expense $ 45 $ 39 $ 93 $ 78
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Rent expense $ 234 $ 564 $ 491 $ 896
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Years Facilities 2016 (6 months remaining) $ 377 2017 328 2018 128 2019 27 Total minimum lease payments $ 860

Note 15 - Commitments and Con38

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	September 27, 2015 March 29, 2015 Beginning balance $ 282 $ 1,074 Provisions for warranties issued 91 458 Settlements/adjustments (17 ) (1,250 ) Ending balance $ 356 $ 282

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Interest And Penalty Related To Underpayment Of Tax [Table Text Block]	September 27 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Accrued interest and penalties $ 1,228 $ 1,187

Note 18 - Segment and Geograp40

Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Industrial $ 15,425 $ 19,656 $ 36,000 $ 38,523 High-End Consumer 13,163 16,199 26,699 19,623 Infrastructure 6,154 7,304 12,465 15,732 Total net sales $ 34,742 $ 43,159 $ 75,164 $ 73,878
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 China $ 17,898 $ 16,738 $ 32,822 $ 27,497 Taiwan 3,881 5,826 8,968 7,236 United States 1,782 5,012 8,397 11,239 Singapore 3,300 3,605 7,485 7,195 Germany 3,286 3,055 6,959 6,012 Korea 1,872 5,126 4,840 7,254 Rest of world 2,723 3,797 5,693 7,445 Total net sales $ 34,742 $ 43,159 $ 75,164 $ 73,878
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 September 2 7 , 201 5 September 28, 2014 Distributor A + 25% 20% 27% 24% Customer D 15% * 11% * Distributor F * 11% * *
Schedule Of Major Distributors [Table Text Block]	September 2 7 , 201 5 March 29, 2015 Customer D 19 % 10 % Distributor A + 17 % 6 % Distributor E 11 % 12 % Distributor B * 11 % Distributor D * 10 %

Note 3 - Business Combination41

Note 3 - Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	Jun. 03, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Note 3 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Fair Value Percentage				100.00%
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			$ 2,726		$ 6,776
Integrated Memory Logic Limited [Member]
Note 3 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		8.00%	8.00%		8.00%		92.00%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 206,411
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 228,118	$ 18,900
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares (in Shares)		1.5
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable		$ 3,800
Acquired Intangible Assets Discount Rate	16.90%
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 14,500
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs						$ 7,200

Note 3 - Business Combination42

Note 3 - Business Combinations (Details) - Business Acquistion Purchase Price - Integrated Memory Logic Limited [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 03, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 3 - Business Combinations (Details) - Business Acquistion Purchase Price [Line Items]
Cash	$ 206,411
Consideration for the acquisition of non-controlling interests	17,872
Fair value of assumed iML employee options	3,835
Total purchase price	$ 228,118	$ 18,900

Note 3 - Business Combination43

Note 3 - Business Combinations (Details) - Fair Value Allocated to Tangible and Identifiable Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 03, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Identifiable tangible assets (liabilities)
Goodwill			$ 44,871	$ 44,871
Integrated Memory Logic Limited [Member]
Identifiable tangible assets (liabilities)
Cash	$ 133,752
Accounts receivable	10,096
Inventories	3,950
Other current assets	962
Property, plant and equipment	480
Other assets	308
Current liabilities	(12,356)
Long-term liabilities	(3,595)
Total identifiable tangible assets (liabilities), net	133,597
Identifiable intangible assets	80,060
Total identifiable assets, net	213,657
Goodwill	14,461
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$ 228,118	$ 18,900

Note 3 - Business Combination44

Note 3 - Business Combinations (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired in Connection with the iML Acquisition - Integrated Memory Logic Limited [Member] $ in Thousands	Jun. 03, 2014USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 80,060
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	55,780
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	8,100
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	15,060
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 1,120

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Detail45

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details (Details) - Inventories - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Work-in-process and raw materials	$ 17,734	$ 16,789
Finished goods	14,664	13,978
Total inventories	$ 32,398	$ 30,767

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Detail46

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details (Details) - Property, Plant and Equipment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$ 6,660	$ 6,660
Building	17,413	17,431
Machinery and equipment	41,228	41,449
Software and licenses	22,592	22,044
Property, plant and equipment, total	87,893	87,584
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(64,566)	(61,507)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 23,327	$ 26,077

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Detail47

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details (Details) - Other Current Liabilities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term lease financing obligations	$ 3,796	$ 3,834
Accrued retention bonus	3,176	2,951
Provision for dispute	2,500
Purchase consideration holdback	1,006	1,006
Accrued manufacturing expenses, royalties and licenses	720	1,122
Accrued legal and professional services	676	982
Accrued sales and marketing expenses	629	686
Accrued restructuring charges and exit costs	169	982
Deferred tax liability		7,021
Other current liabilities	2,634	2,703
Total other current liabilities	$ 15,306	$ 21,287

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Detail48

Note 4 - Balance Sheet Details (Details) - Other Noncurrent Obligations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Other Noncurrent Obligations [Abstract]
Long-term taxes payable	$ 3,157	$ 4,351
Other	207	42
Total other non-current obligations	$ 3,364	$ 4,393

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details)

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ (3,912,000)	$ (4,343,000)
CounterPath [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock Shares Received, Dissolution (in Shares)			93,000
Altior [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability					$ 10,100,000
Cadeka Microcircuits [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability				$ 4,700,000
Altior Inc. and Cadeka Microcircuits [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 0	$ 0

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) -

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) - Investment Assets Measured at Fair Value - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Assets:
Investment assets	$ 47	$ 54
CounterPath [Member]
Assets:
Investment assets	43	48
Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets:
Investment assets	4	6
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Investment assets	4	6
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets:
Investment assets	4	6
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investment assets	43	48
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | CounterPath [Member]
Assets:
Investment assets	$ 43	$ 48

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details)51

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Marketable Securities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at financial institutions	$ 53,480	$ 55,227
Money market funds	4	6
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,484	$ 55,233	$ 78,377	$ 14,614

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details)52

Note 5 - Fair Value (Details) - Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Gross realized gains	$ 264
Gross realized losses	(238)
Net realized income (losses)	$ 26

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangi53

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss (in Dollars)	$ 0
IPR&D Reclassified to Existing Technology (in Dollars)	$ 2,900,000		$ 1,200,000
Number of Abandoned IPR&D Projects		2
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) (in Dollars)				$ 12,300,000	$ 12,284,000
Existing Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Existing Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	9 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Distribution Rights [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Patented Technology [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) (in Dollars)		$ 2,800,000

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangi54

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Purchased Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Amortized intangible assets:
Carrying amount	$ 140,123	$ 147,249
Accumulated amortization	(64,247)	(57,472)
Net carrying amount	75,876	79,773
Impairment charge		(10,004)
Total	143,574	156,397
Total	(64,247)	(57,472)
Total	79,327	86,102
Total		(12,823)
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Carrying amount	113,785	120,041
Accumulated amortization	(52,543)	(47,259)
Net carrying amount	61,242	63,648
Impairment charge		(9,134)
Total	(52,543)	(47,259)
Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Carrying amount	14,295	15,165
Accumulated amortization	(5,441)	(4,520)
Net carrying amount	8,854	9,775
Impairment charge		(870)
Total	(5,441)	(4,520)
Distribution Rights [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Carrying amount	7,254	7,254
Accumulated amortization	(2,402)	(1,973)
Net carrying amount	4,852	5,281
Total	(2,402)	(1,973)
Patents [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Carrying amount	3,459	3,459
Accumulated amortization	(3,459)	(3,446)
Net carrying amount		13
Total	(3,459)	(3,446)
Trade Names [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Carrying amount	1,330	1,330
Accumulated amortization	(402)	(274)
Net carrying amount	928	1,056
Total	(402)	(274)
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
In-process research and development	3,451	9,148
In-process research and development	$ 3,451	6,329
In-process research and development		$ (2,819)

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangi55

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Aggregate Amortization Expenses for Purchased Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Aggregate Amortization Expenses for Purchased Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 3,405	$ 3,724	$ 6,775	$ 6,001

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangi56

Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Future Amortization Expenses for Purchased Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Amortization Expense (by fiscal year)
2016 (6 months remaining)	$ 6,738
2,017	13,423
2,018	13,387
2,019	13,073
2,020	12,283
2021 and thereafter	16,972
Total future amortization	$ 75,876	$ 79,773

Note 7 - Long-term Investment57

Note 7 - Long-term Investments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014
Skypoint Fund [Member]
Note 7 - Long-term Investments (Details) [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 4,800,000		$ 4,800,000
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 5,000	$ 7,000	$ 5,000	$ 7,000
CounterPath [Member]
Note 7 - Long-term Investments (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock Shares Received, Dissolution (in Shares)					93,000

Note 7 - Long-term Investment58

Note 7 - Long-term Investments (Details) - Summary of Long-term Investment $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Summary of Long-term Investment [Abstract]
Beginning balance as of March 29, 2015	$ 394
Impairment charges	(5)
Ending balance	$ 389

Note 8 - Related Party Transa59

Note 8 - Related Party Transactions (Details) - shares	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Note 8 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	48,175,637	47,745,618
Alonim Investments Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	7,600,000
Percentage Of Common Stock Shares Outstanding	16.00%

Note 8 - Related Party Transa60

Note 8 - Related Party Transactions (Details) - Related Party Contributions to Total Net Sales - Alonim Investments Inc. [Member]	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage			17.00%		6.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage	25.00%	20.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage			27.00%	24.00%

Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Detai

Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 09, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	May. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt (in Dollars)				$ 91,000
Repayments of Debt (in Dollars)				65,000
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current (in Dollars)				$ 26,000
CTBC [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt (in Dollars)	$ 26,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt (in Dollars)			$ 65,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)			$ 90,000
Repayments of Debt (in Dollars)		$ 26,000
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum			1.50%
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum			2.50%
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Scenario 1 [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Initial Duration Following the Initial Funding Date			90 days
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Scenario 1 [Member] | Initial Duration Following the Initial Funding Date [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			7.50%
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Scenario 1 [Member] | After the Initial Duration Following the Initial Funding Date [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			8.50%
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Scenario 2 [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Initial Duration Following the Initial Funding Date			90 days
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Scenario 2 [Member] | Initial Duration Following the Initial Funding Date [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			8.50%
Bridge Facility [Member] | Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Scenario 2 [Member] | After the Initial Duration Following the Initial Funding Date [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			9.50%

Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Det62

Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) - Interest on Short-term Debt - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) - Interest on Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Interest on short-term debt	$ 455	$ 902
CTBC [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) - Interest on Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Interest on short-term debt	211	256
Stifel Financial Corp. [Member]
Note 9 - Short-term Debt (Details) - Interest on Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Interest on short-term debt	$ 244	$ 646

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurc63

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jul. 09, 2013	Aug. 28, 2007
Note 10 - Common Stock Repurchases (Details) [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0	0
August 2007 Repurchase Plan [Member]
Note 10 - Common Stock Repurchases (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 100
July 2013 Repurchase Program [Member]
Note 10 - Common Stock Repurchases (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$ 50

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurc64

Note 10 - Common Stock Repurchases (Details) - Stock Repurchase Activities $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock Repurchase Activities [Abstract]
As of March 30, 2014 | shares	10,319
As of March 30, 2014	$ 9.42
As of March 30, 2014 | $	$ 97,189
As of March 29, 2015 | shares	11,110
As of March 29, 2015	$ 9.47
As of March 29, 2015 | $	$ 105,188
Repurchases, Total number of Shares Purchased | shares	273
Repurchases, Average Price Paid Per Share (or Unit)	$ 10.98
Repurchases, Amount Paid for Purchase | $	$ 3,000

Note 11 - Restructuring Charg65

Note 11 - Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	$ 2.1	$ 6.6	$ 2.1	$ 7

Note 11 - Restructuring Charg66

Note 11 - Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs (Details) - Summary of Activities Affecting Liabilities $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 982
Additions/adjustments	2,061
Non-cash charges	(850)
Payments	(2,024)
Ending Balance	169
Lease Contract Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	330
Additions/adjustments	57
Non-cash charges	(110)
Payments	(210)
Ending Balance	67
Impairment of Fixed Assets and Write Down of Inventory [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Additions/adjustments	740
Non-cash charges	(740)
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	652
Additions/adjustments	1,264
Payments	(1,814)
Ending Balance	$ 102

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens67

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2014shares

Jan. 31, 2014shares

Dec. 31, 2013shares

Oct. 31, 2013shares

Mar. 31, 2012shares

Jan. 31, 2012shares

Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014shares

Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)$ / shares

Sep. 18, 2014shares

Jun. 30, 2014shares

Mar. 30, 2014shares

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)

7,772,082

7,772,082

7,609,622

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)

4,500,000

4,500,000

Share Price (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 6.07

$ 6.07

$ 10.30

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)

885,500

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

$ 1,452,000

$ 3,600,000

$ 3,389,000

$ 6,727,000

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Number of RSUs Modified Into PRSUs (in Shares)

50,000

Employee Stock Participation Plan [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent

95.00%

2006 Plan and Sipex 2006 Plan [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)

6,555,492

2006 Plan [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)

669,008

2014 Plan [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)

5,170,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Per Award (in Shares)

2

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)

4,100,000

4,100,000

2015 Incentive Program [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

$ 2,000,000

Percentage of Awards Settled with Cash

20.00%

Fair Value Change [Member] | 2015 Incentive Program [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

$ 50,000

Employee Stock Option [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)

140,000

480,000

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vesting, Number of Installments

4

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

$ 58,000

75,000

$ 117,000

187,000

Performance-Based RSUs [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vesting, Number of Installments

3

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

64,000

100,000

128,000

900,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)

300,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

3 years

Performance-Based RSUs [Member] | Former iML Employees [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vesting, Number of Installments

3

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

47,000

0

$ 86,000

0

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)

88,448

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)

230,595

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vesting, Number of Installments

2

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)

100,000

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Former Cadeka Employees [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

200,000

600,000

$ 200,000

1,000,000

October 2013 PRSUs [Member] | Certain Executives [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

39,000

$ 100,000

78,000

$ 300,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)

70,000

October 2013 PRSUs [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] | Certain Executives [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vesting, Number of Installments

3

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

3 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

50.00%

October 2013 PRSUs [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] | Certain Executives [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vesting, Number of Installments

3

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

3 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

50.00%

Modified PRSUs [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $

$ 47,000

$ 94,000

$ 10,000

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens68

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - ESPP Transactions shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares
ESPP Transactions [Abstract]
Authorized to issue	4,500
Reserved for future issuance	1,334
Issued	12
Issued (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 9.45

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens69

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Transactions - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Summary of Stock Option Transactions [Abstract]
Balance at March 29, 2015		7,609,622
Balance at March 29, 2015 (in Dollars per share)		$ 8.77
Balance at March 29, 2015	4 years 233 days	4 years 313 days
Balance at March 29, 2015 (in Dollars)		$ 14,377
Balance at March 29, 2015		2,850,000
Balance at September 27, 2015	7,772,082
Balance at September 27, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.51
Balance at September 27, 2015	4 years 233 days	4 years 313 days
Balance at September 27, 2015 (in Dollars)	$ 306
Balance at September 27, 2015	442,000
Granted	885,500
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 6.36
Exercised	(201,767)
Exercised (in Dollars per share)	$ 6.75
Cancelled	(135,253)
Cancelled (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.05
Forfeited	(386,020)
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)	$ 9.72
Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015	7,227,691
Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.50
Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015	4 years 197 days
Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015 (in Dollars)	$ 282
Vested and exercisable, September 27, 2015	3,872,013
Vested and exercisable, September 27, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.04
Vested and exercisable, September 27, 2015	3 years 233 days
Vested and exercisable, September 27, 2015 (in Dollars)	$ 193

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens70

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Options Exercised - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Options Exercised [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 172	$ 426	$ 598	$ 856

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens71

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - RSU Transactions - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - RSU Transactions [Line Items]
Unvested at March 29, 2015		1,072,925
Unvested at March 29, 2015 (in Dollars per share)		$ 10.26
Unvested at March 29, 2015	1 year 98 days	1 year 6 months
Unvested at March 29, 2015 (in Dollars)		$ 11,051
Unvested at September 27, 2015	891,820
Unvested at September 27, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	$ 10.32
Unvested at September 27, 2015	1 year 98 days	1 year 6 months
Unvested at September 27, 2015 (in Dollars)	$ 5,413
Granted	230,595
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 9.93
Issued and released	(352,009)
Issued and released (in Dollars per share)	$ 9.84
Cancelled	(59,691)
Cancelled (in Dollars per share)	$ 10.63
Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015	739,170
Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015	1 year 65 days
Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2015 (in Dollars)	$ 4,487

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens72

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and RSUs - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$ 1,452	$ 3,600	$ 3,389	$ 6,727
Cost of Sales [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	85	227	172	487
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	205	870	654	1,682
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$ 1,162	$ 2,503	$ 2,563	$ 4,558

Note 12 - Stock-based Compens73

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and RSUs $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and RSUs [Line Items]
Amount	$ 11,780
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and RSUs [Line Items]
Amount	$ 7,413
Weighted Average Expected Remaining Period	2 years 65 days
Performance Options [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and RSUs [Line Items]
Amount	$ 263
Weighted Average Expected Remaining Period	1 year 113 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and RSUs [Line Items]
Amount	$ 3,070
Weighted Average Expected Remaining Period	1 year 281 days
Performance-Based RSUs [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and RSUs [Line Items]
Amount	$ 1,034
Weighted Average Expected Remaining Period	1 year 189 days

Note 13 - Net Income (Loss) P74

Note 13 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - Summary of Net Income (Loss) per Share - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Summary of Net Income (Loss) per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Exar Corporation (in Dollars)	$ (4,197)	$ (23,352)	$ (6,707)	$ (35,457)
Shares used in computation of net loss per share:
Basic	48,121	47,139	48,024	47,188
Effect of options and awards	0	0	0	0
Diluted	48,121	47,139	48,024	47,188
Net loss per share
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.75)
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.75)

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obl75

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2012	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations				$ 919	$ 1,005
January Two Thousand Fifteen Two-Year And Two Three-Year License [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations	$ 1,000
January Two Thousand Fifteen Two-Year And Two Three-Year License [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	$ 6,900
October 2014 Three-Year License [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations		$ 1,500
October 2014 Three-Year License [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred		$ 4,400
July 2012 Three-Year License [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred			$ 900
Minimum [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage				2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage				7.25%

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obl76

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - Amortization Expense Related to the Design Tools - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Design Tools [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - Amortization Expense Related to the Design Tools [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 965	$ 800	$ 2,038	$ 1,600

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obl77

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - Future Minimum Lease and Sublease Income Payments for Lease Financing Obligations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Future Minimum Lease and Sublease Income Payments for Lease Financing Obligations [Abstract]
2016 (6 months remaining)	$ 3,045
2,017	3,961
2,018	1,355
Total minimum lease payments	8,361
Less: amount representing interest	377
Present value of minimum lease payments	7,984
Less: short-term lease financing obligations	3,796	$ 3,834
Long-term lease financing obligations	$ 4,188

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obl78

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - Interest Expense - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Design Tools [Member]
Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - Interest Expense [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 45	$ 39	$ 93	$ 78

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obl79

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - Rent Expense - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Rent Expense [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 234	$ 564	$ 491	$ 896

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obl80

Note 14 - Lease Financing Obligation (Details) - Operating Lease $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Operating Lease [Abstract]
2016 (6 months remaining)	$ 377
2,017	328
2,018	128
2,019	27
Total minimum lease payments	$ 860

Note 15 - Commitments and Con81

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014
Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Warranty Term, Custom Products			12 months
Warranty Term, Standard Products			90 days
Product Warranty Accrual			$ 356	$ 282		$ 1,074
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities		$ 500
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$ 1,500
Return of Certain Older Generation Data Compression Products [Member]
Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Product Warranty Accrual						$ 1,400
iML [Member] | Warranties [Member]
Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Liabilities Recognized					$ 400

Note 15 - Commitments and Con82

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Warranty Reserve Balance - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Warranty Reserve Balance [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 282	$ 1,074
Provisions for warranties issued	91	458
Settlements/adjustments	(17)	(1,250)
Ending balance	$ 356	$ 282

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (1,122)	$ 107	$ (1,017)	$ 799
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	(1,100)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	16,600		16,600
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 13,600		$ 13,600
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year			2,003
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year			2,014

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Detai84

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details) - Accrued Interest and Penalties - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Accrued Interest and Penalties [Abstract]
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 1,228	$ 1,187

Note 18 - Segment and Geograp85

Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Number of Operating Segments	1

Note 18 - Segment and Geograp86

Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by End Market - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales by end market	$ 34,742	$ 43,159	$ 75,164	$ 73,878
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales by end market	15,425	19,656	36,000	38,523
High End Consumer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales by end market	13,163	16,199	26,699	19,623
Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales by end market	$ 6,154	$ 7,304	$ 12,465	$ 15,732

Note 18 - Segment and Geograp87

Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 34,742	$ 43,159	$ 75,164	$ 73,878
CHINA
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	17,898	16,738	32,822	27,497
TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	3,881	5,826	8,968	7,236
UNITED STATES
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	1,782	5,012	8,397	11,239
SINGAPORE
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	3,300	3,605	7,485	7,195
GERMANY
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	3,286	3,055	6,959	6,012
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	1,872	5,126	4,840	7,254
Rest Of World [Member]
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Net Sales by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,723	$ 3,797	$ 5,693	$ 7,445

Note 18 - Segment and Geograp88

Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Major Distributors of Net Revenue - Sales Revenue, Net [Member] - Customer Concentration Risk [Member]		3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015		Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Distributor A [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Revenue	[1]	25.00%		20.00%		27.00%	24.00%
Customer D [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Revenue		15.00%		0.00%	[2]	11.00%	0.00%	[2]
Distributor F [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Revenue		0.00%	[2]	11.00%			0.00%	[2]
[1]	Related Party
[2]	Net sales for this distributor or customer for this period were less than 10% of our net sales.

Note 18 - Segment and Geograp89

Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Major Distributors of Net Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable [Member] - Customer Concentration Risk [Member]		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 28, 2014		Mar. 29, 2015
Customer D [Member]
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Major Distributors of Net Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Net accounts receivable		19.00%		10.00%
Distributor A [Member]
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Major Distributors of Net Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Net accounts receivable	[1]	17.00%		6.00%
Distributor E [Member]
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Major Distributors of Net Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Net accounts receivable		11.00%		12.00%
Distributor B [Member]
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Major Distributors of Net Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Net accounts receivable		0.00%	[2]	11.00%
Distributor D [Member]
Note 18 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Major Distributors of Net Accounts Receivable [Line Items]
Net accounts receivable		0.00%	[2]	10.00%
[1]	Related Party
[2]	Accounts receivable for this distributor for this period were less than 10% of total account balance.

Note 19 - Subsequent Event (Det

Note 19 - Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Note 19 - Subsequent Event (Details) [Line Items]
Accrued Bonuses, Current		$ 3,176,000	$ 2,951,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Note 19 - Subsequent Event (Details) [Line Items]
Severance Costs	$ 600,000
Accrued Bonuses, Current	$ 140,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | If a Change in Control Occurs [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Note 19 - Subsequent Event (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Accelerated Vesting, Number (in Shares)	33,333