SEMTECH CORP
S-3, 2000-05-09
SEMICONDUCTORS & RELATED DEVICES
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<PAGE>

      As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2000

                                                   Registration No. 333-________
    ===========================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                              ____________________

                                    FORM S-3

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                              SEMTECH CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                      95-2119684
 (State or other jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer
  Incorporation or organization)                    Identification Number)


       652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, California 91320, (805) 498-2111
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            Area-code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                   <C>
                  John D. Poe                                                                    Copies to:
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer                                      Robert A. Miller, Jr., Esq.
             Semtech Corporation                                                    Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
               652 Mitchell Road                                                           555 S. Flower Street
         Newbury Park, California 91320                                                    Los Angeles, CA 90071
                (805) 498-2111                                                                 (213) 683-6000
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone                          (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
  number, including area code, of agent for service)                        number, including area code, of agent for service)

</TABLE>


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to
time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant
 to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
 following box.............................................................. [ ]

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a
 delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
 interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ..................... [X]

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
 to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and
 list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
 registration statement for the same offering............................... [ ]

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
 the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
 registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the
 same offering.............................................................. [ ]

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
 please check the following box ............................................ [ ]

                              ____________________

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Title Of Each Class Of          Amount To Be         Proposed Maximum Offering      Proposed Maximum Aggregate      Amount Of
Securities To Be Registered      Registered             Price  Per Note(2)              Offering  Price(1)       Registration Fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>               <C>                               <C>                      <C>
4 1/2% Convertible
Subordinated Notes Due 2007      $400,000,000                  100%                          $400,000,000            $105,600
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value      4,735,970(2)                  --                                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Equals the aggregate principal amount of the securities being registered.

(2) Represents the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the
notes at a conversion price of $84.46. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities
Act, we are also registering such indeterminate number of additional shares of
common stock as may be issuable to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits,
stock dividends, or similar transactions pursuant to the terms of the notes.
Pursuant to Rule 457(i), no registration fee is required for these shares.

                              ____________________

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The
holders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission becomes effective. This prospectus
is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy
these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

                    Subject To Completion, Dated May 9, 2000

                                   PROSPECTUS

                                [SEMTECH LOGO]

          $400,000,000 4 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2007
                                      and
     4,735,970 Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion of the Notes

                          ---------------------------

     The selling holders listed on page 31 under the caption "Selling Holders"
may offer and resell for each of their own accounts up to an aggregate of
$400,000,000 4 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2007 and the 4,735,970
shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. For a more
detailed description of the plan of distribution, see "Plan of Distribution,"
beginning on page 34.

     We will pay interest on the notes on February 1 and August 1 of each year,
commencing on August 1, 2000. The notes will mature on February 1, 2007. The
notes are subordinated to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness.
Holders may convert the notes into shares of our common stock at any time on or
before February 1, 2007, at a conversion price of $84.46 per share, subject to
adjustment in certain events. On or after February 6, 2003, we may redeem any of
the notes at the redemption prices set forth herein, plus accrued interest. For
a more detailed description of the notes, see "Description of Notes" beginning
on page 11.

     Our common stock is traded in the Nasdaq National Market System under the
symbol "SMTC."  On May 8, 2000, the last reported sale price per share of our
common stock as reported by NASDAQ was $55.4375.

     We have not applied for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or
for quotation through any automated quotation system. The notes are eligible for
trading in the Private Offerings, Resales and Trading Through Automated Linkages
("PORTAL") market of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

     The notes and the shares issuable upon conversion of the notes may be
offered for sale from time to time by the holders in brokerage transactions at
prevailing market prices, in transactions at negotiated prices or otherwise.  No
representation is made that any shares will or will not be offered for sale.  We
will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares.  All costs, expenses
and fees incurred in connection with the registration of these shares are being
borne by us, but all selling and other expenses incurred by the holders will be
borne by such holders.

     The holders, and the brokers who sell our shares, may be "underwriters"
within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
In addition, any profits realized by the selling holders or such brokers on the
sale of any shares may constitute underwriting commissions.

     INVESTING IN THE NOTES OR OUR COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON THEIR CONVERSION
INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. PLEASE CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 5.

     NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                          --------------------------

                         Prospectus dated      , 2000.
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
Available Information................................................................................................   1
Incorporation By Reference...........................................................................................   1
Forward-Looking Statements...........................................................................................   2
Summary..............................................................................................................   3
Risk Factors.........................................................................................................   5
Ratio of Earnings To Fixed Charges...................................................................................  10
Use of Proceeds......................................................................................................  10
Description of the Notes.............................................................................................  11
Description of Capital Stock.........................................................................................  23
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations............................................................................  26
Selling Holders......................................................................................................  31
Plan of Distribution.................................................................................................  34
Independent Public Accountants.......................................................................................  35
Legal Matters........................................................................................................  35
</TABLE>
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC.  Copies of such reports, proxy statements and other
information may be read and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.  You may request copies of such
documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying costs.  You may
also call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room.  Our SEC filings are also available to the public
from the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.  Our common stock is traded on
the Nasdaq National Market System.  You may also read and copy documents we file
with the SEC at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., located at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

                           INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" certain of our publicly
filed documents into this prospectus which means that we may disclose material
information to you by referring you to those documents.  The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and any
later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and
supercede this information.  We incorporate by reference the documents listed
below and any additional documents we file with the SEC until the offering of
the notes of the common stock issuable upon their conversion is terminated.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed
with the SEC and does not contain all of the information set forth in the
registration statement.

     The following documents that we previously filed with the SEC are
incorporated by reference:

     (a)  Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30,
          2000, filed on April 28, 2000;

     (b)  Our Definitive Proxy Statement for our annual meeting of holders to be
          held on June 8, 2000 (other than the portions thereof identified as
          not deemed filed with the SEC); and

     (c)  The description of our common stock contained in our Registration
          Statement under the Exchange Act on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on May
          28, 1986.

     We will provide any person to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered,
on written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated
by reference, other than exhibits to such documents unless specifically
incorporated by reference.  You should direct any requests for documents to the
following:

                              Semtech Corporation
               652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, California 91320
            Attention: David G. Franz, Jr., Chief Financial Officer
                                 (805) 498-2111

                                       1
<PAGE>

     YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. WE HAVE NOT
AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. THE SELLING HOLDERS
ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT
PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS
ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THIS PROSPECTUS.

                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     In addition to historical information, this prospectus contains statements
relating to our future results.  These statements include certain projections
and business trends which are "forward-looking" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking
statements are made only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not undertake
to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.

     Actual results may differ materially from projected results as a result of
certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without
limitation, those described under "Risk Factors" including those set forth below
and those detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC:

<TABLE>

<S>                                                   <C>
  .  successful development and timing                .  our ability to manage integrate our
     and of new products;                                expanding and more diverse operations;

  .  ability to attract or retain                     .  our ability to integrate strategic acquisitions;
     specialized technical personnel;
                                                      .  our ability to compete against larger,
  .  cyclical nature of the semiconductor                more established entities;
     industry due to global and market conditions;
                                                      .  fluctuations in manufacturing yields;
  .  availability of manufacturing capacity;
                                                      .  our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
  .  fluctuation of quarterly operating results;
                                                      .  uncertainties of litigation; and
  .  loss of a significant customer or customer
     order;                                           .  other risks and uncertainties.


</TABLE>

     In making an investment decision, you must rely on your own examination of
Semtech Corporation and the terms of this offering, including the merits and
risks involved. These notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion have
not been recommended by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory
authority. Furthermore, these authorities have not confirmed the accuracy or
determined the adequacy of this document. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense. The notes and shares of common stock issuable upon
conversion of the notes may not be transferred or resold except as permitted
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities
laws. You should be aware that you may be required to bear the financial risks
of this investment for an indefinite period of time.

     Neither we, the selling holders, nor any of our respective representatives,
make any representation to you as to the legality of an investment in the notes.
You should not construe the contents of this prospectus to be legal, business or
tax advice. You should consult with your own advisors as to the legal, tax,
business, financial and related aspects of investing in the notes.

     Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the notes and our
common stock. Specifically, the selling holders may over-allot in connection
with the offering, and may bid for and purchase notes and shares of common stock
in the open market. For a discussion of these activities, see "Plan of
Distribution."

                                       2
<PAGE>

                                    SUMMARY

     This summary highlights information about Semtech Corporation. Because this
is a summary, it may not contain all the information you should consider before
investing in the notes or the common stock issuable upon their conversion. You
should read the full text of, and consider carefully the more specific details
contained in, this prospectus before investing in the notes.

     We are a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors. We
design, manufacture and market a range of products for commercial applications,
the majority of which are sold to the communications, industrial and computer
markets. Our semiconductors enable power management, test, protection and a
range of other functions in products that require analog or mixed-signal
processing. Our end customers are primarily original equipment manufacturers, or
OEMs, and include Agilent, IBM, Intel, Motorola, Samsung and Schlumberger.

     The semiconductor industry is divided into analog and digital semiconductor
products. Analog semiconductors condition and regulate "real world" functions
such as temperature, speed, sound and electrical current. Digital semiconductors
process binary information, such as that used by computers. Mixed-signal devices
incorporate both analog and digital functions into a single chip and provide the
ability for digital electronics to interface with the outside world. Analog
technology plays a critical role in enabling the operation of end consumer
applications that utilize digital processing such as computers, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), networks, cellular phones, industrial test equipment and
medical devices.

     Dataquest, a market research firm, estimates that analog devices will
represent approximately $28 billion of the approximately $179 billion overall
market for semiconductors in 2000 and that demand for analog semiconductors will
grow at approximately 14% per year, compounded annually, until 2003. We expect
certain segments of the analog market, however, where end product demand is
strong, to grow at a faster rate than the overall semiconductor market. These
segments include advanced communications, industrial test and personal and
portable computing. The need for analog semiconductors in these markets is based
on the need to enable the reliability of emerging communications devices, extend
battery lives, achieve higher levels of integration, increase portability and
reduce size. Further, because the analog industry is smaller and more fragmented
than the digital industry, it tends to offer high-margin opportunities for those
companies able to introduce innovative new product solutions.

     Our strategy is to be a leader in our target markets. We are focused on
developing proprietary new products to serve these markets in order to meet
growing consumer demand for increased product performance at competitive price
points. We intend to leverage our skilled technical personnel to develop new
products, or to make strategic acquisitions, as necessary, in order to penetrate
and serve the developing segments of our target markets. We further intend to
capitalize on our strengths by cross selling our product lines into the large,
diversified customer base we currently serve.

     We believe it is our ability to offer proprietary new products that enables
us to capture higher margins than would otherwise be available in the lower
performance segments of the market. In fiscal year 2000, we increased our
product introductions by approximately 100% and our pool of skilled technical
personnel by 50% over the previous year. We believe that our rate of new product
introduction and increased number of skilled technical personnel are strong
indicators of our ability to meet the evolving needs of our target markets.

     We were incorporated in 1960 in Delaware. Our principal executive offices
are located at 652 Mitchell Road, Newbury Park, California.

                                       3
<PAGE>

                                  THE OFFERING

<TABLE>

<S>                                 <C>
Securities Offered...............   $400,000,000 principal amount of 4 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes
                                    due 2007 and 4,735,970 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion
                                    of the notes.

Interest on notes................   4 1/2% per annum on the principal amount, payable semi-annually in
                                    arrears in cash on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning
                                    August 1, 2000.

Conversion.......................   Holders may convert each note into our common stock at any time on or
                                    before February 1, 2007, at a conversion price of $84.46 per share,
                                    subject to adjustment if certain events affecting our common stock
                                    occur. See "Description of Notes - Conversion Rights."

Subordination....................   The notes are subordinated to all of our existing and future senior
                                    indebtedness and to all debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.
                                    As of January 30, 2000, we had no senior indebtedness outstanding and
                                    our subsidiaries had $12.7 million of other liabilities outstanding.
                                    Neither we nor our subsidiaries are prohibited from incurring debt,
                                    including senior indebtedness, under the indenture. See "Description of
                                    Notes - Subordination."

Optional Redemption..............   We may redeem any of the notes on or after February 6, 2003, by giving
                                    you at least 30 days' notice. We may redeem the notes either in whole
                                    or in part at the redemption prices set forth herein, together with
                                    accrued and unpaid interest.

Fundamental Change...............   If a fundamental change occurs on or before February 1, 2007, you may
                                    require us to purchase all or part of your notes at a redemption price
                                    equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the notes being
                                    redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. See "Description of
                                    Notes--Redemption at Option of the Holder."

Use of Proceeds..................   We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the selling holders
                                    of the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the
                                    notes. We will pay all expenses of the registration and sale of the
                                    notes and the common stock, other than selling commissions and fees and
                                    stock transfer taxes.

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
 Charges.........................   We represent below the ratio of our earnings to our fixed charges.
                                    Earnings are defined as income before income taxes plus fixed charges.
                                    Fixed charges represent interest expense on all debt.  We do not have
                                    premiums, discounts or capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness or
                                    interest components of rental expense for all periods presented.

                                                               For the Year Ended
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    January     January    February     January     January
                                                   28, 1996    26, 1997     1, 1998    31, 1999    30, 2000
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Ratio Of
                                    Earnings To
                                    Fixed
                                    Charges.....     116x         98x        617x        881x        775x
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nasdaq National Market Symbol....   SMTC.
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>

                                  RISK FACTORS

     You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information in this
prospectus, including the risk factors listed below. Any of these risks could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations, which in turn could materially and adversely affect the price of the
notes and the common stock.

     Keep these risk factors in mind when you read "forward-looking" statements
elsewhere in this prospectus. These statements relate to our expectations about
future events and time periods. Generally, the words "anticipate," "expect,"
"intend" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-
looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and future events and
circumstances could differ significantly from those anticipated in the forward-
looking statements.

We may be unsuccessful in developing and selling new products required to
maintain or expand our business

     We operate in a dynamic environment characterized by price erosion, rapid
technological change and design and other technological obsolescence. Our
competitiveness and future success depend on our ability to introduce new or
improved products that meet customer needs while achieving acceptable margins.
If we fail to introduce these new products in a timely manner or these products
fail to achieve market acceptance, our business, financial condition and results
of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

     The introduction of new products presents significant business challenges
because product development commitments and expenditures must be made well in
advance of product sales. The success of a new product depends on accurate
forecasts of long-term market demand and future technological developments, as
well as on a variety of specific implementation factors including:

     .  timely and efficient completion of process design and development;
     .  timely and efficient implementation of manufacturing and assembly
        processes;
     .  product performance;
     .  the quality and reliability of the product; and
     .  effective marketing, sales and service.

The failure of our products to achieve market acceptance due to these and other
factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition,
and results of operations.

We may fail to attract or retain the specialized technical and management
personnel required to successfully operate our business

     Our future success depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly
qualified technical, marketing and managerial personnel. We are particularly
dependent on a relatively small group of key technical personnel with analog and
mixed-signal expertise. Personnel with analog and mixed-signal expertise are
scarce and competition for personnel with these skills is intense. There can be
no assurance that we will be able to retain existing key technical, marketing
and managerial employees or that we will be successful in attracting,
assimilating or retaining other highly qualified technical, marketing and
managerial personnel in the future. If we are unable to retain existing key
employees or are unsuccessful in attracting new highly qualified employees, our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and
adversely affected.

The cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry may limit our ability to
maintain or increase revenue and profit levels during future industry downturns

     The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical. Our financial performance
may be materially and adversely affected by significant downturns in the
semiconductor industry as a result of:

     .  general economic conditions;
     .  general reductions in inventory levels by customers;
     .  excess production capacity; and

                                       5
<PAGE>

     .  accelerated declines in average selling prices of our products.

The occurrence of these or other conditions in the semiconductor industry in the
future could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.

Fluctuations and seasonality in the personal computer industry may have adverse
consequences for our business

     Many of our products are used in personal computers and related
peripherals. Industry-wide fluctuations in the personal computer marketplace
have in the past and may in the future materially and adversely affect our
business. In addition, our past results have reflected some seasonality, with
demand levels being higher in computer segments during the third and fourth
quarters of the year in comparison to the first and second quarters.

Economic downturn in our end-markets may have adverse consequences for our
business

     We market our products to several commercial markets, including computers
and peripherals, telecommunications, and industrial and test equipment. A
downturn in any of our markets, especially the consumer computer industry, could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations. In addition, current efforts being undertaken by companies in the
semiconductor manufacturing industry to increase worldwide semiconductor
manufacturing capacity could lead to general manufacturing overcapacity and to
underutilization of our manufacturing capacity.

We obtain certain components and materials necessary for our manufacturing
operations from a limited number of suppliers

     Our reliance on a limited number of outside subcontractors for silicon
wafers, packaging and certain other tasks involves several risks, including
potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components and
reduced control over the price, timely delivery, reliability and quality of
components. There can be no assurance that problems will not occur in the future
with suppliers or subcontractors. Disruption or termination of our supply
sources or subcontractors could delay our shipments and could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Delays could also damage relationships with current and prospective customers.
Any prolonged inability to obtain timely deliveries or any other circumstances
that would require us to seek alternative sources of supply or to manufacture or
package certain components internally could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our future quarterly operating results may fluctuate and therefore may fail to
meet expectations

     Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate in the future, may fail to
match our past performance and meet the expectations of analysts and investors.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate as a result of:

     .  general economic conditions in the countries where we sell our products;
     .  seasonality and variability in the computer market and our other end
        markets;
     .  the timing of our and our competitors' new product introductions;
     .  product obsolescence;
     .  the scheduling, rescheduling and cancellation of large orders by our
        customers;
     .  the cyclical nature of demand for our customers' products;
     .  our ability to develop new process technologies and achieve volume
        production at our fabrication facilities;
     .  changes in manufacturing yields;
     .  adverse movements in exchange rates, interest rates or tax rates; and
     .  the availability of adequate supply commitments from our outside
        suppliers or subcontractors.

As a result of these factors, our past financial results are not necessarily
indicative of our future results.

                                       6
<PAGE>

We receive a significant portion of our revenues from a small number of
customers

     Historically, we have had significant customers, which individually
accounted for approximately 10% of consolidated revenues in certain quarters.
The composition of our largest customers has varied from year to year. In fiscal
year 2000, our top five customers accounted for approximately one-third of our
revenues, and for fiscal year 1999, our top five customers accounted for
approximately 25% of our revenues. We primarily conduct our sales on a purchase
order basis, rather than pursuant to long-term supply contracts. The loss of any
significant customer, any reduction in orders by any of our significant
customers, or the cancellation of a significant customer order, could materially
and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.

We are expanding and diversifying our operations, and if we fail to manage our
expanding and more diverse operations successfully, our business, financial
condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected

     Our strategy includes expansion and diversification of our operations
through internal development. Our diversification into new markets and product
lines will increase demand on our management, financial resources and
information and internal control systems. Our success depends in significant
part on our ability to implement, improve and expand our systems, procedures and
controls. If we fail to do this at a pace consistent with the development of our
business, then our business, financial condition and results of operations could
be materially and adversely affected.

     As we seek to expand our operations, we expect to encounter a number of
risks, which may include those associated with:

     .  hiring additional management and other critical personnel;
     .  adding equipment and capacity; and
     .  increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our
        operations.

We have acquired and may continue to acquire other companies and may be unable
to successfully integrate such companies with our operations

     In the past we have expanded our operations through strategic acquisitions
and we may continue to expand and diversify our operations with additional
acquisitions. If we are unsuccessful in integrating these companies with our
operations, or if integration is more difficult than anticipated, we may
experience disruptions that could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. Some of the risks that
may affect our ability to integrate companies we acquire include those
associated with:

     .  unexpected losses of key employees or customers of the acquired company;
     .  conforming the acquired company's standards, processes, procedures and
        controls with our operations;
     .  coordinating our new product and process development;
     .  hiring additional management and other critical personnel; and
     .  increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our
        operations.

We compete against larger, more established entities

     The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and is characterized by
price erosion, rapid technological change and design and other technological
obsolescence. We compete with domestic and international semiconductor
companies, many of which have substantially greater financial and other
resources with which to pursue engineering, manufacturing, marketing and
distribution of their products. Some of these competitors include: Texas
Instruments, National Semiconductor, Linear Technology, Fairchild Semiconductor
and Intersil Semiconductor, all with respect to our power management products;
ST Microelectronics N.V. with respect to our protection products; Analog
Devices, Maxim Integrated Products and ON Semiconductor, all with respect to our
high performance/ATE products; Applied Micro Circuits Corporation, PMC-Sierra
Inc. and Vitesse Semiconductor Corp., all with respect to our advanced
communications products; and Philips Semiconductors, Synaptics Inc. and
Mitsubishi Electric Corp, all with respect to our intelligent input/output
devices. We expect continued competition from existing competitors as well as
competition from new entrants in the semiconductor market. Our ability to

                                       7
<PAGE>

compete successfully in the rapidly evolving area of integrated circuit
technology depends on several factors, including:

     .  success in designing and manufacturing new products that implement new
        technologies;
     .  protection of our processes and know-how;
     .  maintaining high product quality and reliability;
     .  pricing policies of our competitors;
     .  performance of competitors' products;
     .  ability to deliver in large volume on a timely basis;
     .  marketing, manufacturing and distribution capability; and
     .  financial strength.

Fluctuating production yields may increase production costs and cause inventory
shortages

     The manufacture of semiconductor products is a highly complex and precise
process. Defects in masks, impurities in the materials used, contamination of
the manufacturing environment, failure of equipment and other difficulties in
the fabrication process can cause a substantial percentage of wafers to be
rejected or numerous die on each wafer to be nonfunctional. Wafer yields can
decline without warning, resulting in substantially higher production costs and
inventory shortages. Yield problems may take substantial time to analyze and
correct. Yield problems may also arise from our outsourced third party
manufacturers. We may experience production yield problems in the future that
could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.

We must commit resources to product production prior to receipt of purchase
commitments and could lose some or all of the associated investment

     Sales are made primarily pursuant to purchase orders for current delivery,
rather than pursuant to long-term supply contracts, that may be revised or
canceled without penalty. As a result, we must commit resources to the
production of products without any advance purchase commitments from customers.
Our inability to sell products after we devote significant resources to them
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.

We may underutilize our manufacturing facilities or we may have inadequate
facilities to meet the demand for our products

     We may underutilize our manufacturing facilities from time to time as a
result of reduced demand for our products. If demand for our products does not
increase consistent with our plans and expectations, we will likely underutilize
our manufacturing facilities which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.

     Conversely, there may be situations in the future in which our
manufacturing facilities will be inadequate to meet the demand for our products.
Our inability to generate sufficient manufacturing capacities to meet demand,
either through our own facilities or through outsourcing to third parties, could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.

We sell and trade with foreign customers which subjects our business to
increased risks applicable to international sales

     Sales to foreign customers accounted for approximately 64% of net sales in
the fiscal year ended January 30, 2000 and 53% of net sales for sales for fiscal
year 1999. The percentage of international sales may increase in future years.
International sales are subject to certain risks, including unexpected changes
in regulatory requirements, fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs and other
barriers, political and economic instability, difficulties in accounts
receivable collection, difficulties in managing distributors and
representatives, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign subsidiary
operations and potentially adverse tax consequences. There can be no assurance
that any of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, even
though the majority of our foreign sales are denominated in U.S. dollars,
currency

                                       8
<PAGE>

exchange fluctuations in countries where we do business could materially and
adversely affect us by resulting in pricing that is not competitive with prices
denominated in local currencies.

We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property rights

     Few of our products are protected by patents and we rely primarily on a
combination of nondisclosure agreements and other contractual provisions, as
well as the commitment to confidentiality and loyalty of our employees, to
protect our know-how and processes. We intend to continue to protect our
proprietary technology through copyrights and trade secrets and, to a limited
extent, patents. Despite this intention, we may not be successful in achieving
adequate protection. Our failure to adequately protect our material know-how and
processes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the steps we
have taken will be adequate to protect our proprietary rights or that a
competitor will not independently develop similar or superior know-how or
processes.

     The semiconductor industry is characterized by frequent litigation
regarding patent and intellectual property rights. Due to the number of
competitors, the potential for patent infringement exists and is an ongoing risk
since other companies in our industry could have patent rights which may not be
identifiable when we initiate development efforts. Litigation, which could
result in substantial cost and diversion of resources, may be necessary to
enforce our intellectual property rights or to defend ourselves against
infringement claims. We may also be subject to future intellectual property
claims or judgments. If these were to occur, we may be unable to obtain a
license on favorable terms, if at all, or without a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to environmental regulations

     We are subject to a variety of United States federal, foreign, state and
local governmental laws, rules and regulations related to the use, storage,
handling, discharge or disposal of certain toxic, volatile or otherwise
hazardous chemicals used in our manufacturing process. Any of these regulations
could require us to acquire equipment or to incur substantial other expenses to
comply with environmental regulations. If we were to incur substantial
additional expenses, product costs could significantly increase, thus materially
and adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of
operations. Any failure to comply with present or future environmental laws,
rules and regulations could result in fines, suspension of production or
cessation of operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our products may be found to be defective, product liability claims may be
asserted against us and we may not have sufficient liability insurance

     One or more of our products may be found to be defective after we have
already shipped such products in volume, requiring a product replacement,
recall, or a software fix which would cure the defect but impede performance. We
may also be subject to product returns which could impose substantial costs and
have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.

     Product liability claims may be asserted with respect to our technology or
products. Although we currently have product liability insurance, there can be
no assurance that we have obtained sufficient insurance coverage, or that we
will have sufficient resources, to satisfy any product liability claims.

Some of our facilities are located near major earthquake fault lines

     Our corporate headquarters, a portion of our manufacturing facilities,
assembly and research and development activities and certain other critical
business operations are located near major earthquake fault lines. We could be
materially and adversely affected in the event of a major earthquake. We do not
maintain earthquake insurance.

                                       9
<PAGE>

                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                 (in thousands)

     We represent below the ratio of our earnings to our fixed charges. Earnings
are defined as income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
represent interest expense on all debt. We do not have premiums, discounts or
capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness or interest components of rental
expense for all periods presented.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         For the Years Ended
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               January 28,    January 26,    February 1,    January 31,    January 30,
                                                 1996           1997           1998           1999           2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges...........    116x           98x            617x           881x           775x
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the selling holders of
the notes and the common stock issuable upon their conversion. We will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares. All costs, expenses and fees
incurred in connection with the registration of these shares are being borne by
us, but all selling and other expenses incurred by the holders will be borne by
such holders.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

     We issued the notes under an indenture, dated as of February 14, 2000,
between us and State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., as
trustee. The following description is a summary of the material provisions of
the indenture, the notes and the registration rights agreement. It does not
purport to be complete. This summary is subject to and is qualified by
reference to all the provisions of the indenture, including the definitions of
certain terms used in the indenture, the notes and the registration rights
agreement.  Wherever particular provisions or defined terms of the indenture,
note or registration rights agreement are referred to herein, these provisions
or defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus by reference. We urge you
to read the indenture, the notes and the registration rights agreement in their
entirety because they, and not this description, define your rights as holders
of these notes. You may request a copy of these documents at our address listed
under the caption "Incorporation by Reference."

     As used in this "Description of Notes" section, references to "Semtech,"
"we," "our" or "us" refer solely to Semtech Corporation and not our
subsidiaries.

General

     The notes are general unsecured obligations of Semtech. Our payment
obligations under the notes are subordinated to our senior indebtedness as
described under "--Subordination of Notes." The notes are convertible into
common stock as described under "--Conversion of Notes." We issued the notes
in the aggregate principal amount $400,000,000. The notes were issued only in
denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000. The notes will mature on
February 1, 2007 unless earlier converted, redeemed at our option or redeemed at
your option upon a fundamental change.

     We are not subject to any financial covenants under the indenture. In
addition, we are not restricted under the indenture from paying dividends,
incurring debt, including senior indebtedness, or issuing or repurchasing our
securities.

     You are not afforded protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction or a change in control of Semtech under the indenture except to the
extent described below under "--Redemption at Option of the Holder.

     We will pay interest on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning
August 1, 2000, to record holders at the close of business on the preceding
January 15 and July 15, as the case may be, except:

     .  interest payable upon redemption will be paid to the person to whom
        principal is payable, unless the redemption date is an interest payment
        date; and

     .  as set forth in the next sentence.

     In case you convert your note into common stock during the period after any
record date but prior to the next interest payment date either:

     .  we will not be required to pay interest on the interest payment date if
        the note has been called for redemption on a redemption date that occurs
        during this period; or

     .  we will not be required to pay interest on the interest payment date if
        the note is to be redeemed in connection with a fundamental change on a
        repurchase date that occurs during this period; or

     .  if otherwise, any note not called for redemption that is submitted for
        conversion during this period must also be accompanied by an amount
        equal to the interest due on the interest payment date on the converted
        principal amount, unless at the time of conversion there is a default in
        the payment of interest the notes. See "--Conversion of Notes."

     We will maintain an office in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New
York, for the payment of interest, which shall initially be an office or agency
of the trustee.

                                       11
<PAGE>

     We may pay interest either:

     .  by check mailed to your address as it appears in the note register,
        provided that if you are a holder with an aggregate principal amount in
        excess of $2.0 million, you shall be paid, at your written election, by
        wire transfer in immediately available funds; or

     .  by transfer to an account maintained by you in the United States.

     However, payments to The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York,
which we refer to as DTC, will be made by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to the account of DTC or its nominee. Interest will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.

Form, Denomination and Registration

     The notes will be issued:

     .  in fully registered form;

     .  without interest coupons; and

     .  in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and integral multiples of
        $1,000.

     Global Note, Book-Entry Form

     We issued the notes to  "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in
Rule 144A under the Securities Act, whom we refer to as QIBs, in the form of one
or more global notes except as described under "--Certificated Notes" below.
The global notes were deposited with, or on behalf of, the clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act that is designated for the notes and
registered in the name of the depository or its nominee.  DTC is the initial
depository and we registered the global notes in the name of Cede & Co. as DTC's
nominee.  Except as set forth below, a global note may be transferred, in whole
or in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its
nominee.

     QIBs may hold their interests in a global note directly through DTC if such
holder is a participant in DTC, or indirectly through organizations which are
participants in DTC (called "participants").  Transfers between participants
will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be
settled in clearing house funds.  The laws of some states require that certain
persons take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. As a result,
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global note to such persons
may be limited.

     QIBs who are not participants may beneficially own interests in a global
note held by DTC only through participants, or certain banks, brokers, dealers,
trust companies and other parties that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly (called
"indirect participants").  So long as Cede & Co., as the nominee of DTC, is
the registered owner of a global note, Cede & Co. for all purposes will be
considered the sole holder of such global note.  Except as provided below,
owners of beneficial interests in a global note will:

     .  not be entitled to have certificates registered in their names;

     .  not receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive registered
        form; and

     .  not be considered holders of the global note.

     We will pay interest on and the redemption price of a global note to Cede &
Co., as the registered owner of the global note, by wire transfer of immediately
available funds on each interest payment date or the redemption or repurchase
date, as the case may be.  Neither we, the trustee nor any paying agent will be
responsible or liable:

                                       12
<PAGE>

     .  for the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial
        ownership interests in a global note; or

     .  for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the
        beneficial ownership interests.

     We have been informed that DTC's practice is to credit participants'
accounts on that payment date with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount represented by a global
note as shown in the records of DTC, unless DTC has reason to believe that it
will not receive payment on that payment date.  Payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in the principal amount represented by a global
note held through participants will be the responsibility of the participants,
as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered
in "street name."

     Because DTC can only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on
behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person having a beneficial
interest in the principal amount represented by the global note to pledge such
interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or
otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack
of a physical certificate evidencing its interest.

     Neither Semtech, the trustee, registrar, paying agent nor conversion agent
will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants or
indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and
procedures governing their operations.  DTC has advised us that it will take any
action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes, including the presentation of
notes for exchange, only at the direction of one or more participants to whose
account with DTC interests in the global note are credited, and only in respect
of the principal amount of the notes represented by the global note as to which
the participant or participants has or have given such direction.

     DTC has advised us that it is:

     .  a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of
        New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System;

     .  a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial
        Code; and

     .  a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A
        of the Exchange Act.

     DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate
the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants
through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants.
Participants include securities brokers, dealers, banks, trust companies and
clearing corporations and other organizations.  Some of the participants or
their representatives, together with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to
the DTC system is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
participant, either directly or indirectly.

     DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of
interests in a global note among participants.  However, DTC is under no
obligation to perform or continue to perform these procedures, and may
discontinue these procedures at any time.  If DTC is at any time unwilling or
unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by
us within 90 days, we will issue notes in certificated form in exchange for
global notes.

     Certificated Notes

     Notes sold to investors that are institutional accredited investors will be
issued in certificated form. In addition, QIBs may request that certificated
notes be issued in exchange for notes represented by a global note.

Conversion of Notes

     You may convert your note, in whole or in part, into common stock through
the final maturity date of the notes, subject to prior redemption of the notes.
If we call notes for redemption, you may convert the notes only until the close
of business on the business day prior to the redemption date unless we fail to
pay the redemption price. If

                                       13
<PAGE>

you have submitted your notes for redemption upon a fundamental change, you may
convert your notes only if you withdraw your redemption election. You may
convert your notes in part so long as this part is $1,000 principal amount or an
integral multiple of $1,000. If any notes not called for redemption are
converted after a record date for any interest payment date and prior to the
next interest payment date, the notes must be accompanied by an amount equal to
the interest payable on the interest payment date on the converted principal
amount unless a default exists at the time of conversion.

     The initial conversion price for the notes is $84.46 per share of common
stock, subject to adjustment as described below. We will not issue fractional
shares of common stock upon conversion of notes. Instead, we will pay cash equal
to the market price of the common stock on the business day prior to the
conversion date. Except as described below, you will not receive any accrued
interest or dividends upon conversion.

     To convert your note into common stock you must:

     .  complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of the note
        or facsimile of the conversion notice and deliver this notice to the
        conversion agent;

     .  surrender the note to the conversion agent;

     .  if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents;

     .  if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes; and

     .  if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next interest
        payment date.

     The date you comply with these requirements is the conversion date under
the indenture.

     We will adjust the conversion price if the following events occur:

     (1)  we issue common stock as a dividend or distribution on our common
          stock;

     (2)  we issue to all holders of common stock certain rights or warrants to
          purchase our common stock;

     (3)  we subdivide or combine our common stock;

     (4)  we distribute to all common stock holders capital stock, evidences of
          indebtedness or assets, including securities but excluding:

          .  rights or warrants listed in (2) above;

          .  dividends or distributions listed in (1) above; and

          .  cash distributions listed in (5) below;

     (5)  We distribute cash, excluding any quarterly cash dividend on our
          common stock to the extent that the aggregate cash dividend per share
          of common stock in any quarter does not exceed the greater of:

          .  the amount per share of common stock of the next preceding
             quarterly cash dividend on the common stock to the extent that the
             preceding quarterly dividend did not require an adjustment of the
             conversion price pursuant to this clause (5), as adjusted to
             reflect subdivisions or combinations of the common stock, and

          .  3.75% of the average of the last reported sale price of the common
             stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to the
             declaration date of the dividend, and excluding any

                                       14
<PAGE>

             dividend or distribution in connection with the liquidation,
             dissolution or winding up of Semtech.

If an adjustment is required to be made under this clause (5) as a result of a
distribution that is a quarterly dividend, the adjustment would be based upon
the amount by which the distribution exceeds the amount of the quarterly cash
dividend permitted to be excluded pursuant to this clause (5). If an adjustment
is required to be made under this clause (5) as a result of a distribution that
is not a quarterly dividend, the adjustment would be based upon the full amount
of the distribution.

     (6)  we or one of our subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender
          offer or exchange offer for our common stock to the extent that the
          cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per
          share of common stock exceeds the current market price per share of
          common stock on the trading day next succeeding the last date on which
          tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange
          offer; and

     (7)  someone other than us or one of our subsidiaries makes a payment in
          respect of a tender offer or exchange offer in which, as of the
          closing date of the offer, our board of directors is not recommending
          rejection of the offer. The adjustment referred to in this clause (7)
          will only be made if:

          .  the tender offer or exchange offer is for an amount that increases
             the offeror's ownership of common stock to more than 25% of the
             total shares of common stock outstanding; and

          .  the cash and value of any other consideration included in the
             payment per share of common stock exceeds the current market price
             per share of common stock on the business day next succeeding the
             last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to the
             tender or exchange offer.

However, the adjustment referred to in this clause (7) will generally not be
made if as of the closing of the offer, the offering documents disclose a plan
or an intention to cause us to engage in a consolidation or merger of Semtech or
a sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

     Under our rights plan, upon conversion of the notes into common stock, to
the extent that the rights plan is still in effect upon conversion, you will
receive, in addition to the common stock, the rights under the rights plan
whether or not the rights have separated from the common stock at the time of
conversion, subject to certain limited exceptions.

     In the event of:

     .  any reclassification of our common stock;

     .  a consolidation, merger or combination involving Semtech; or

     .  a sale or conveyance to another person of the property and assets of
        Semtech as an entirety or substantially as an entirety,

in which holders of common stock would be entitled to receive stock, other
securities, other property, assets or cash for their common stock, holders of
notes will generally be entitled thereafter to convert their notes into the same
type of consideration received by common holders immediately prior to one of
these types of events.

     You may in certain situations be deemed to have received a distribution
subject to United States federal income tax as a dividend in the event of any
taxable distribution to holders of common stock or in certain other situations
requiring a conversion price adjustment. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."

     We may from time to time reduce the conversion price for a period of at
least 20 days if our board of directors has made a determination that this
reduction would be in our best interests. Any such determination by our

                                       15
<PAGE>

board will be conclusive. We would give holders at least 15 days' notice of any
reduction in the conversion price. In addition, we may reduce the conversion
price if our board of directors deems it advisable to avoid or diminish any
income tax to holders of common stock resulting from any stock or rights
distribution. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."

     We will not be required to make an adjustment in the conversion price
unless the adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the conversion
price.  However, we will carry forward any adjustments that are less than one
percent of the conversion price. Except as described above in this section, we
will not adjust the conversion price for any issuance of our common stock or
convertible or exchangeable securities or rights to purchase our common stock or
convertible or exchangeable securities.

Optional Redemption By Semtech

     The notes are not entitled to any sinking fund. At any time on or after
February 6, 2003, we may redeem the notes in whole or in part at the following
prices expressed as a percentage of the principal amount.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Period                                                                                    Redemption Price
- ------                                                                                   -----------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Beginning on February 6, 2003 and ending on January 31, 2004.........................        102.571%
Beginning on February 1, 2004 and ending on January 31, 2005.........................        101.929%
Beginning on February 1, 2005 and ending on January 31, 2006.........................        101.286%
Beginning on February 1, 2006 and ending on January 31, 2007.........................        100.643%

</TABLE>

and 100% at February 1, 2007. In each case, we will pay interest to, but
excluding, the redemption date. If the redemption date is an interest payment
date, interest shall be paid to the record holder on the relevant record date.
We are required to give notice of redemption by mail to holders not more than 60
but not less than 30 days prior to the redemption date.

     If less than all of the outstanding notes are to be redeemed, the trustee
shall select the notes to be redeemed in principal amounts of $1,000 or integral
multiples of $1,000 by lot, pro rata or by another method the trustee considers
fair and appropriate. If a portion of your notes is selected for partial
redemption and you convert a portion of your notes, the converted portion shall
be deemed to be of the portion selected for redemption.

     We may not redeem the notes if we have failed to pay any interest or
premium on the notes and such failure to pay is continuing. We will issue a
press release if we redeem the notes.

Redemption at Option of the Holder

     If a fundamental change occurs prior to February 15, 2007, you may require
us to redeem your notes, in whole or in part, on a repurchase date that is 30
days after the date of our notice of the fundamental change. The notes will be
redeemable in multiples of $1,000 principal amount.

     We shall redeem the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount
to be redeemed, plus accrued interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. If
the repurchase date is an interest payment date, we will pay interest to the
record holder on the relevant record date.

     We will mail to all record holders a notice of the fundamental change
within 10 days after the occurrence of the fundamental change. We are also
required to deliver to the trustee a copy of the fundamental change notice. If
you elect to redeem your notes, you must deliver to us or our designated agent,
on or before the 30th day after the date of our fundamental change notice, your
redemption notice and any notes to be redeemed, duly endorsed for transfer. We
will promptly pay the redemption price for notes surrendered for redemption
following the repurchase date.

     A "fundamental change" is any transaction or event in connection with
which all or substantially all of our common stock shall be exchanged for,
converted into, acquired for or constitute solely the right to receive,
consideration, whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation, tender offer,
consolidation, merger, combination,

                                       16
<PAGE>

reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise, which is not all or
substantially all common stock listed on, or that will be listed on or
immediately after the transaction or event on:

     .  a United States national securities exchange, or

     .  approved for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market or any similar
        United States system of automated dissemination of quotations of
        securities prices.

     We will comply with any applicable provisions of Rule 13e-4 and any other
tender offer rules under the Exchange Act in the event of a fundamental change.

     These fundamental change redemption rights could discourage a potential
acquiror of Semtech. However, this fundamental change redemption feature is not
the result of management's knowledge of any specific effort to obtain control of
Semtech by means of a merger, tender offer or solicitation, or part of a plan by
management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions. The term "fundamental
change" is limited to certain specified transactions and may not include other
events that might adversely affect our financial condition. Our obligation to
offer to redeem the notes upon a fundamental change would not necessarily afford
you protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization,
merger or similar transaction involving Semtech.

     We may be unable to redeem the notes in the event of a fundamental change.
If a fundamental change were to occur, we may not have enough funds to pay the
redemption price for all tendered notes. In addition, in certain situations, a
fundamental change could result in an event of default under our existing credit
facility. Our existing credit facility also prohibits redemptions of the notes.
Any future credit agreements or other agreements relating to our indebtedness
may contain similar provisions, or expressly prohibit the repurchase of the
notes upon a fundamental change or may provide that a fundamental change
constitutes an event of default under that agreement. If a fundamental change
occurs at a time when we are prohibited from purchasing or redeeming notes, we
could seek the consent of our lenders to redeem the notes or could attempt to
refinance this debt. If we do not obtain a consent, we could not purchase or
redeem the notes. Our failure to redeem tendered notes would constitute an event
of default under the indenture, which might constitute a default under the terms
of our other indebtedness. In these circumstances, or if a fundamental change
would constitute an event of default under our senior indebtedness, the
subordination provisions of the indenture would restrict payments to the holders
of notes.

Subordination of Notes

     Payment on the notes will, to the extent provided in the indenture, be
subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our
senior indebtedness. The notes also are effectively subordinated to all debt and
other liabilities, including trade payables and lease obligations, if any, of
our subsidiaries.

     Upon any distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding up,
liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of, or premium, if
any, interest, and liquidated damages, if any, on the notes will be subordinated
in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash or other payment
satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness of all senior indebtedness.
In the event of any acceleration of the notes because of an event of default,
the holders of any outstanding senior indebtedness would be entitled to payment
in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders of senior
indebtedness of all senior indebtedness obligations before the holders of the
notes are entitled to receive any payment or distribution. We are required under
the indenture to promptly notify holders of senior indebtedness, if payment of
the notes is accelerated because of an event of default.

     We may not make any payment on the notes if:

     .  a default in the payment of designated senior indebtedness occurs and is
        continuing beyond any applicable period of grace (called a "payment
        default"); or

     .  a default other than a payment default on any designated senior
        indebtedness occurs and is continuing that permits holders of designated
        senior indebtedness to accelerate its maturity, or in the case of a
        lease, a default occurs and is continuing that permits the lessor to
        either terminate the lease or require us to make an irrevocable offer to
        terminate the lease following an event of default under the lease, and

                                       17
<PAGE>

        the trustee receives a notice of such default (called a "payment
        blockage notice") from us or any other person permitted to give such
        notice under the indenture (called a "non-payment default").

     We may resume payments and distributions on the notes:

     .  in case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is
        cured or waived or ceases to exist; and

     .  in case of a non-payment default, the earlier of the date on which such
        nonpayment default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or 179 days
        after the date on which the payment blockage notice is received, if the
        maturity of the designated senior indebtedness has not been accelerated,
        or in the case of any lease, 179 days after notice is received if we
        have not received notice that the lessor under such lease has exercised
        its right to terminate the lease or require us to make an irrevocable
        offer to terminate the lease following an event of default under the
        lease.

No new period of payment blockage may be commenced pursuant to a payment
blockage notice unless 365 days have elapsed since the initial effectiveness of
the immediately prior payment blockage notice. No non-payment default that
existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage notice
shall be the basis for any later payment blockage notice.

     If the trustee or any holder of the notes receives any payment or
distribution of our assets in contravention of the subordination provisions on
the notes before all senior indebtedness is paid in full in cash or other
payment satisfactory to holders of senior indebtedness, then such payment or
distribution will be held in trust for the benefit of holders of senior
indebtedness or their representatives to the extent necessary to make payment in
full in cash or payment satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness of
all unpaid senior indebtedness.

     In the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of
senior indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the notes may
receive less, ratably, than our other creditors. This subordination will not
prevent the occurrence of any event of default under the indenture.

     The notes are exclusively obligations of Semtech. A substantial portion of
our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. As a result, our cash
flow and our ability to service our debt, including the notes, is dependent upon
the earnings of our subsidiaries. In addition, we are dependent on the
distribution of earnings, loans or other payments from our subsidiaries. In
addition, any payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances by our
subsidiaries to us could be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions.
Payments to us by our subsidiaries will also be contingent upon our
subsidiaries' earnings and business considerations.

     Our right to receive any assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their
liquidation or reorganization, and therefore the right of the holders to
participate in those assets, will be effectively subordinated to the claims of
that subsidiary's creditors, including trade creditors. In addition, even if we
were a creditor to any of our subsidiaries, our rights as a creditor would be
subordinate to any security interest in the assets of our subsidiaries and any
indebtedness of our subsidiaries senior to that held by us.

     As of January 30, 2000, we had no senior indebtedness outstanding and our
subsidiaries had $12.7 million of other liabilities outstanding. Neither we or
our subsidiaries are prohibited from incurring debt, including senior
indebtedness, under the indenture. We may from time to time incur additional
debt, including senior indebtedness. Our subsidiaries may also from time to time
incur other additional debt and liabilities.

     We are obligated to pay reasonable compensation to the trustee and to
indemnify the trustee against certain losses, liabilities or expenses incurred
by the trustee in connection with its duties relating to the notes. The
trustee's claims for these payments will generally be senior to those of
noteholders in respect of all funds collected or held by the trustee.

Certain Definitions

     "credit agreement" means the WCMA Reducing Revolver Loan and Security
Agreement, dated as of October 8, 1998, between Semtech and Merrill Lynch
Business Financial Services Inc.

                                       18
<PAGE>

      "designated senior indebtedness" shall mean senior indebtedness under the
credit agreement and our obligations under any other particular senior
indebtedness that expressly provides that such senior indebtedness shall be
"designated senior indebtedness" for purposes of the indenture, subject to the
following limitations:

      .  the instrument or agreement may place limitations and conditions on the
         right of senior indebtedness to exercise the rights of designated
         senior indebtedness; and

      .  while the credit agreement shall be outstanding, designated senior
         indebtedness shall not include any senior indebtedness other than
         senior indebtedness incurred in connection with the credit agreement
         and senior indebtedness incurred in connection with the indebtedness
         described in clauses (3) and (4) of the definition of indebtedness.

      "indebtedness" means:

          (1) all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities for borrowed
     money, including overdrafts, foreign exchange contracts, currency exchange
     agreements, interest rate protection agreements, and any loans or advances
     from banks, or evidence by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments,
     other than any account payable or other accrued current liability or
     obligation incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with
     the obtaining of materials or services;

          (2) obligations with respect to letters of credit, bank guarantees or
     bankers' acceptances;

          (3) obligations in respect of leases required in conformity with
     generally accepted accounting principles to be accounted for as capitalized
     lease obligations on our balance sheet;

          (4) all obligations and other liabilities under any lease or related
     document in connection with the lease of real property which provides that
     we are contractually obligated to purchase or cause a third party to
     purchase the leased property and thereby guarantee a minimum residual value
     of the leased property to the lessor and our obligations under the lease or
     related document to purchase or to cause a third party to purchase the
     leased property;

          (5) all obligations with respect to an interest rate or other swap,
     cap or collar agreement or foreign currency hedge, exchange or purchase
     agreement;

          (6) all direct or indirect guaranties, our obligations or liabilities
     to purchase, acquire or otherwise assure a creditor against loss in respect
     of, indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of others of the type
     described in (1) through (5) above;

          (7) any obligations described in (1) through (5) above secured by any
     mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance existing on property which is
     owned or held by us; and

          (8) any deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of, and
     amendment or modifications to (1) through (7) above.

     "senior indebtedness" means the principal, premium, if any, interest,
including any interest accruing after bankruptcy and rent or termination payment
on or other amounts due on our current or future indebtedness, whether created,
incurred, assumed, guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by us, including any
deferrals, renewals, extensions, refundings, amendments, modifications or
supplements to the above. However, senior indebtedness does not include:

     .  indebtedness that expressly provides that it shall not be senior in
        right of payment to the notes or expressly provides that it is on the
        same basis or junior to the notes;

     .  our indebtedness to any of our majority-owned subsidiaries; and

     .  the notes.

                                       19
<PAGE>

Events of Default; Notice and Waiver

     The following will be events of default under the indenture:

     .  we fail to pay principal or premium, if any, upon redemption or
        otherwise on the notes, whether or not the payment is prohibited by
        subordination provisions;

     .  we fail to pay any interest and liquidated damages, if any, on the
        notes, whether or not the payment is prohibited by subordination
        provisions of the indenture;

     .  we fail to perform or observe any of the covenants in the indenture for
        60 days after notice; or

     .  certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of
        Semtech.

     The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the notes of any default,
except defaults in payment of principal, premium, interest or liquidated
damages, if any, on the notes. However, the trustee must consider it to be in
the interest of the holders of the notes to withhold this notice.

     If an event of default occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of
at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes may declare the
principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest and liquidated damages, if any,
on the outstanding notes to be immediately due and payable. In case of certain
events of bankruptcy or insolvency involving Semtech, the principal, premium, if
any, and accrued interest and liquidated damages, if any, on the notes will
automatically become due and payable. However, if we cure all defaults, except
the nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, interest or liquidated damages, if
any, that became due as a result of the acceleration, and meet certain other
conditions, with certain exceptions, this declaration may be cancelled and the
holder of a majority of the principal amount of outstanding notes may waive
these past defaults. Payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the
notes that are not made when due will accrue interest at the annual rate of 4
1/2% from the required payment date.

     The holders of a majority of outstanding notes will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of any proceedings for any remedy available to
the trustee, subject to limitations specified in the indenture.

     No holder of the notes may pursue any remedy under the indenture, except in
the case of a default in the payment of principal, premium or interest on the
notes, unless:

     .  the holder has given the trustee written notice of an event of default;

     .  the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding notes
        make a written request, and offer reasonable indemnity, to the trustee
        to pursue the remedy;

     .  the trustee does not receive an inconsistent direction from the holders
        of a majority in principal amount of the notes; and

     .  the trustee fails to comply with the request within 60 days after
        receipt.

Modification of the Indenture

     The consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding notes is required to modify or amend the indenture. However, a
modification or amendment requires the consent of the holder of each outstanding
note if it would:

     .  extend the fixed maturity of any note;

     .  reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest of any note;

     .  reduce the principal amount or premium of any note;

                                       20
<PAGE>

     .  reduce any amount payable upon redemption of any note;

     .  adversely change our obligation to redeem any note upon a fundamental
        change;

     .  impair the right of a holder to institute suit for payment on any note;

     .  change the currency in which any note is payable;

     .  impair the right of a holder to convert any note;

     .  adversely modify the subordination provisions of the indenture; or

     .  reduce the percentage of notes required for consent to any modification
        of the indenture.

We are permitted to modify certain provisions of the indenture without the
consent of the holders of the notes.

Registration Rights

     We have entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial
purchaser of the notes.  Under this agreement, we must use reasonable efforts to
keep the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part
effective after its effective date until the earlier of:

     .  all of the registrable securities have been sold pursuant to the shelf
        registration statement; or

     .  the expiration of the holding period under Rule 144(k) under the
        Securities Act, or any successor provision, subject to certain permitted
        exceptions.

     When we use the term "registrable securities" in this section, we are
referring to the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the
notes until the earliest of:

     .  the effective registration under the Securities Act and the resale of
        the securities in accordance with the registration statement;

     .  the expiration of the holding period under Rule 144(k); and

     .  the sale to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or
        any similar provision then in force, but not Rule 144A.

     We may suspend the use of the prospectus under certain circumstances
relating to pending corporate developments, public filings with the SEC and
similar events. Any suspension period shall not:

     .  exceed 30 days in any three-month period; or

     .  an aggregate of 90 days for all periods in any 12-month period.

However, we will be permitted to suspend the use of the prospectus not to exceed
60 days in any 3-month period under certain circumstances, relating to possible
acquisitions, financings or similar transactions.

     We will pay predetermined liquidated damages:

     .  on the notes at an annual rate equal to 0.5% of the principal amount of
        the notes outstanding; and

     .  on the common stock that has been converted, at an annual rate equal to
        0.5% of the conversion price;

                                       21
<PAGE>

if the shelf registration statement is not timely filed or made effective or if
the prospectus is unavailable for periods in excess of those permitted above.

     A holder who elects to sell registrable securities pursuant to the shelf
registration statement will be required to:

     .  be named as a selling stockholder in the related prospectus;

     .  deliver a prospectus to purchasers; and

     .  be subject to the provisions of the registration rights agreement,
        including indemnification provisions.

     Under the registration rights agreement we will:

     .  pay all expenses of the shelf registration statement;

     .  provide each registered holder copies of the prospectus;

     .  notify holders when the shelf registration statement has become
        effective; and

     .  take other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the
        registrable securities.

     If, after the shelf registration statement has been declared effective, we
fail to keep the shelf registration statement effective or usable in accordance
with and during the periods specified in the registration rights agreement, then
the interest rate on the notes during the Damages Accrual Period will increase
by 0.5% per annum.  This requirement is subject to exceptions described in the
registration rights agreement, including our right to suspend the use of the
shelf registration statement for up to 60 days.

Rule 144A Information Request

     We will furnish to the holders or beneficial holders of the notes or the
underlying common stock and prospective purchasers, upon their request, the
information required under Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act until such
time as such securities are no longer "restricted securities" within the
meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, assuming these securities have not
been owned by an affiliate of Semtech.

Information Concerning The Trustee

     We have appointed State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A.,
the trustee under the indenture, as paying agent, conversion agent, note
registrar and custodian for the notes. The trustee or its affiliates may provide
banking and other services to us in the ordinary course of their business.

     The indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the trustee, as
long as it or any of its affiliates remains our creditor, to obtain payment of
claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received on any claim
as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates will be permitted to
engage in other transactions with us. However, if the trustee or any affiliate
continues to have any conflicting interest and a default occurs with respect to
the notes, the trustee must eliminate such conflict or resign.

                                       22
<PAGE>

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common
stock, $.01 par value, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value.
As of April 24, 2000, there were 32,601,901 shares of common stock issued and
outstanding, and an additional 2,531,592 shares were reserved for future
issuance upon exercise of stock options granted or available for grant under our
existing stock option plans and agreements.  As of that date, no shares of
preferred stock were outstanding.

Common Stock

     The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted upon by the stockholders.  Subject to preferences applicable
to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to
receive ratably such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board
of directors out of funds legally available for distribution and in the event of
liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Semtech, the holders of common stock
are entitled to share in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities.  Our
common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights and is not subject to
further calls or assessments by us.  There are no redemption or sinking fund
provisions applicable to the common stock. The common stock currently
outstanding is validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

     Our board of directors has the authority to issue the preferred stock in
one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences and privileges, including
dividend rights, conversion rights, liquidation rights, voting rights, and the
number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series of
preferred stock, without any further vote or action by the stockholders. As of
May 8, 2000, there were no outstanding or designated shares of preferred stock
or options to purchase preferred stock other than the designated series under
the Rights Agreement described below. Although it has no present intention to do
so, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue preferred
stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the voting
power of the holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock may have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of Semtech.

Rights Agreement

     Effective June 11, 1998, our board of directors approved a Stockholder
Protection Agreement and declared a dividend distribution payable July 31, 1998
of one "Right" for each share of our common stock outstanding on July 31, 1998
and each share of our common stock issued thereafter (subject to certain
limitations). The Stockholder Protection Agreement as approved by the board of
directors was entered into with ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, as rights
agent, on June 25, 1998.

     Currently, the Rights trade with shares of our common stock. When the
Rights become exercisable, each Right will entitle the holder to buy that number
of units equaling one one-hundredth of a share of Series X Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, that equals the exercise price of $100 divided
by 50% of the market price per share of our common stock. The Rights will become
exercisable and will trade separately from the common stock (unless postponed by
action of our board of directors) on the earlier of (i) 10 business days
following a public announcement or resolution of our board of directors
recognizing that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has
acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 25% or more
of the outstanding shares of common stock, or (ii) 10 business days following
the commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender or exchange
offer for our common stock, the consummation of which would result in the
beneficial ownership by a person or group of affiliated or associated persons of
25% or more of our outstanding common stock.

     In general, if any person or group acquires 25% or more of our common stock
without approval of our board of directors, each Right not held by the acquiring
person will entitle its holder to receive upon exercise and payment of the
exercise price that number of units of the Series X Junior Participating
Preferred Stock which equals the result obtained by dividing the exercise price
by 50% of the market price per share of our common stock. If, after any person
or group acquires 25% or more of our common stock without the approval of our
board of directors, we are acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction, each Right not held by the acquiring person

                                       23
<PAGE>

would entitle its holder to receive, upon exercise, either that number of shares
of our common stock, if we are the surviving corporation of the merger or
consolidation, or of common stock in the surviving acquiring company (or, in the
event there is more than one acquiring company, the acquiring company receiving
the greatest portion of the assets or earning power transferred), which at the
time of such transaction would have a market value of two times the exercise
price of the right.

     At any time prior to the earlier to occur of (i) the Rights becoming
exercisable, or (ii) the expiration of the Rights, we may redeem the Rights in
whole, but not in part, at a price of $.001 per Right. Immediately upon the
action of our board of directors ordering redemption of the Rights, the right to
exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of Rights holders will be
to receive $.001 per Right. Additionally, the exercise price, number of Rights,
and the number of shares of Series X Junior Participating Preferred or common
stock that may be acquired for the exercise price are subject to adjustment from
time to time to prevent dilution. The Rights expire on July 30, 2008, unless
previously exchanged or redeemed as described above, or terminated in connection
with the acquisition of our company by consolidation or merger approved by the
board of directors and satisfying certain conditions.

     The terms of the rights may be amended at any time by our board of
directors without the consent of rights holders in order to cure any ambiguity
or to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision and may,
prior to the time the Rights become exercisable, be amended by our board of
directors without the consent of rights holders to change or supplement any
provision in any respect and in any manner that our board of directors may deem
necessary or desirable. After the Rights become exercisable, the terms of the
Rights may be amended (other than to cure ambiguities or to correct or
supplement defective or inconsistent provisions) only so long as the amendment
does not adversely affect the interests of rights holders (other than the
acquiring person).

     The Rights are designed to protect and maximize the value of our
outstanding equity interests, in the event of an unsolicited attempt by an
acquiror to take us over in a manner or on terms not approved by our board of
directors. Takeover attempts frequently include coercive tactics to deprive a
corporation's board of directors and its holders of any real opportunity to
determine the destiny of the corporation. The Rights have been declared by the
board of directors in order to deter such tactics, including a gradual
accumulation of shares in the open market of a 25% or greater position to be
followed by a merger or a partial or two-tier tender offer that does not treat
all holders equally.

     The Rights are not intended to prevent a takeover of our company.
Nevertheless, the Rights may have the effect of rendering more difficult or
discouraging an acquisition of our company deemed undesirable by the board of
directors. The Rights may cause substantial dilution to a person or group that
attempts to acquire us on terms or in a manner not approved by our board of
directors, except pursuant to an offer conditioned upon the negation, purchase
or redemption of the rights.

     The description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Stockholder Protection Agreement, dated as of June 25, 1998.

Delaware Takeover Statute

     We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, which prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from
engaging in any "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for
three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested
stockholder, unless:

     .  prior to such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved
        either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the
        stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

     .  upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder
        becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at
        least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time
        the transaction commenced, excluding, for purposes of determining the
        number of shares outstanding, those shares owned (a) by persons who are
        directors and also officers and (b) by employee stock plans in which
        employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially
        whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or
        exchange offer; or

                                       24
<PAGE>

     .  on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is approved by
        the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
        stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at
        least 662/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested
        stockholder.

     Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset or stock
sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the stockholders.
An "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns (or within three years prior did own) 15% or more of the
corporation's voting stock.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

     The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, 400 South Hope Street, Fourth Floor, Los Angeles,
California 90071.

                                       25
<PAGE>

                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax
considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes
and common stock into which notes may be converted, but does not purport to be a
complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This
summary is based on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all
of which are subject to change or differing interpretation possibly with
retroactive effect. Except as specifically discussed below with regard to Non-
U.S. Holders (as defined below), this summary applies only to beneficial owners
that will hold notes and common stock into which notes may be converted as
"capital assets" (within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) and who, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, are (i) individual citizens or residents of the U.S., (ii)
corporations, partnerships or other entities created or organized in or under
the laws of the U.S. or of any political subdivision thereof (unless, in the
case of a partnership, Treasury Regulations otherwise provide), (iii) estates,
the incomes of which are subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of
the source of such income or (iv) trusts subject to the primary supervision of a
U.S. court and the control of one or more U.S. persons ("U.S. Holders").
Persons other than U.S. Holders ("Non-U.S. Holders") are subject to special
U.S. federal income tax considerations, some of which are discussed below. This
discussion does not address tax considerations applicable to an investor's
particular circumstances or to investors that may be subject to special tax
rules such as banks, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt
organizations, insurance companies, foreign persons or entities (except to the
extent specifically set forth below), dealers in securities or currencies,
persons that will hold notes as a position in a hedging transaction,
"straddle" or "conversion transaction" for tax purposes or persons deemed to
sell notes or common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code.
This summary discusses the tax considerations applicable to selling holders of
the notes who purchase the notes at their "issue price" as defined in Section
1273 of the Code and does not discuss the tax considerations applicable to
subsequent purchasers of the notes. Semtech has not sought any ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or an opinion of counsel with respect to
the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and
there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and
conclusions. In addition, the IRS is not precluded from successfully adopting a
contrary position. This summary does not consider the effect of the federal
estate or gift tax laws or the tax laws (except as set forth below with respect
to Non-U.S. Holders) of any applicable foreign, state, local or other
jurisdiction.

     INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX
ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX
LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING
UNDER THE FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL
OR FOREIGN TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

U.S. Holders

     Taxation of Interest

     Interest paid on the notes will be included in the income of a U.S. Holder
as ordinary income at the time it is treated as received or accrued, in
accordance with such holder's regular method of accounting for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Under Treasury Regulations, the possibility of an
additional payment under a note may be disregarded for purposes of determining
the amount of interest or original issue discount income to be recognized by a
holder in respect of such note (or the timing of such recognition) if the
likelihood of the payment, as of the date the notes are issued, is remote.
Failure of Semtech to file or cause to be declared effective a shelf
registration statement as described under "Description of Notes--Registration
Rights of the Noteholders" may result in the payment of predetermined
liquidated damages in the manner described therein. In addition, a holder may
require Semtech to redeem any and all of his notes in the event of a fundamental
change. Semtech believes that the likelihood of a liquidated damages payment
with respect to the notes is remote and does not intend to treat such
possibility as affecting the yield to maturity of any note. Similarly, Semtech
intends to take the position that a "fundamental change" is remote under the
Treasury Regulations, and likewise does not intend to treat the possibility of a
"fundamental change" as affecting the yield to maturity of any note. In the
event either contingency occurs, it would affect the amount and timing of the
income that must be recognized by a U.S. Holder of notes. There can be no
assurance that the IRS will agree with such positions.

                                       26
<PAGE>

     Sale, Exchange or Redemption of the Notes

     Upon the sale, exchange (other than a conversion) or redemption of a note,
a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the
difference between (i) the amount of cash proceeds and the fair market value of
any property received on the sale, exchange or redemption (except to the extent
such amount is attributable to accrued interest income not previously included
in income, which will be taxable as ordinary income, or is attributable to
accrued interest that was previously included in income, which amount may be
received without generating further income) and (ii) such holder's adjusted tax
basis in the note. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in a note generally will
equal the cost of the note to such holder. Such capital gain or loss will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period in the note
is more than one year at the time of sale, exchange or redemption. Long-term
capital gains recognized by certain noncorporate U.S. Holders, including
individuals, will generally be subject to a maximum rate of tax of 20%. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

     Conversion of the Notes

     A U.S. Holder generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss upon
conversion of a note into common stock except with respect to cash received in
lieu of a fractional share of common stock. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in the
common stock received on conversion of a note will be the same as such holder's
adjusted tax basis in the note at the time of conversion (reduced by any basis
allocable to a fractional share interest), and the holding period for the common
stock received on conversion will generally include the holding period of the
note converted. However, a U.S. Holder's tax basis in shares of common stock
considered attributable to accrued interest generally will equal the amount of
such accrued interest included in income, and the holding period for such shares
shall begin on the date of conversion.

     Cash received in lieu of a fractional share of common stock upon conversion
will be treated as a payment in exchange for the fractional share of common
stock. Accordingly, the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of common
stock generally will result in capital gain or loss (measured by the difference
between the cash received for the fractional share and the holder's adjusted tax
basis in the fractional share).

     Dividends

     Distributions, if any, made on the common stock after a conversion
generally will be included in the income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary dividend
income to the extent of Semtech's current or accumulated earnings and profits.
Distributions in excess of Semtech's current and accumulated earnings and
profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the U.S.
Holder's basis in the common stock and thereafter as capital gain.

     Holders of convertible debt instruments such as the notes may, in certain
circumstances, be deemed to have received distributions of stock if the
conversion price of such instruments is adjusted. Adjustments to the conversion
price made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula which has the
effect of preventing the dilution of the interest of the holders of the debt
instruments, however, will generally not be considered to result in a
constructive distribution of stock. Certain of the possible adjustments provided
in the notes (including, without limitation, adjustments in respect of taxable
dividends to holders of Semtech) will not qualify as being pursuant to a bona
fide reasonable adjustment formula. If such adjustments are made, the U.S.
Holders of the notes may be deemed to have received constructive distributions
taxable as dividends to the extent of Semtech's current and accumulated earnings
and profits even though they have not received any cash or property as a result
of such adjustments. In certain circumstances, the failure to provide for such
an adjustment may result in taxable dividend income to the U.S. Holders of
common stock.

     Sale of Common Stock

     Upon the sale or exchange of common stock a U.S. Holder generally will
recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount of
cash and the fair market value of any property received upon the sale or
exchange and (ii) such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock.
Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S.
Holder's holding period in common stock is more than one year at the time of the
sale or exchange. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate
U.S. Holders, including individuals, will generally be subject to a maximum rate
of tax of 20%. A U.S. Holder's basis and holding period in

                                       27
<PAGE>

common stock received upon conversion of a note are determined as discussed
above under "Conversion of the Notes." The deductibility of capital losses is
subject to limitations.

Special Tax Rules Applicable to Non-U.S. Holders

     In general, subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding:

     (a) Payments of principal or interest on the notes by Semtech or any paying
  agent to a beneficial owner of a note that is a Non-U.S. Holder will not be
  subject to U.S. withholding tax, provided that, in the case of interest, (i)
  such Non-U.S. Holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of
  the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of Semtech entitled to
  vote within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3) of the Code, (ii) such Non-U.S.
  Holder is not a "controlled foreign corporation" with respect to which
  Semtech is a "related person" within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) the
  Code, (iii) such Non-U.S. Holder is not a bank receiving interest described in
  Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, and (iv) the certification requirements
  under Section 871(b) or Section 881(c) of the Code and Treasury Regulations
  thereunder (discussed below) are satisfied;

     (b) A Non-U.S. Holder of a note or common stock will not be subject to U.S.
  federal income tax on gains realized on the sale, exchange or other
  disposition of such note or common stock unless (i) such Non-U.S. Holder is an
  individual who is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more in the taxable year
  of sale, exchange or other disposition, and certain conditions are met, (ii)
  such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of
  a trade or business in the U.S. and, if certain U.S. income tax treaties
  apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the
  Non-U.S. Holder, (iii) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to Code provisions
  applicable to certain U.S. expatriates, or (iv) in the case of common stock
  held by a person who holds more than 5% of such stock, Semtech is or has been,
  at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding such sale or
  other disposition or the period such Non-U.S. Holder held the common stock, a
  U.S. real property holding corporation (a "USRPHC") for U.S. federal income
  tax purposes. Semtech does not believe that it is currently a USRPHC or that
  it will become one in the future; and

     (c) Interest on notes not excluded from U.S. withholding tax as described
  in (a) above and dividends on common stock after conversion generally will be
  a subject to U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate, except where an applicable
  tax treaty provides for the reduction or elimination of such withholding tax.

     To satisfy the certification requirements referred to in (a) (iv) above,
Sections 871 (h) and 881 (c) of the Code and currently effective Treasury
Regulations thereunder require that either (i) the beneficial owner of a note
must certify, under penalties of perjury, to Semtech or its paying agent, as the
case may be, that such owner is a Non-U.S. Holder and must-provide such owner's
name and address, and U.S. taxpayer identification number ("TIN"), if any, or
(ii) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution
that holds customer securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business
(a "Financial Institution") and holds the note on behalf of the beneficial
owner thereof must certify, under penalties of perjury, to Semtech or its paying
agent, as the case may be, that such certificate has been received from the
beneficial owner and must furnish the payor with a copy thereof. Such
requirement will be fulfilled if the beneficial owner of a note certifies on IRS
Form W-8 or successor form, under penalties of perjury, that it is a Non-U.S.
Holder and provides its name and address or any Financial Institution holding
the note on behalf of the beneficial owner files a statement with the
withholding agent to the effect that it has received such a statement from the
beneficial owner (and furnishes the withholding agent with a copy thereof).

     Treasury Regulations effective for payments made after December 31, 2000,
will provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirements
described above and below, subject to certain grandfathering provisions. These
new regulations also require, in the case of notes held by a foreign
partnership, that (i) the certification be provided by the partners rather than
by the foreign partnership and (ii) the partnership provide certain information,
including a TIN. A look-through rule will apply in the case of tiered
partnerships.

     If a Non-U.S. Holder of a note or common stock is engaged in a trade or
business in the U.S. and if interest on the note, dividends on the common stock,
or gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the note or
common stock is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business
(and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment maintained by the Non-U-S. Holder in the U.S.), the Non-

                                       28
<PAGE>

U.S. Holder, although exempt from U.S. withholding tax (provided that the
certification requirements discussed in the next sentence are met), will
generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest, dividends or
gain on a net income basis in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. In
lieu of the certificate described above, such a Non-U.S. Holder will be
required, under currently effective Treasury Regulations, to provide Semtech
with a properly executed IRS Form 4224 or successor form in order to claim an
exemption from withholding tax. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a
foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or
such lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) of its effectively connected
earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

     U.S. Federal Estate Tax

     A note held by an individual who at the time of death is not a citizen or
resident of the U.S. (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes)
will not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if the individual did not
actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of
all classes of stock of Semtech and, at the time of the individual's death,
payments with respect to such note would not have been effectively connected
with the conduct by such individual of a trade or business in the U.S. Common
stock held by an individual who at the time of death is not a citizen or
resident of the U.S. (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes)
will be included in such individual's estate for U.S. federal estate tax
purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty otherwise applies.

     Non-U.S. Holders should consult with their tax advisors regarding U.S. and
foreign tax consequences with respect to the notes and common stock.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

     Backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 31% may apply to
payments pursuant to the terms of a note or common stock to a U.S. Holder that
is not an "exempt recipient" and that fails to provide certain identifying
information (such as the holder's TIN) in the manner required. Generally,
individuals are not exempt recipients, whereas corporations and certain other
entities are exempt recipients. Payments made in respect of a note or common
stock must be reported to the IRS, unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient
or otherwise establishes an exemption.

     In the case of payments of interest on a note to a Non-U.S. Holder,
Treasury Regulations provide that backup withholding and information reporting
will not apply to payments with respect to which either requisite certification
has been received or an exemption has otherwise been established (provided that
neither Semtech nor a paying agent has actual knowledge that the holder is a
U.S. Holder or that the conditions of any other exemption are not in fact
satisfied).

     Dividends on the common stock paid to Non-U.S. Holders that are subject to
U.S. withholding tax, as described above, generally will be exempt from U.S.
backup withholding tax but will be subject to certain information reporting.

     Payments of the proceeds of the sale of a note or common stock to or
through a foreign office of a U.S. Holder or a foreign office of a broker that
is a U.S. related person (either a "controlled foreign corporation" or a
foreign person, 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for the
three-year period ending with the close of its taxable year preceding the
payment was effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within
the U.S.) are currently subject to certain information reporting requirements,
unless the payee is an exempt recipient or such broker has evidence in its
records that the payee is a Non-U.S. Holder and no actual knowledge that such
evidence is false and certain other conditions are met. Temporary Treasury
Regulations indicate that such payments are not currently subject to backup
withholding.

     Under current Treasury Regulations, payments of the proceeds of a sale of a
note or common stock to or through the U.S. office of a broker will be subject
to information reporting and backup withholding unless the payee certifies under
penalties of perjury as to his or her status as a Non-U.S. Holder and satisfies
certain other qualifications (and no agent of the broker who is responsible for
receiving or reviewing such statement has actual knowledge that it is incorrect)
and provides his or her name and address or the payee otherwise establishes an
exemption.

                                       29
<PAGE>

     Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
holder of a note or common stock will be allowed as a refund or credit against
such holder's U.S. federal income tax provided that the required information is
furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

     As noted above, new regulations will generally be applicable to payments
made after December 31, 2000. In general, these new regulations do not
significantly alter the substantive withholding and information reporting
requirements but unify current certification procedures and forms and clarify
reliance standards. Under these new regulations, special rules apply which
permit the shifting of primary responsibility for withholding to certain
financial intermediaries acting on behalf of beneficial owners. A holder of a
note or common stock should consult with its tax advisor regarding the
application of the backup withholding rules to its particular situation, the
availability of an exemption therefrom, the procedure for obtaining such an
exemption, if available, and the impact of these new regulations on payments
made with respect to notes or common stock after December 31, 2000.

     THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. ACCORDINGLY, EACH
PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR U.S.
FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING
OF THE NOTES AND COMMON STOCK OF SEMTECH. TAX ADVISORS SHOULD ALSO BE CONSULTED
AS TO THE U.S. ESTATE AND GIFT TAX CONSEQUENCES AND THE FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES
OF PURCHASING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF THE NOTES AND COMMON STOCK OF SEMTECH,
AS WELL AS THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAWS.

                                       30
<PAGE>

                                SELLING HOLDERS

     The notes were originally issued by us and sold by Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated and Banc of America Securities LLC, as initial purchasers, in a
transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act to
persons reasonably believed by the initial purchasers to be qualified
institutional buyers or other institutional accredited investors.  Selling
holders, including their transferees, pledgees or donees or their successors,
may from time to time offer and sell any or all the notes and commons stock into
which the notes are convertible.

     The selling holders have represented to us that they purchased the notes
and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes for their own account
for investment only and not with a view toward selling or distributing them,
except through sales registered under the Securities Act or exemptions
therefrom.  We agreed with the selling holders to file this registration
statement to register the resale of the notes and the common stock.  We agreed
to prepare and file all necessary amendments and supplements to the registration
statement to keep it effective until the date on which the notes and the common
stock issuable upon their conversion no longer qualify as "registrable
securities" under our registration rights agreement.

     The following table sets forth, as of May 8, 2000, information regarding
the beneficial ownership of the notes and our common stock by the selling
holders.  The information is based on information provided by or on behalf of
the selling holders.

     The selling holders may offer all, some or none of the notes or common
stock into which the notes are convertible.  Thus, we cannot estimate the amount
of the notes or the common stock that will be held by the selling holders upon
termination of any sales.  The column showing ownership after completion of the
offering assumes that the selling holders will sell all of the securities
offered by this prospectus.  In addition, the selling holders identified below
may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of their
notes since the date on which they provided the information about their notes in
transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
None of the selling holders has had any material relationship with us or our
affiliates within the past three years.  This table assumes that other holders
of notes or any future transferee from any such holder do not beneficially own
any common stock other than common stock into which the notes are convertible.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Common Stock
                                                                                                          Beneficially
                                                 Principal Amount        Common Stock                     Owned After
                                                     of Notes            Beneficially        Common       Offering (2)
                                                Beneficially Owned       Owned Before         Stock       -------------
Name and Address                                    and Offered            Offering         Offered(1)    Amount      %
- ----------------                                -------------------    ---------------     ------------   ---------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                             <C>                   <C>                  <C>            <C>        <C>
AIG SoundShore Opportunity Holding
Fund Ltd.....................................       $  2,500,000         10,500               29,600        0         *
 c/o AIG International Management
 Company, Inc.
 1281 East Main Street
 Stamford, CT 06902

AIG SoundShore Strategic Holding
Fund Ltd.....................................       $  2,000,000          5,000               23,680        0         *
 c/o AIG International Management
 Company, Inc.
 1281 East Main Street
 Stamford, CT 06902

Aim Strategic Income Fund....................       $  1,400,000              0               16,576        0         *
 c/o Aim Management Group
 11 Greenway, Suite 100
 Houston, TX 77046

Banc of America Securities LLC...............       $ 11,674,000              0              138,219        0         *
 9 West 57 Street, 40th Floor
 New York, NY 10019

Bank Austria Cayman Island, Ltd..............       $  5,000,000              0               59,200        0         *
 757 Third Avenue
 New York, NY 10017

Bear Stearns & Co., Inc......................       $  4,000,000              0               47,360        0         *
 245 Park Avenue, 13th Floor
 Global Fund Management
 New York, NY 10167
</TABLE>

                                       31
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Common Stock
                                                                                                          Beneficially
                                                 Principal Amount        Common Stock                     Owned After
                                                     of Notes            Beneficially        Common       Offering (2)
                                                Beneficially Owned       Owned Before         Stock       -------------
Name and Address                                    and Offered            Offering         Offered(1)    Amount      %
- ----------------                                -------------------    ---------------     ------------   ---------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                             <C>                   <C>                  <C>            <C>        <C>
Castle Convertible Fund, Inc.................      $    250,000               0               2,960        0          *
 One Work Trade Center
 Suite 93333
 New York, NY 10048

Chrysler Corporation Master Retirement Trust.      $  7,035,000               0              83,294        0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Delta Air Lines Master Trust.................      $  3,205,000               0              37,947        0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Grace Brothers, Ltd..........................      $  1,250,000               0              14,800        0          *
 1560 Sherman Avenue
 Suite 900
 Evanston, IL 60201

Liberty View Funds LP........................      $    500,000               0               5,920        0          *
 101 Hudson Street
 Suite 3700
 Jersey City, NJ 07302

Lipper Convertibles, L.P.....................      $  2,000,000               0              23,680        0          *
 101 Park Avenue, 6th Floor
 New York, NY 10178

Motion Picture Industry Health Plan - Active
Member Fund.................................       $    830,000               0               9,827        0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Motion Picture Industry Health Plan -
Retiree Member Fund.........................       $    415,000               0               4,914        0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

OCM Convertible Limited Partnership..........      $    260,000               0               3,078        0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071
</TABLE>

                                       32
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Common Stock
                                                                                                          Beneficially
                                                 Principal Amount        Common Stock                     Owned After
                                                     of Notes            Beneficially        Common       Offering (2)
                                                Beneficially Owned       Owned Before         Stock       -------------
Name and Address                                    and Offered            Offering         Offered(1)    Amount      %
- ----------------                                -------------------    ---------------     ------------   ---------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                     <C>                 <C>            <C>        <C>
OCM Convertible Trust........................     $  3,470,000               0              41,085         0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Paloma Securities L.L.C......................     $ 10,000,000               0             118,399         0          *
 Two American Lane
 Greenwich, CT 06836

Partner Reinsurance Company Ltd..............     $  1,445,000               0              17,109         0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Ramius Capital Group Holdings, Ltd...........     $  1,000,000               0              11,840         0          *
 757 Third Avenue
 New York, NY 10017

State Employees' Retirement Fund of the
State Delaware..............................      $  3,565,000               0              42,209         0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

State of Connecticut Combined Investment
Funds.......................................      $  8,475,000               0             100,343         0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund, Inc....     $  8,800,000               0             104,191         0          *
 c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Fl.
 Los Angeles, CA 90071

White River Securities LLC...................     $  4,000,000               0              47,360         0          *
 245 Park Avenue, 13th Floor
 Global Fund Management
 New York, NY 10167

Any other holder of notes or future
transferee, pledgee, donee or successor of
any holder(3)(4)............................      $316,926,000               0           3,752,379         0         10.3%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL........................................     $400,000,000            15,500         4,735,970         0         12.7%
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
*  Less than 1%.

(1)  Assumes conversion of all the holder's notes at a conversion price of
     $84.46 per share of common stock and resale of all shares of common stock
     offered hereby.

                                       33
<PAGE>

(2)  Calculated based on Rule 13d-3(d)(1) promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(3)  Information about other selling security holders will be set forth in
prospectus supplements, if required.
(4)  Assumes that any other holders of notes, or any future transferees,
pledgees, donees or successors of or from any such other holders of notes, do
not beneficially own any common stock other than the common stock issuable upon
conversion of the notes at the initial conversion rate.

     Information concerning the selling holders may change from time to time and
any changed information will be set forth in supplements to this prospectus if
necessary.  In addition, the per share conversion price, and therefore the
number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes, us
subject to adjustment.  As a result, the aggregate principal amount of notes and
the number of shares of commons stock into which the notes are convertible may
increase or decrease.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     On February 14, 2000 and February 28, 2000, we issued an aggregate of
$400,000,000 convertible subordinated notes to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and
Banc of America Securities LLC, as initial purchasers, in a transaction exempt
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act to persons reasonably
believed to be qualified institutional buyers or other institutional accredited
investors.  The selling holders are the note holders pursuant to the
aforementioned transaction and the notes being offered under this prospectus are
the notes issued on February 14, 2000 and February 28, 2000.  Pursuant to the
offering memorandum, holders of the notes may convert the notes into shares of
our common stock at any time on or before February 1, 2007, at a conversion
price of $84.46 per share, subject to adjustment in certain events.  The selling
holders also include former note holders who may have exercised their option to
convert and the shares being offered under this prospectus are the shares we
issued to them upon conversion.

     The selling holders and any of their pledgees, assignees, donees, other
transferees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all
of their notes or shares of the common stock issuable upon conversion at fixed
prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to
such prevailing market prices, at varying prices determined at the time of sale
or at negotiated prices.  These sales may be effected in transactions on any
national securities exchange or quotation service on which the notes or the
common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of the sale.  The selling
holders may use any one or more of the following methods when selling the notes
or the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion:

     .  ordinanary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-
        dealer solicits purchasers;

     .  block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares
        as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal
        to facilitate the transaction;

     .  purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-
        dealer for its account;

     .  an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable
        exchange;

     .  privately negotiated transactions;

     .  short sales;

     .  broker-dealers may agree with the selling holders to sell a specified
        number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;

     .  a combination of any such methods of sale; and

     .  any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

     The selling holders may also sell notes or shares of our common stock
issuable upon conversion under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, if available,
rather than under this prospectus.

     The selling holders may also engage in short sales against the box, puts
and calls and other transactions in our securities or derivatives of our
securities and may sell or deliver shares in connection with these trades.  The

                                       34
<PAGE>

selling holders may pledge their shares to their brokers under the margin
provisions of customer agreements.  If a selling stockholder defaults on a
margin loan, the broker may, from time to time, offer and sell the pledged
shares.

     Our outstanding common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National
Market.  While the notes are eligible for trading in The Portal Market, we do
not expect the notes to remain eligible for trading on that market.  We do not
intend to list the notes for trading on any national securities exchange or on
the Nasdaq National Market.  We cannot assure you that a trading market for the
notes will develop.  If a trading market for the notes fails to develop, the
trading price of the notes may decline.

     Broker-dealers engaged by the selling holders may arrange for other broker-
dealers to participate in sales.  Broker-dealers may receive commissions or
discounts from the selling holders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for
the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated.

     The selling holders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in
selling the notes or the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the
meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales.  In such event, any
commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the
resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.

     We are required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration
of the notes or the shares, including fees and disbursements of counsel to the
selling stockholders; provided however, that the selling holders shall bear
                      -------- -------
their own legal fees above $12,500, if any, and any underwriting discounts or
commissions.

     The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, 400 South Hope Street, Fourth Floor, Los Angeles,
California 90071.

                         INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     The consolidated financial statements of Semtech Corporation appearing in
Semtech's Annual Report (Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 28, 2000 for the
year ended January 30, 2000), incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and
elsewhere in this registration statement, have been audited by Arthur Andersen,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

     Certain legal matters relating to our common stock, including the validity
thereof, has been passed upon for us by our counsel, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky &
Walker LLP, Los Angeles, California.

                                       35
<PAGE>

                                [SEMTECH LOGO]

          $400,000,000 4 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2007

                                      and

    4,735,970 Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion of the Notes


                            -----------------------

                                   PROSPECTUS

                                       , 2000

                            ------------------------

<PAGE>

                PART II.  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

     The fees and expenses payable by the Company in connection with the sale of
the shares of common stock being registered are estimated as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Amount
                                                                                        ----------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>
SEC Filing Fee.......................................................................        $105,600.00
                                                                                             -----------
Nasdaq National Markets Fee..........................................................        $ 17,500.00
                                                                                             -----------
Legal Fees and Expenses*.............................................................        $ 12,500.00
                                                                                             -----------
Accounting Fees*.....................................................................        $ 10,000.00
                                                                                             -----------
Printing and Miscellaneous Expenses*.................................................        $  4,400.00
                                                                                             -----------
     Total*..........................................................................        $150,000.00
                                                                                             -----------
___________________
*Indicates estimate
</TABLE>

Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.


     Section 17, Article III, of our Bylaws, as amended, provides for
indemnification of officers, directors, agents and employees of the Company
generally consistent with the provisions of Section 145 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law.  Pursuant to Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, a corporation generally has the power to indemnify its present and former
directors, officers, employees and agents against expenses incurred by them in
connection with any suit to which they are, or are threatened to be made, a
party by reason of their serving in such positions so long as they acted in good
faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the
best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action, they
had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful.  With respect to
suits by or in the right of a corporation, however, indemnification is not
available if such person is adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct
in the performance of his duty to the corporation unless the court determines
that indemnification is appropriate.  In addition, a corporation has the power
to purchase and maintain insurance for such persons.  The statute also expressly
provides that the power to indemnify authorized thereby is not exclusive of any
rights granted under any bylaw, agreement, vote of holders or disinterested
directors, or otherwise.

     As permitted by Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our
holders have approved and incorporated provisions into our Restated Certificate
of Incorporation eliminating a director's personal liability for monetary
damages to us and our holders arising from a breach of a director's fiduciary
duty, except for liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law or liability for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our
stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law or for any transaction in
which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

     We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and
officers.  These agreements provide broader indemnity rights than those provided
under the Delaware General Corporation Law and our Bylaws.  The indemnification
agreements are not intended to deny or otherwise limit third party or derivative
suits against us or our directors or officers, but to the extent a director or
office were entitled to indemnity or contribution under the indemnification
agreement, the financial burden of a third party suit would be borne by us, and
we would not benefit from derivative recoveries against the director or officer.
Such recoveries would accrue to our benefit but would be offset by our
obligations to the director or officer under the indemnification agreement.

     The above discussion of the Company's Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation
and of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law is not intended to be
exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by such Bylaws, Certificate of
Incorporation, and statute.

                                     II-1
<PAGE>

Item 16.  Exhibits.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Exhibit No.                                                Description
- ------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
       4.1*          Indenture dated as of February 14, 2000 between Semtech Corporation and State Street Bank and
                     Trust Company of California, N.A., as Trustee.

       4.2*          Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 14, 2000 between Semtech Corporation, as
                     Issuer, and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Initial
                     Purchasers.

       5.1           Opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP as to legality of securities being
                     registered.

       12.1          Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

       23.1          Consent of independent accountant.

       23.2          Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).

       24.1          Power of Attorney (included in signature page).

       25.1          Form T-1 Statement of eligibility of State Street Bank to act as trustee under the Indenture.
________________________
</TABLE>
* Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended January 30, 2000.

Item 17.  Undertakings.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

     (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

          (i)  To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
               Securities Act of 1933;

          (ii) To reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events arising after
               the effective date of this registration statement (or the most
               recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
               in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
               information set forth in this registration statement;

         (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
               distribution not previously disclosed in this registration
               statement or any material change to such information in this
               registration statement;


Provided, however, that paragraphs (l)(i) and (l)(ii) do not apply if the
- --------  -------
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in this registration statement.

     (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof; and

     (3) To remove from registration by means of post-effective amendment any of
the securities which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement shall be deemed to

                                     II-2
<PAGE>

be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has
been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

     (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

     (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                     II-3
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Newbury Park, State of California, on May 8, 2000.

                          SEMTECH CORPORATION


                          By:  /s/ John D. Poe
                               ----------------
                               John D. Poe
                               Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer


                                     II-4
<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints John D. Poe and David G. Franz, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign this Registration Statement and any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement,
and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
thereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                                Title                                      Date
- ---------------------------------   -----------------------------------------------   --------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                                               <C>
/s/ John D. Poe                                Chief Executive Officer,                         May 8, 2000
- ---------------------------------         Director and Chairman of the Board
John D. Poe                                  (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ David G. Franz, Jr.                         Vice President-Finance,                         May 8, 2000
- ---------------------------------        Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
David G. Franz, Jr.                  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

                                                       Director                                 May  , 2000
- ---------------------------------
James P. Burra

                                                       Director                                 May  , 2000
- ---------------------------------
Rock N. Hankin

/s/ Allen H. Orbuch                                    Director                                 May 8, 2000
- ---------------------------------
Allen H. Orbuch

/s/ James T. Schraith                                  Director                                 May 8, 2000
- ---------------------------------
James T. Schraith

/s/ Jack O. Vance                                      Director                                 May 8, 2000
- ---------------------------------
Jack O. Vance
</TABLE>

                                     II-5
<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Exhibit No.       Description
- ------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
       4.1*          Indenture dated as of February 14, 2000 between Semtech Corporation and State Street Bank and
                     Trust Company of California, N.A., as Trustee.

       4.2*          Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 14, 2000 between Semtech Corporation, as
                     Issuer, and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Initial
                     Purchasers.

       5.1           Opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP as to legality of securities being
                     registered.

       12.1          Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

       23.1          Consent of independent accountant.

       23.2          Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).

       24.1          Power of Attorney (included in signature page).

       25.1          Form T-1 Statement of eligibility of State Street Bank to act as trustee under the Indenture.
________________________
</TABLE>
* Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended January 30, 2000.

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1


             [letterhead of PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFSKY & WALKER LLP]

                                  May 8, 2000

                                                                    OUR FILE NO.
                                                                     11328.74011

Semtech Corporation
652 Mitchell Road
Newbury Park, California 91320

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We are furnishing this opinion of counsel to Semtech Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), for filing as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by
the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, relating to the resale of up to (i) $400,000,000 4 1/2%
Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2007 (the "Notes") issued pursuant to that
certain Indenture dated February 14, 2000 (the "Indenture") between the Company
and State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A. (the "Trustee") and
(ii) the 4,735,970 shares of its Common Stock, $.01 par value per share,
issuable upon conversion of the Notes (the "Shares").

     We have examined the forms of the Notes, the Indenture, the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws, each as amended to date, of the Company, and the
originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified, of records of corporate
actions of the Company as furnished to us by the Company, certificates of public
officials and of representatives of the Company, and such other instruments and
documents as we deemed necessary, as a basis for the opinions hereinafter
expressed. In such examination we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the authenticity of all corporate records and other documents
submitted to us and the conformity to original documents submitted to us as
certified or photostatic copies. With regard to certain factual matters, we have
relied, without independent investigation or verification, upon statements and
representations of representatives of the Company.

     Based upon our examination as aforesaid, and in reliance upon our
examination of such questions of law as we deem relevant under the
circumstances, we are of the opinion that (i) upon the issuance of the Notes and
the authentication thereof by the Trustee, all in accordance with the
Indenture, the Notes constitute the valid and legally binding obligations of
the Company, subject to (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and (b) the effect of general
principles of equity (whether such principles are

<PAGE>


Semtech Corporation
May 8, 2000
Page 2



considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) including, without limitation,
standards of materiality, good faith and reasonableness in the interpretation
and enforcement of contracts, and the application of such principles to limit
the availability of specific equitable remedies such as specific performance;
and (ii) the Shares, when issued upon conversion of the Notes, as described in
the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

     We express no opinion with respect to the applicability or effect of the
laws of any jurisdiction other than the Delaware General Corporation Law and the
laws of the State of New York.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion of counsel as Exhibit 5.1
to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm under the
caption "Legal Matters."  In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that
we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder.

                               Very truly yours,

                               /s/ Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP

<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 12.1
                              Semtech Corporation
               Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                       (Amounts in thousands of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   January 29,     January 28,     January 26,     February 1,     January 31,
                                      1995            1996            1997            1998            1999
                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>

Other Financial Data:
Pre-tax income                           2,028        11,343            12,714         22,159          19,362
Fixed charges (as defined)                 160            99               131             36              22
                                  ------------     ----------      -----------     ----------       ---------
Adjusted income                          2,188        11,442            12,845         22,195          19,384

Fixed Charges                              160            99               131             36              22

Ratio of earning to fixed                   14           116                98            617             881
charges (1)

</TABLE>

(1) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
are defined as income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
represent interest expense on all debt. The Company does not have premiums,
discounts or capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness or interest
components of rental expense for all periods presented.


<PAGE>

                                                 [LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN]

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-3 of our report dated April
12, 2000 included in the Semtech Corporation's report on Form 10-K for the year
ended January 30, 2000 and to all references to our firm included in this
registration statement.


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Arthur Andersen LLP




Los Angeles, California
May 8, 2000

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.1

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                   _________

                       STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE
                        TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                   of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)[X]


    STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

         United States                                         06-1143380
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or                           (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national bank)                  Identification No.)

     633 West 5th Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071
          (Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)

          Lynda A. Vogel, Senior Vice President and Managing Director
     633 West 5th Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071
                                 (213) 362-7399
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

        Delaware                                            95-2119684
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)

                              Semtech Corporation
                              652 Mitchell Road
                          Newbury Park, CA 91320-2289
              (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                 4 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2007
                              (TYPE OF SECURITIES)
<PAGE>

                                    GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervisory authority to
which it is subject.

                  Comptroller of the Currency, Western District Office, 50
         Fremont Street, Suite 3900, San Francisco, California, 94105-2292

         (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
         Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Item 2.  Affiliations with Obligor.

         If the Obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
affiliation.

                  The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee or of its
parent, State Street Bank and Trust Company.

                  (See notes on page 2.)

Item 3. through Item 15.  Not applicable.

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.

          List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of
eligibility.

          1.   A copy of the articles of association of the trustee as now in
effect.

                  A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee, as now
          in effect, is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
          an Exhibit with corresponding exhibit number to the Form T-1of Western
          Digital Corporation, filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Act"), on May 12, 1998
          (Registration No. 333-52463), and is incorporated herein by reference.

          2.   A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence
business, if not contained in the articles of association.

                  A Certificate of Corporate Existence (with fiduciary powers)
          from the Comptroller of the Currency, Administrator of National Banks
          is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an Exhibit
          with corresponding exhibit number to the Form T-1 of Western Digital
          Corporation, filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Act, on May
          12, 1998 (Registration No. 333-52463), and is incorporated herein by
          reference.

          3.   A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
trust powers, if such authorization is not contained in the documents specified
in paragraph (1) or (2), above.

                  Authorization of the Trustee to exercise fiduciary powers
          (included in Exhibits 1 and 2; no separate instrument).

          4.   A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee, or instruments
corresponding thereto.

                  A copy of the by-laws of the trustee, as now in effect, is on
     file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an Exhibit with
     corresponding exhibit number to the Form T-1 of Western Digital
     Corporation, filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Act, on May 12,
     1998 (Registration No. 333-52463), and is incorporated herein by reference.


                                       1


<PAGE>

     5.    A copy of each indenture referred to in Item 4. if the obligor is in
default.

                  Not applicable.

     6.    The consents of United States institutional trustees required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.

                  The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                  Act is annexed hereto as Exhibit 6 and made a part hereof.

     7.    A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published
pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

                  A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
                  published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                  supervising or examining authority is annexed hereto as
                  Exhibit 7 and made a part hereof.


                                     NOTES

     In answering any item of this Statement of Eligibility which relates to
matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the obligor or any underwriter for
the obligor, the trustee has relied upon information furnished to it by the
obligor and the underwriters, and the trustee disclaims responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.

     The answer furnished to Item 2. of this statement will be amended, if
necessary, to reflect any facts which differ from those stated and which would
have been required to be stated if known at the date hereof.



                                   SIGNATURE


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company of California,
National Association, a national banking association, organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement
of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, all in the City of Los Angeles, and State of California, on the 25th
of April, 2000.

                                           STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
                                           OF CALIFORNIA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                           By:      /s/ Scott C. Emmons
                                               ----------------------------
                                               NAME: Scott C. Emmons
                                               TITLE: Vice President



                                       2


<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 6


                             CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939, as amended, in connection with the proposed issuance by Semtech
Corporation of its 4 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2007, we hereby
consent that reports of examination by Federal, State, Territorial or District
authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange
Commission upon request therefor.

                                        STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
                                        OF CALIFORNIA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        By: /s/  Scott C. Emmons
                                           ---------------------
                                           NAME: Scott C. Emmons
                                           TITLE: Vice President

Dated: April 25, 2000


                                       3


<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition and Income for A Bank With Domestic Offices
Only and Total Assets of Less Than $100 Million of State Street Bank and Trust
Company of California, a national banking association duly organized and
existing under and by virtue of the laws of the United States of America, at the
close of business December 31, 1999, published in accordance with a call made by
                  -----------------
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation pursuant to the required law: 12
U.S.C. Section 324 (State member banks); 12 U.S.C. Section 1817 (State nonmember
banks); and 12 U.S.C. Section 161 (National banks).


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                              Thousands
ASSETS                                                                                                           of Dollars
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:                                                              <C>
          Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin..............................................         4,987
          Interest-bearing balances.......................................................................             0
Securities................................................................................................            37
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
          under agreements to resell in domestic offices
          of the bank and its Edge subsidiary.............................................................             0
Loans and lease financing receivables:
          Loans and leases, net of unearned income .................................             0
          Allowance for loan and lease losses ......................................             0
          Allocated transfer risk reserve...........................................             0
          Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowances ........................................             0
Assets held in trading accounts...........................................................................             0
Premises and fixed assets.................................................................................            34
Other real estate owned...................................................................................             0
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries................................................................             0
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding..............................................             0
Intangible assets.........................................................................................             0
Other assets..............................................................................................         1,143
                                                                                                                   -----
Total assets..............................................................................................         6,201
                                                                                                                   =====
LIABILITIES

Deposits:
          In domestic offices.............................................................................            0
                    Noninterest-bearing.............................................             0
                    Interest-bearing................................................             0
          In foreign offices and Edge subsidiary..........................................................            0
                    Noninterest-bearing ............................................             0
                    Interest-bearing ...............................................             0
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
      agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of
      the bank and of its Edge subsidiary ................................................................            0
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury and Trading Liabilities..........................................            0
Other borrowed money......................................................................................            0
Subordinated notes and debentures.........................................................................            0
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding..................................................            0
Other liabilities.........................................................................................        2,685

Total liabilities.........................................................................................        2,685
                                                                                                                  -----
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus..............................................................           0
Common stock...............................................................................................         500
Surplus....................................................................................................         750
Undivided profits and capital reserves/Net unrealized holding gains (losses)...............................       2,266
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments........................................................           0

Total equity capital.......................................................................................       3,516
                                                                                                                  -----
Total liabilities and equity capital.......................................................................       6,201
                                                                                                                  =====
</TABLE>


                                       4


<PAGE>

I, John J. Saniuk, Vice President and Comptroller of the above named bank do
hereby declare that this Report of Condition and Income for this report date
have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the
appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true to the best of my knowledge
and belief.


                                           /S/    John J. Saniuk


We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.


                                           /S/    Alan D. Greene
                                           /S/    Bryan R. Calder
                                           /S/    Lynda A. Vogel


                                       5




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