CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  Registration
Statement  (Post-Effective  Amendment  No. 4 to Form S-3 File No.  33-86930) and
related Prospectus of PMC-Sierra,  Inc. for the registration of 2,323,281 shares
of its common  stock of our report dated  January 22, 1997,  with respect to the
consolidated  financial  statements and schedule of PMC-Sierra,  Inc.  (formerly
Sierra Semiconductor  Corporation) included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended  December  31,  1996,  filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission.



                                       /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



San Jose, California
August 25, 1997