1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.73.1


                                 HIDE TANIGAMI

                              CONSULTING AGREEMENT


     This Consulting Agreement is entered into at Sunnyvale, California, as of
January 1, 2000 between Hide Tanigami ("Consultant") and Catalyst Semiconductor,
Inc. ("Company").

     1.   Consulting Relationship. Hide Tanigami has provided consulting
services to Company for many years. Company wishes to engage Hide Tanigami to
provide continuing consulting services to Company as set forth herein.

     2.   Duties. Consultant agrees to advise Company as requested by its Chief
Executive Officer.

     3.   Compensation. Company agrees to pay Hide Tanigami as compensation for
all duties performed by Consultant hereunder, a consulting fee of $8333 per
month payable in advance on the first day of each month.

     4.   Term of Consulting Agreement. This Consulting Agreement shall
commence on this date and shall terminate three years from this date; provided,
however, that Company may terminate this Agreement on 30 days written notice at
any time upon payment of a termination fee of 12 months of consulting fees.

     5.   Stock Options. A material part of this Agreement is the stock options
to be granted from time to time to Hide Tanigami for services rendered to
Company as its management adviser, and/or outside director. Company agrees that
any and all stock options held by Hide Tanigami shall become immediately fully
vested and not subject to forfeiture upon any sale of substantially all of the
Company's assets, or a sale of a majority of its shares or any other change of
control, or if Company elects to terminate this Agreement prior to three years
from this date or in the event of Hide Tanigami's death. In such event, all
options shall remain fully exercisable for three years from the occurrence of
said event.

     In witness whereof, the parties have entered into this Agreement at
Sunnyvale, California as of January 1, 2000.


Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc.


/s/ RADU VANCO                             /s/ HIDE TANIGAMI
- -------------------------------------      ----------------------------------
Radu Vanco                                 Hide Tanigami, an individual
President and Chief Executive Officer