EXHIBIT 5.1

        OPINION AND CONSENT OF ALLEN MATKINS LECK GAMBLE & MALLORY LLP

                                                                   March 8, 2002

Multilink Technology Corporation
300 Atrium Drive, 2nd Floor
Somerset, New Jersey 08873

        Re: Multilink Technology Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to Multilink Technology Corporation, a California
corporation (the "Company") in connection with the registration on a Form S-8
(the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of
(i) 2,837,038 shares of Class A Common Stock and related stock options for
issuance under the Company's 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"),
(ii) 709,260 shares of Class A Common Stock under the Company's 2000 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan"). All of such shares are collectively
referred to herein as the "Shares".

     This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item
8 of Form S-8 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K.

     We have reviewed the Company's charter documents and the corporate
proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the establishment of the
Incentive Plan and the Purchase Plan. Based on such review, we are of the
opinion that, if, as and when the Shares have been issued and sold (and the
consideration therefor received) pursuant to (a) the provisions of option
agreements duly authorized under the Incentive Plan and in accordance with the
Registration Statement, or (b) duly authorized direct stock issuances in
accordance with the Incentive Plan and Purchase Plan and in accordance with the
Registration Statement, such Shares will be duly authorized, legally issued,
fully paid and nonassessable.

     We consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement. 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 Act, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
promulgated thereunder, or Item 509 of Regulation S-K.

     This opinion letter is rendered as of the date first written above and we
disclaim any obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or
developments which hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may
alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein. Our opinion is expressly
limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by
implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company or the
Shares.

                         Very truly yours,

                         /s/ Allen Matkins Leck Gamble & Mallory LLP

                         ALLEN MATKINS LECK GAMBLE & MALLORY LLP