EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 (No.  33-61907)  pertaining to the 1981 Employee Incentive Stock Option
Plan,  1987  Stock  Option  Plan,  1995 Stock  Option  Plan,  1995  Non-Employee
Directors'  Stock Option Plan,  and 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and in the
Registration  Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-10257) pertaining to the 1995 Stock
Option Plan, as amended, and 1995 Non-Employee  Directors' Stock Option Plan, as
amended,  of California Micro Devices  Corporation of our report dated April 29,
1997, with respect to the financial  statements and schedule of California Micro
Devices  Corporation  included  in this Annual  Report  (Form 10-K) for the year
ended March 31, 1997.



                                             /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Jose, California
May 22, 1997

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