EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-8 No. 333-40905 pertaining to the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and
No. 333-47185 pertaining to the 1982 Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan, the
1992 Employee Stock Option Plan and the 1997 Directors' Stock Option Plan of
Applied Micro Circuits Corporation of our report dated April 21, 1998, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Applied Micro
Circuits Corporation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended March 31, 1998.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Diego, California
June 15, 1998