TECHNOLOGY - March 4, 1992

Stepping Down: Carmelo J. Santoro said Tuesday that he plans to step down as chief executive of Tustin-based chip maker Silicon Systems after more than a decade in the job. Santoro, who will continue to serve as chairman of the company, will be replaced April 1 by Alan V. King, who was appointed president and chief operating officer six months ago. Santoro has held key management positions with the semiconductor manufacturer since 1973. Santoro and Marty Jurick, senior vice president of corporate planning, will spend most of their time identifying opportunities for partnerships and investments. Silicon Systems is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based TDK Corp., which manufactures magnetic recording tape.