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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.16



                          FULL RECOURSE PROMISSORY NOTE

        For value received, receipt of which the undersigned hereby
acknowledges, the undersigned, Stuart Berman ("Maker"), hereby promises to pay
to Vixel Corporation ("Vixel"), the principal sum of Sixty-Two Thousand Dollars
($62,000.00), plus interest, computed on the unpaid balance at the rate of five
and three quarters percent (5.75%) per annum or the maximum rate permitted by
applicable usury law, whichever is less, from the date hereof until the entire
indebtedness evidenced by this Note is paid in full.

        This Note shall be secured by a pledge of and security interest in
Nine-Hundred, Seventy-Nine Thousand, Six-Hundred and Ninety-Two (979,692) shares
of common stock (the "Shares")of Vixel currently owned by the undersigned,
together with any and all additional shares of common stock of Vixel that may be
acquired by the undersigned after the date of this Note pursuant to the exercise
of any Vixel stock options now or hereafter held by the undersigned.

        The entire amount of unpaid principal of this Note, plus all accrued
interest, shall be due and payable on the earlier of (i) six (6) months after
termination or cessation of Maker's employment with or services to Vixel, (ii)
April 15, 2000, or (iii) the sale, pledge or other transfer by Maker of any of
the Shares.

        This Note may, at the option of Maker, be prepaid in whole or in part at
any time without premium or penalty. All payments shall be applied first to
accrued and unpaid interest and then to principal.

        If default is made in the payment of this Note, then, at the option of
the holder and without notice, the entire unpaid principal sum and accrued
interest shall become immediately due and payable, and, again at the option of
the holder and without notice, the entire unpaid principal sum and accrued and
unpaid interest shall bear interest from the date of such default until fully
paid at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum or the maximum rate
permitted by applicable usury law, whichever is less.

        Amounts, if any, owed to Maker by Vixel may be offset against accrued
interest and principal hereunder. In addition, at the election of either Maker
or Vixel, unpaid accrued salary or other bonuses owed to Maker by Vixel may be
offset against accrued interest and principal hereunder; provided, however, that
Vixel may only make such election if, when and to the extent that amounts are
due and payable hereunder.

        All payments and offsets shall be credited first against accrued
interest to the date of the payment and thereafter to reduce the outstanding
principal amount hereof. All payments shall be made in lawful money of the
United States to the holder at 11911 North Creek Parkway South, Bothell,
Washington 98011, or at such other place as the holder may designate.

        If this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection after
any default, whether or not an action in court is commenced, the undersigned
promises to pay all costs and expenses of collection (including, but not limited
to, reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by the holder.



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        The obligation of this Note shall be joint and several. The undersigned
and all endorsers and all persons liable or who become liable on this Note: (a)
waive presentment, demand, protest and notice of presentment, demand protest,
dishonor and nonpayment; (b) agree to remain bound for payment of this Note not
withstanding any extension of time, substitution or release of security or any
other indulgence by the holder of this Note; (c) waive notice of any such
extension, substitution, release or other indulgence; and (d) consent to the
jurisdiction and venue of the Superior Court of the State of Washington for King
County in any action involving this Note or any default hereunder. The
nonexercise by the holder of any of its rights or remedies hereunder in any
instance shall not constitute a waiver thereof in that or any other instance.

        This Note shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in all respects
in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.

                                        Dated:     April 16, 1999
                                                --------------------------------


                                           /s/ Stuart Berman
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Stuart Berman



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