<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3

                                   XICOR, INC.

                            2000 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN

        1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 2000 Director Option Plan
are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as Outside
Directors (as defined herein) of the Company, to provide additional incentive to
the Outside Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage
their continued service on the Board.

            All options granted hereunder shall be nonstatutory stock options.

        2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

            (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (b) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

            (c) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

            (d) "Company" means Xicor, Inc., a California corporation.

            (e) "Director" means a member of the Board.

            (f) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in
section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

            (g) "Employee" means any person, including officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. The payment
of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of itself to
constitute "employment" by the Company.

            (h) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

            (i) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

                (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on
the date of grant as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;


<PAGE>   2


                (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the day of grant, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable; or

                (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Board.

            (j) "Inside Director" means a Director who is an Employee.

            (k) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

            (l) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.

            (m) "Optionee" means a Director who holds an Option.

            (n) "Outside Director" means a Director who is not an Employee.

            (o) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

            (p) "Plan" means this 2000 Director Option Plan.

            (q) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 10 of the Plan.

            (r) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 250,000 Shares (the "Pool"). The Shares may be authorized, but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

            If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall
become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan.

        4. Administration and Grants of Options under the Plan.

            (a) Procedure for Grants. All grants of Options to Outside Directors
under this Plan shall be automatic and nondiscretionary and shall be made
strictly in accordance with the following provisions:

                (i) No person shall have any discretion to select which Outside
Directors shall be granted Options or to determine the number of Shares to be
covered by Options.


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<PAGE>   3


                (ii) Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an
Option to purchase 25,000 Shares (the "First Option") on the date on which such
person first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the
shareholders of the Company or appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy;
provided, however, that an Inside Director who ceases to be an Inside Director
but who remains a Director shall not receive a First Option.

                (iii) Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an
Option to purchase 10,000 Shares (a "Subsequent Option") on May 1 of each year,
except the first such Subsequent Option shall be automatically granted on the
date the Company obtains shareholder approval of the Plan, provided he or she is
then an Outside Director and if as of such date, he or she shall have served on
the Board for at least the preceding six (6) months.

                (iv) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (ii) and
(iii) hereof, any exercise of an Option granted before the Company has obtained
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof shall be
conditioned upon obtaining such shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance
with Section 16 hereof.

                (v) The terms of a First Option granted hereunder shall be as
follows:

                    (A) the term of the First Option shall be ten (10) years.

                    (B) the First Option shall be exercisable only while the
Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                    (C) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the First Option.

                    (D) subject to Section 10 hereof, the First Option shall
become exercisable as to 1/3 of the Shares subject to the First Option on each
anniversary of its date of grant, provided that the Optionee continues to serve
as a Director on such dates.

                (vi) The terms of a Subsequent Option granted hereunder shall be
as follows:

                    (A) the term of the Subsequent Option shall be ten (10)
years.

                    (B) the Subsequent Option shall be exercisable only while
the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                    (C) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.

                    (D) subject to Section 10 hereof, the Subsequent Option
shall become exercisable as to 100% of the Shares subject to the Subsequent
Option on the one-year anniversary of its date of grant, provided that the
Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such date.


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<PAGE>   4

                (vii) In the event that any Option granted under the Plan would
cause the number of Shares subject to outstanding Options plus the number of
Shares previously purchased under Options to exceed the Pool, then the remaining
Shares available for Option grant shall be granted under Options to the Outside
Directors on a pro rata basis. No further grants shall be made until such time,
if any, as additional Shares become available for grant under the Plan through
action of the Board or the shareholders to increase the number of Shares which
may be issued under the Plan or through cancellation or expiration of Options
previously granted hereunder.

        5. Eligibility. Options may be granted only to Outside Directors. All
Options shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in
Section 4 hereof.

            The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect
to continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a Director,
nor shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director or the
Company may have to terminate the Director's relationship with the Company at
any time.

        6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the shareholders of the
Company as described in Section 16 of the Plan. It shall continue in effect for
a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 11 of the Plan.

        7. Form of Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the Shares to
be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall
consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) other shares which (x) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised, (iv) consideration received
by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in
connection with the Plan, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment.

        8. Exercise of Option.

            (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section
4 hereof; provided, however, that no Options shall be exercisable until
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof has been
obtained. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of
such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 7 of the Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the


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<PAGE>   5

exercise of the Option. A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired
shall be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the
Option. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the
record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as
provided in Section 10 of the Plan.

                Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease
in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of
the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the
Option is exercised.

            (b) Termination of Continuous Status as a Director. Subject to
Section 10 hereof, in the event an Optionee's status as a Director terminates
(other than upon the Optionee's death or Disability), the Optionee may exercise
his or her Option, but only within three (3) months following the date of such
termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it on the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise an Option on the date of such termination, and to the extent that the
Optionee does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled)
within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

            (c) Disability of Optionee. In the event Optionee's status as a
Director terminates as a result of Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or
her Option, but only within twelve (12) months following the date of such
termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it on the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise an Option on the date of termination, or if he or she does not exercise
such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate.

            (d) Death of Optionee. In the event of an Optionee's death, the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by
bequest or inheritance may exercise the Option, but only within twelve (12)
months following the date of death, and only to the extent that the Optionee was
entitled to exercise it on the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration of its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not
entitled to exercise an Option on the date of death, and to the extent that the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise such Option
does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        9. Non-Transferability of Options. The Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the
lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee.

        10. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
Asset Sale.

            (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding
Option, the number of Shares which have been authorized for issuance under the
Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have been
returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well


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<PAGE>   6

as the price per Share covered by each such outstanding Option, and the number
of Shares issuable pursuant to the automatic grant provisions of Section 4
hereof shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the
number of issued Shares resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other
increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Except as expressly provided herein, no
issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment
by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares
subject to an Option.

            (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option has not
been previously exercised, it shall terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

            (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, outstanding Options may be assumed or equivalent options may be
substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary thereof (the
"Successor Corporation"). If an Option is assumed or substituted for, the Option
or equivalent option shall continue to be exercisable as provided in Section 4
hereof for so long as the Optionee serves as a Director or a director of the
Successor Corporation. Following such assumption or substitution, if the
Optionee's status as a Director or director of the Successor Corporation, as
applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the
Optionee, the Option or option shall become fully exercisable, including as to
Shares for which it would not otherwise be exercisable. Thereafter, the Option
or option shall remain exercisable in accordance with Sections 8(b) through (d)
above.

        If the Successor Corporation does not assume an outstanding Option or
substitute for it an equivalent option, the Option shall become fully vested and
exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would not otherwise be
exercisable. In such event the Board shall notify the Optionee that the Option
shall be fully exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
such notice, and upon the expiration of such period the Option shall terminate.

        For the purposes of this Section 10(c), an Option shall be considered
assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the Option confers the right
to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option
immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether
stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of
assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of
the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type
of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares).
If such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Board may, with the
consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be
received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option, to be solely common stock of the


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<PAGE>   7

successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.

        11. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

            (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration,
suspension, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of
any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In
addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable
law, regulation or stock exchange or quotation system rule, the Company shall
obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a
degree as required.

            (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated.

        12. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for
all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

        13. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange or
quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further
subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.

            As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require
the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares, if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of
the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.

            Inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory
body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to
be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall
relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell
such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

        14. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

        15. Option Agreement. Options shall be evidenced by written option
agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.


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<PAGE>   8


        16. Shareholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner
required under applicable state and federal law and any stock exchange or
quotation system rules.



                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                                                                    FIRST OPTION

                                   XICOR, INC.

                            DIRECTOR OPTION AGREEMENT

        Xicor, Inc., (the "Company"), has granted to _________________ (the
"Optionee"), an option to purchase a total of 25,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock (the "Optioned Stock"), at the price determined as provided herein,
and in all respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the
Company's 2000 Director Option Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company which is
incorporated herein by reference. The terms defined in the Plan shall have the
same defined meanings herein.

        1. Nature of the Option. This Option is a nonstatutory option and is not
intended to qualify for any special tax benefits to the Optionee.

        2. Exercise Price. The exercise price is $ _____ for each share of
Common Stock.

        3. Exercise of Option. This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan as follows:

            (i) Right to Exercise.

                (a) This Option shall become exercisable in installments
cumulatively with respect to 1/3 of the Optioned Stock one year after the date
of grant, and as to an additional 1/3 of the Optioned Stock on each anniversary
of the date of grant, so that one hundred percent (100%) of the Optioned Stock
shall be exercisable three (3) years after the date of grant; provided, however,
that in no event shall any Option be exercisable prior to the date the
shareholders of the Company approve the Plan.

                (b) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.

                (c) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of service as a Director, the exercisability of the Option is
governed by Section 8 of the Plan.

            (ii) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by written
notice which shall state the election to exercise the Option and the number of
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised. Such written notice,
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, shall be signed by the Optionee and
shall be delivered in person, by overnight delivery or electronically to the
Controller of the Company. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of
the exercise price.

        4. Method of Payment. Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of
the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

            (i) cash;

            (ii) check; or

<PAGE>   10


            (iii) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with
such other documentation as the Company and the broker, if applicable, shall
require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the
sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price.

        5. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised if the
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulations, or if such issuance
would not comply with the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system
upon which the Shares may then be listed. As a condition to the exercise of this
Option, the Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty
to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

        6. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may
be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of
this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs,
successors and assigns of the Optionee.

        7. Term of Option. This Option may not be exercised more than ten (10)
years from the date of grant of this Option, and may be exercised during such
period only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

        8. Taxation Upon Exercise of Option. Optionee understands that, upon
exercise of this Option, he or she will recognize income for tax purposes in an
amount equal to the excess of the then Fair Market Value of the Shares purchased
over the exercise price paid for such Shares. Since the Optionee is subject to
Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under certain
limited circumstances the measurement and timing of such income (and the
commencement of any capital gain holding period) may be deferred, and the
Optionee is advised to contact a tax advisor concerning the application of
Section 83 in general and the availability a Section 83(b) election in
particular in connection with the exercise of the Option. Upon a resale of such
Shares by the Optionee, any difference between the sale price and the Fair
Market Value of the Shares on the





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<PAGE>   11


date of exercise of the Option, to the extent not included in income as
described above, will be treated as capital gain or loss.

        DATE OF GRANT:  ______________

                                         Xicor, Inc.,
                                         A California corporation


                                         By:
                                            -----------------------------------

                                         Its:
                                             ----------------------------------

        Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, a copy of which is
attached hereto, and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and
provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms
and provisions thereof. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive
and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions
arising under the Plan.

        Dated: _________________

                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Optionee



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   12
                                    EXHIBIT A

                         DIRECTOR OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE

Xicor, Inc.
1511 Buckeye Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035


Attention:  Corporate Controller


        1. Exercise of Option. The undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to
exercise Optionee's option to purchase ______ shares of the Common Stock (the
"Shares") of Xicor, Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the Company's
2000 Director Option Plan and the Director Option Agreement dated
_______________ (the "Agreement").

        2. Representations of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
received, read and understood the Agreement.

        3. Federal Restrictions on Transfer. Optionee understands that the
Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or unless an exemption from such
registration is available, and that the certificate(s) representing the Shares
may bear a legend to that effect. Optionee understands that the Company is under
no obligation to register the Shares and that an exemption may not be available
or may not permit Optionee to transfer Shares in the amounts or at the times
proposed by Optionee.

        4. Tax Consequences. Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Optionee represents that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice. The Company recommends that Optionee consult with a tax advisor
in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares.

        5. Delivery of Payment. Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
aggregate purchase price for the Shares that Optionee has elected to purchase
and has made provision for the payment of any federal, state or local taxes
required to be paid by Optionee in connection with the Option exercise.

        6. Entire Agreement. The Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.
This Exercise Notice and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the
parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of
the Company and Optionee with respect
<PAGE>   13
 to the subject matter hereof. This Exercise Notice and the Agreement are
governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of
laws.

Submitted by:                          Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:                              XICOR, INC.


By:                                    By:
   -------------------------------        --------------------------------------
                                       Its:
                                           -------------------------------------
Address:



Dated:                                 Dated:
      ----------------------------           ----------------------------------




                                      -2-
<PAGE>   14

                                                               SUBSEQUENT OPTION

                                   XICOR, INC.

                            DIRECTOR OPTION AGREEMENT

        Xicor, Inc., (the "Company"), has granted to ___________________ (the
"Optionee"), an option to purchase a total of 10,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock (the "Optioned Stock"), at the price determined as provided herein,
and in all respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the
Company's 2000 Director Option Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company which is
incorporated herein by reference. The terms defined in the Plan shall have the
same defined meanings herein.

        1. Nature of the Option. This Option is a nonstatutory option and is not
intended to qualify for any special tax benefits to the Optionee.

        2. Exercise Price. The exercise price is $_______ for each share of
Common Stock.

        3. Exercise of Option. This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan as follows:

            (i) Right to Exercise.

                (a) This Option shall become exercisable with respect to 100% of
the Optioned Stock one year after the date of grant; provided, however, that in
no event shall any Option be exercisable prior to the date the shareholders of
the Company approve the Plan.

                (b) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.

                (c) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of service as a Director, the exercisability of the Option is
governed by Section 8 of the Plan.

            (ii) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by written
notice which shall state the election to exercise the Option and the number of
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised. Such written notice,
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, shall be signed by the Optionee and
shall be delivered in person, by overnight delivery or electronically to the
Controller of the Company. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of
the exercise price.

        4. Method of Payment. Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of
the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

            (i) cash;

            (ii) check; or

<PAGE>   15


            (iii) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with
such other documentation as the Company and the broker, if applicable, shall
require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the
sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price.

        5. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised if the
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulations, or if such issuance
would not comply with the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system
upon which the Shares may then be listed. As a condition to the exercise of this
Option, the Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty
to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

        6. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may
be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of
this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs,
successors and assigns of the Optionee.

        7. Term of Option. This Option may not be exercised more than ten (10)
years from the date of grant of this Option, and may be exercised during such
period only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

        8. Taxation Upon Exercise of Option. Optionee understands that, upon
exercise of this Option, he or she will recognize income for tax purposes in an
amount equal to the excess of the then Fair Market Value of the Shares purchased
over the exercise price paid for such Shares. Since the Optionee is subject to
Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under certain
limited circumstances the measurement and timing of such income (and the
commencement of any capital gain holding period) may be deferred, and the
Optionee is advised to contact a tax advisor concerning the application of
Section 83 in general and the availability a Section 83(b) election in
particular in connection with the exercise of the Option. Upon a resale of such
Shares by the Optionee, any difference between the sale price and the Fair
Market Value of the Shares on the



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   16


date of exercise of the Option, to the extent not included in income as
described above, will be treated as capital gain or loss.

        DATE OF GRANT:  ______________

                                         Xicor, Inc.,
                                         A California corporation


                                         By:
                                            -----------------------------------

                                         Its:
                                             ----------------------------------

        Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, a copy of which is
attached hereto, and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and
provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms
and provisions thereof. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive
and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions
arising under the Plan.

        Dated: _________________

                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Optionee



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   17


                                    EXHIBIT A

                         DIRECTOR OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE

Xicor, Inc.
1511 Buckeye Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035


Attention:  Corporate Controller


        1. Exercise of Option. The undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to
exercise Optionee's option to purchase ______ shares of the Common Stock (the
"Shares") of Xicor, Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the Company's
2000 Director Option Plan and the Director Option Agreement dated
_______________ (the "Agreement").

        2. Representations of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
received, read and understood the Agreement.

        3. Federal Restrictions on Transfer. Optionee understands that the
Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or unless an exemption from such
registration is available, and that the certificate(s) representing the Shares
may bear a legend to that effect. Optionee understands that the Company is under
no obligation to register the Shares and that an exemption may not be available
or may not permit Optionee to transfer Shares in the amounts or at the times
proposed by Optionee.

        4. Tax Consequences. Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Optionee represents that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice. The Company recommends that Optionee consult with a tax advisor
in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares.

        5. Delivery of Payment. Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
aggregate purchase price for the Shares that Optionee has elected to purchase
and has made provision for the payment of any federal, state or local taxes
required to be paid by Optionee in connection with the Option exercise.

        6. Entire Agreement. The Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.
This Exercise Notice and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the
parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of
the Company and Optionee with respect to the

<PAGE>   18


subject matter hereof. This Exercise Notice and the Agreement are governed by
California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

Submitted by:                          Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:                              XICOR, INC.


By:                                    By:
   -------------------------------        --------------------------------------
                                       Its:
                                           -------------------------------------
Address:



Dated:                                 Dated:
      ----------------------------           ----------------------------------



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