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                            COMMERCIAL LOAN AGREEMENT

This Commercial Loan Agreement dated as of November 15, 1995 ("Agreement") is
between Sumitomo Bank of California ("Bank") and Novellus Systems,
Inc. ("Borrower").

1.   LINE OF CREDIT, AMOUNT AND TERMS

     Bank agrees to make available to Borrower a line of credit on the following
terms, covenants and conditions:

     1.1  LINE OF CREDIT AMOUNT.

     Unsecured Line of Credit.  During the Availability Period, Bank will
provide an Unsecured Line of Credit to Borrower.  The maximum amount of this
Line of Credit (the "Commitment") is One Million Dollars ($1,000,000). 
Borrower's obligation to repay this Unsecured Line of Credit is evidenced by a
promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (the
"Unsecured Line Note").

          (a)  MAXIMUM LOAN BALANCE.  Borrower agrees not to permit the
outstanding principal balance of the Unsecured Line of Credit plus the
outstanding amounts of any letters of credit, including amounts drawn on letters
of credit and not yet reimbursed, and any amounts outstanding under obligations
to Bank of third parties which are guaranteed by Borrower (such sum is the "Loan
Balance") to exceed the Commitment.

     1.2  AVAILABILITY PERIOD.

     The period under which Borrower may draw on the Unsecured Line of Credit
("Availability Period") is between the date of this Agreement and June 30, 1996
(the "Maturity Date") unless Borrower is in default, in which event Bank need
not make any advances.

     1.3  INTEREST RATE.

          (a)  Unless Borrower elects an Offshore Rate based Interest Rate as
described below, the interest rate is Bank's Prime Rate in effect from time to
time.

          (b)  The "Prime Rate" equals the rate of interest set from time to
time by Bank as its head office in San Francisco, California as its Prime Rate. 
The Prime Rate is determined by

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Bank as a means of pricing credit extensions to some customers and is neither
tied to any external rate of interest or index nor is it necessarily the lowest
rate of interest charged by Bank at any given time for any particular class of
customers or credit extensions.  Any changes in the interest rate resulting from
a change in the Prime Rate shall take effect without notice on the date
specified at the time the Prime Rate is set.

          (c)  OFFSHORE RATE/RATE PLUS DISCLOSED SPREAD.
Borrower may elect to have all or portions of the principal balance of the
Unsecured Line of Credit bear interest at the Offshore Rate plus One and Three
Fourths percent (1.75%).

Designation of an Offshore Rate portion is subject to the following
requirements:

               (i)    The interest period during which the Offshore Rate will be
     in effect will be no shorter than 30 days and no longer than 180 days as
     selected by Borrower with consent of Bank.  The last day of the interest
     period will be determined by Bank using the practices of the offshore
     dollar inter-bank market.

               (ii)   Each Offshore Rate portion will be for an amount not less
     than One Million dollars ($1,000,000).

               (iii)  The "Offshore Rate" means the interest rate determined by
     the following formula, rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of one percent. 
     All amounts in the calculation will be determined by Bank as of the first
     day of interest period.

     Offshore Rate =               Eurodollar Rate
                                   ---------------
                             (1.00 - Reserve Percentage)

     Where,

               (A)  "Eurodollar Rate" means the interest rate (rounded upward to
          the nearest 1/16th of one percent) at which bank's Grand Cayman Branch
          would offer U.S. dollar deposits for the applicable interest period to
          other major banks in the offshore dollar inter-bank market.


                                        2

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               (B)  "Reserve Percentage" means the total of the maximum reserve
          percentages for determining the reserves to be maintained by member
          banks of the Federal Reserve System for Eurocurrency Liabilities, as
          defined in the Federal Reserve Board Regulation D, rounded upward to
          the nearest 1/100 of one percent.  The percentage will be expressed
          as a decimal, and will include, but not be limited to, marginal,
          emergency, supplemental, special, and other reserve percentages.

               (iv) Borrower may not elect an Offshore Rate with respect to any
     portion of the principal balance of the Unsecured Line of Credit which is
     scheduled to be repaid before the last day of the applicable interest
     period.

               (v)  No portion of the principal balance of the line of credit 
     already bearing interest at the Offshore Rate may be converted to a
     different rate during its interest period.

               (vi) Each prepayment of an Offshore Rate option, whether
     voluntary, by reason of acceleration or otherwise, will be accompanied by
     the amount of accrued interest on the amount prepaid, and a prepayment fee
     equal to the amount (if any) by which

               (A)  the additional interest which would have been payable on the
          amount prepaid had it not been paid until the last day of the interest
          period, exceeds

               (B)  the interest which would have been recoverable by Bank by 
          placing the amount prepaid on the deposit in the offshore dollar
          market for a period starting on the date on which it was prepaid and
          ending on the last day of the interest period for such portion.

               (vii) Bank will have no obligation to accept an election of an 
     Offshore Rate portion if any of the following described events has occurred
     and is continuing:

               (x)  Dollar deposits in the principal amount, and for periods 
                    equal to the interest


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<PAGE>

                    period, of an Offshore Rate portion are not available in the
                    offshore Dollar interbank market; or

               (y)  the Offshore Rate does not accurately reflect the cost of an
                    Offshore Rate portion.

     1.4  REPAYMENT TERMS/UNSECURED LINE OF CREDIT.

          (a)  Borrower will pay interest in arrears commencing on December 1,
1995, and then on each first day of each month thereafter until payment in full
of all amounts outstanding under the Unsecured Line of Credit.

          (b)  Borrower will repay in full, all principal, interest and other
charges outstanding under the Unsecured Line of Credit no later than the
Maturity Date.

          (c)  Subject to provisions contained elsewhere herein, Borrower may
prepay the Unsecured Line of Credit in full or in part at any time.  The
prepayment will be applied first to interest and charges and then to the most
remote installment of principal due under this Agreement.

     1.5  LETTER OF CREDIT LINE.   This Line of Credit may be used for
financing:

               (i)  commercial letters of credit with a maximum maturity of 360
     days but not to extend beyond the Maturity Date.  Each commercial letter of
     credit will require drafts payable at sight or up to 180 days after sight.

               (ii) standby letters of credit with a maximum maturity of 360 
     days but not to extend beyond the Maturity Date.

          (a)  The amount of outstanding letters of credit, including amounts
drawn on letters of credit and not yet reimbursed, may not exceed at any one
time the Commitment.

          (b)  Any sum drawn under a letter of credit may, at the option of
Bank, be added to the principal amount outstanding under this Agreement.  The
amount will bear interest and be due as described elsewhere in this Agreement.


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          (c) In the event any letters of credit are outstanding on the Maturity
Date, or in the event an Event of Default shall have occurred, Borrower shall
immediately prepay such letters of credit and deposit with Bank, as cash
collateral for the obligations of Borrower under such letters of credit (and
Borrower hereby grants to Bank a security interest in such cash collateral), an
amount equal to the face amount of all outstanding letters of credit, to be
applied to repay draws under letters of credit as and when made.

          (d) The issuance of any letter of credit or any amendment to a letter
of credit is subject to Bank's written approval and must be in form and content
satisfactory to Bank and in favor of a beneficiary acceptable to Bank.

          (e) Borrower will sign Bank's form Application and Security Agreement
for Commercial Letter of Credit or Application and Agreement for Standby Letter
of Credit.

          (f) Borrower agrees that Bank may automatically charge its checking
account for applicable fees, discounts, and other charges relating to any
letters of credit.

          (g) Borrower will pay Bank a non-refundable fee equal to 1.0% per
annum of the outstanding undrawn amount of each standby letter of credit,
payable in advance, calculated on the basis of the face amount outstanding on
the day the fee is calculated.  Standby letters of credit issued for the purpose
of allowing Borrower to borrow local currencies from Sumitomo Bank Limited will
carry an issuance fee equal to .5% per annum.

          (h) Borrower will pay any issuance and/or other fees that Bank
notifies Borrower will be charged for issuing and processing letters of credit
for Borrower.


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<PAGE>

2.   FEES AND EXPENSES

     2.1  FEES.

          (a)   LOAN FEE.  Borrower agrees to pay a Two Thousand Five Hundred
     Dollar ($2,500) loan fee due on Closing.



     2.2   EXPENSES.

               (a)  Borrower agrees to immediately repay Bank for expenses that
     include, without limitation, filing, recording and search fees, appraisal
     fees, title report fees, and documentation fees.

               (b)  Borrower agrees to reimburse Bank for any expenses it incurs
     in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and any agreement or
     instrument required by this Agreement.  Expenses include, but are not
     limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees, including any allocated costs of
     Bank's in-house counsel.

3.   DISBURSEMENTS, PAYMENTS AND COSTS

     3.1   REQUEST FOR CREDIT. Each request for an extension of credit will be
made in writing in a manner acceptable to Bank, or by another means acceptable
to Bank.

     3.2   DISBURSEMENTS AND PAYMENTS. Each disbursement by Bank and each
payment by Borrower will be:

               (a)  made at Bank's branch (or other location) selected by Bank
     from time to time.

               (b)   made for the account of Bank's branch selected by Bank from
     time to time.

               (c)   made in immediately available funds, or such other type of
     funds selected by Bank.

               (d)   evidenced by records kept by Bank.  In addition, Bank may,
     at its discretion, require Borrower to sign one or more promissory notes.


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<PAGE>

     3.3   TELEPHONE AUTHORIZATION.

               (a)   Bank may honor telephone instructions for advances or
     repayments or for the designation of optional interest rates given by any
     officer of Borrower or a person or persons so authorized by any officer of
     Borrower.

               (b)   Advances will be deposited in, and repayments will be
     withdrawn from, Borrower's account number 019-001809-70, or such other
     accounts with Bank as designated in writing by Borrower.

               (c)   Borrower indemnities and holds harmless Bank (including its
     officers, employees, and agents) from all liability, loss, and costs in
     connection with any act resulting from telephone instructions it reasonably
     believes are made by an officer of Borrower or a person authorized by an
     officer of Borrower. This indemnity and agreement to hold harmless
     will survive this Agreement's termination.

     3.4  DIRECT DEBIT

               (a)   Borrower agrees that interest, principal payments and any
     fees will be deducted automatically on the due date from Borrower's 
     checking account number 019-001809-70.

               (b)  Bank will debit Borrower's account on the dates the payments
     become due.  If a due date does not fall on a banking day, Bank will debit 
     the account on the first Banking Day following the due date.

               (c)  Borrower will maintain sufficient funds in the account on
     the dates Bank enters debits authorized by this Agreement.    If there are
     insufficient funds in the account on the date Bank enters any debit 
     authorized by this Agreement Borrower shall immediately pay such shortfall
     to Bank.

     3.5   BANKING DAYS. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, a
"Banking Day" is a day other than a Saturday or a Sunday, on which Bank is open
for business in California.  For amounts bearing interest at an Offshore Rate
(if any), a Banking Day is a day other than a Saturday or a Sunday on which Bank
is open for business in California and dealing in offshore dollars.

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<PAGE>

All payments and disbursements which would be due on a day which is not a
Banking Day will be due on the next Banking Day. All payments received on
a day which is not a Banking Day will be applied to the applicable Line of
Credit on the next Banking Day.

     3.6   TAXES.  Borrower will not deduct any taxes from any payments made to
Bank.    If any government authority imposes any taxes or charges on any
payments to Borrower, Borrower will pay the taxes or charges. Upon request
by Bank, Borrower will confirm that it has paid the taxes by giving Bank
official tax receipts (or notarized copies) within 30 days after the due date.

     3.7  ADDITIONAL COSTS.  Borrower will pay Bank, on demand, for Bank's costs
or losses arising from any statute or regulation, or any request or requirement
of a regulatory agency which is applicable to Bank. The costs and losses
will be allocated to the loans in a manner determined by Bank, using any
reasonable method.  The costs include the following:

               (a)   any reserve or deposit requirements; and

               (b)  any capital requirements relating to Bank's assets and
                    commitments for credit.

     3.8   INTEREST CALCULATION.  Except as otherwise stated in this
Agreement, all interest and fees, if any, will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed.  This results in more
interest or a higher fee than if a 365-day year is used.

     3.9   INTEREST ON LATE PAYMENTS. At Bank's sole option in each
instance, any amount not paid when due under this Agreement (including interest)
shall bear interest from the due date at Bank's Prime Rate plus Two percent
(2.0%).  This may result in compounding of interest.

     3.10  DEFAULT RATE.  If any amount under this Agreement is not paid in
full when due at maturity or when due because of the exercise of an option by 
Bank, Borrower agrees to pay interest on the outstanding principal and interest
at the rate of interest otherwise provided under this Agreement plus Two percent
(2.0%).


                                          8


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     3.11 OVERDRAFTS.   At Bank's sole option in each instance, Bank may make
advances under this Agreement to prevent or cover an overdraft on any account of
Borrower with Bank. Each such advance will accrue interest from the date of
the advance or the date on which the account is overdrawn, whichever occurs
first, at the interest rate described in this Agreement.

4.   CONDITIONS

     4.1  INITIAL ADVANCE. Bank must have received the following items, in
form and content acceptable to Bank, before it is required to extend any credit
to Borrower under this Agreement:

          (a)  AUTHORIZATIONS. Evidence that the execution, delivery and
     performance by Borrower of this Agreement and any instrument or agreement
     required under this Agreement have been duly authorized.

          (b)  NOTES.   The fully executed Unsecured Note.

     (c)  GOOD STANDING. Certificates of good standing for Borrower from its
     state of incorporation and from any other state in which Borrower is 
     required to qualify to conduct its business.

     4.2  CONDITIONS TO EACH ADVANCE.  Before each extension of credit,
including the first:

          (a)  The  Representations and  Warranties hereunder must be true and
     correct.

5.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

          When Borrower signs this Agreement, and until Bank is repaid in full,
Borrower makes the following representations and warranties.  Each request for
an extension of credit constitutes a renewed representation.

     5.1  ORGANIZATION OF BORROWER.  Borrower is a corporation duly formed and
existing under the laws of the state where organized.

     5.2  AUTHORIZATION.   This   Agreement, and any instrument or agreement
required hereunder, are within Borrower's powers,


                                          9

<PAGE>


have been duly authorized, and do not conflict with any of its organizational
papers.

     5.3  ENFORCEABLE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement and any related loan documents,
are legal, valid and binding agreements of Borrower, enforceable against
Borrower in accordance with their terms, and any instrument or agreement
required hereunder or thereunder, when executed and delivered, will be similarly
legal, valid, binding and enforceable.

     5.4  GOOD STANDING.  In each state in which Borrower does business, it is
properly licensed, in good standing, and, where required, in compliance with
fictitious name statutes.

     5.5   NO CONFLICTS.   This Agreement does not conflict with any law,
agreement, or obligation by which Borrower is bound.

     5.6   FINANCIAL INFORMATION.   All financial and other information that has
been or will be supplied to Bank, including Borrower's financial statement dated
as of March 31, 1995, is:

               (a)  sufficiently complete to give Bank accurate knowledge of
Borrower's financial condition.

               (b)  in form and content required by Bank.

               (c)  in compliance with all government regulations that apply.

           Since the dates of the  financial statements specified above, there
has been no material adverse change in the assets or the financial condition of
Borrower.

     5.7   LAWSUITS.   There is no lawsuit, tax claim or other dispute pending
or threatened against Borrower except as has been disclosed in writing to Bank
prior to the date hereof.

     5.8   PERMITS, FRANCHISES.   Borrower  possesses all permits, memberships,
franchises, contracts and licenses required and all trademark rights, trade name
rights, patent rights and fictitious name rights necessary to enable it to
conduct the business in which it is now engaged without conflict with the rights
of others.

     5.9   OTHER OBLIGATIONS.  Borrower is not in default on any obligation for
borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or

                                          10

<PAGE>


any other material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

     5.10  INCOME TAX RETURNS.  Borrower has filed all required tax returns and
has no knowledge of any pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax for
any year.

     5.11  NO EVENT OF DEFAULT.  No event has occurred which is, or with notice
or lapse of time or both would be, an Event of Default under this Agreement.

     5.12  ERISA PLANS.

               (a)  Borrower has fulfilled its obligations, if any, under the
minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan and is
in compliance in all material respects with the presently applicable provisions
of ERISA and the Code, and has not incurred any liability with respect to any
Plan under Title IV of ERISA.

               (b)  No reportable event has occurred under Section 4043(b) of
ERISA for which the PBGC requires 30 day notice.

               (c)  No action by Borrower to terminate or withdraw from any Plan
has been taken and no notice of intent to terminate a Plan has been filed under
Section 4041 of ERISA.

               (d)   No proceeding has been commenced with respect to a Plan
under Section 4042 of ERISA, and no event has occurred or condition exists which
might constitute    grounds for the commencement of such a proceeding.

               (e)  The following terms have the meanings indicated for purposes
of this Agreement:

                                        (i)  "Code" means  the Internal Revenue
          Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

                                        (ii)   "ERISA means the Employee
          Retirement Income Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.


                                          11


<PAGE>


                                        (iii)   "PBGC means the Pension Benefit
          Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of
          ERISA.

                                        (iv)    "Plan" means any employee
          pension benefit plan maintained or contributed to by Borrower and
          insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation under Title IV of
          ERISA.

     6.   COVENANTS

          Borrower agrees, so long as credit is available under this Agreement
and until Bank is repaid in full:

     6.1  USE OF PROCEEDS. To use the proceeds of the Unsecured Line of Credit
only for corporate purposes, including the guaranty of employee loans at the
Bank.

     6.2  FINANCIAL INFORMATION. To provide the following financial information
and statements and such additional information as requested by Bank from time to
time:

               (a)  Within 90 days of Borrower's fiscal year end, Borrower's
annual financial statements.  These financial statements must be audited by a
Certified Public Accountant ("CPA") acceptable to Bank.  The statements shall be
prepared on a consolidated basis.

               (b)  Within 45 days of the period's end, Borrower's quarterly
     financial statements.  These financial statements may be Borrower prepared.
     The statements shall be prepared on a consolidated basis.

               (c)  Copies of Borrower's Form 10-K Annual Report, Form 10-Q
     Quarterly Report and Form 8-K Current Report within 15 days after the date
     of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     6.3  OUICK RATIO.  To maintain on a consolidated basis as of the last day
of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of quick assets to current liabilities of at
least 1.5:1.0.

     "Quick assets" means cash, short-term cash investments, net trade
receivables and marketable securities not classified as long-term investments.

                                          12



<PAGE>
 
     6.4  TANGIBLE NET WORTH.  To maintain on a consolidated basis, as of the
last day of each fiscal quarter, Tangible Net Worth equal to at least
$220,000,000.

          "Tangible Net Worth" means the gross book value of Borrower's assets
(excluding goodwill, patents, trademarks, trade names, organization expense,
treasury stock, unamortized debt discount and expense, deferred research and
development costs, deferred marketing expenses, and other like intangibles and
monies due from affiliates, officers, directors or shareholders of Borrower)
plus debt subordinated to Bank in a manner acceptable to Bank less total
liabilities, including, without limitation, accrued and deferred income taxes,
and any reserves against assets.

     6.5  TOTAL LIABILITIES TO TANGIBLE NET WORTH.  To maintain on a
consolidated basis, as of the last of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of Total
Liabilities not subordinated to Tangible Net Worth not exceeding .5:1.0.

          "Total Liabilities not subordinated" means the sum of current
liabilities plus long term liabilities, excluding debt subordinated to
Borrower's obligations to Bank in a manner acceptable to Bank.

     6.6  PROFITABILITY.  To maintain on a consolidated basis, a positive net
income before taxes and extraordinary items and a positive net income after
taxes and extraordinary items for each fiscal year

     6.7  OTHER DEBTS.  Not to have outstanding or incur any direct or
contingent debts or lease obligations (other than those to Bank), or become
liable for the debts of others without Bank's written consent.  This does not
prohibit:

               (a)  Acquiring goods, supplies, or merchandise on normal
     trade credit.

               (b)  Endorsing negotiable instruments received in the usual
     course of business.

               (c)  Obtaining surety bonds in the usual course of business.

               (d)  Unsecured debts and lines of credit in existence on the
     date of this Agreement disclosed in

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     writing to Bank prior to the date of this Agreement in Borrower's
     financial statement dated March 31, 1995.

               (e)  Additional unsecured lines of credit with other banks and
     financial institutions not exceeding, in the aggregate, $20,000,000.

     6.8  OTHER LIENS.  Not to create, assume, or allow any security
interest or lien (including judicial liens) on property Borrower now or later
owns, except:

               (a)  Liens or security interests in favor of Bank.

               (b)  Liens for taxes not yet due.
  

     6.9  NOTICES TO BANK.  To promptly notify Bank in writing of:

               (a)  any lawsuit over One Million dollars ($1,000,000) against
     Borrower;

               (b)  any substantial dispute between Borrower and any government
     authority;

               (c)  any failure to comply with this Agreement;

               (d)  any material adverse change in Borrower's financial 
     condition or operations;

               (e)  any change in Borrower's name, address, or legal structure;
     and

               (f)  the occurrence of any Event of Default.

     6.10   BOOKS AND RECORDS.  To maintain adequate books and records.

     6.11   COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  To comply with the laws, regulations, and
orders of any government body with authority over Borrower's business
(including any fictitious name statute and all statutes regarding the
processing, manufacture, storage, transportation, sale or use of hazardous or
toxic materials).

                                       14
<PAGE>

      6.12  PRESERVATION OF RIGHTS.  To maintain and preserve all rights,
privileges, and franchises Borrower now has necessary to carry on Borrower's
business.

      6.13  COOPERATION. To take any action requested by Bank to carry out the
intent of this Agreement.

      6.14  INSURANCE.

                (a)   General Business Insurance.  To maintain insurance as is
      usual for the business it is in.

     6.15   ADDITIONAL NEGATIVE COVENANTS.  Not to, without Bank's prior written
consent:

                (a)   engage in any business activities substantially different
     from Borrower's present business.

                (b)   liquidate or dissolve Borrower's business.

                (c)   enter into any consolidation, merger, pool, joint venture,
     syndicate, or other combination.

                (d)   lease, or dispose of all or a substantial part of
     Borrower's business or  Borrower's assets except in the ordinary course of
     Borrower's business.

     6.l6   ERISA PLANS.  To give prompt written notice to Bank of:

                (a)   The occurrence of any reportable event under Section 
     4043(b) of ERISA for which the PBGC requires 30 day notice.

                (b)   Any action by Borrower to terminate or withdraw from a 
     Plan or the filing of any notice of intent to terminate under Section 4041 
     of ERISA.

                (c)   Any notice of noncompliance made with respect to a Plan 
     under Section 4041(b) of ERISA.

                (d)   The commencement of any proceeding with respect to a Plan
      under Section 4042 of ERISA.


                                       15
<PAGE>

7.   DEFAULT

     7.1  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The occurrence of any one or more of the following
events shall constitute an "Event of Default":

          (a)  FAILURE TO PAY. Borrower fails to make a payment under this
Agreement when due.

          (b)  NON-COMPLIANCE. Borrower fails to meet the conditions of, or
fails to perform any obligation under:

               (i)   this Agreement, or

               (ii)   any other agreement made in connection with
       this Agreement.

          (c)    OTHER DEFAULTS.  Any default occurs under any agreement in
connection with any credit Borrower has obtained from any other creditor if the
default consists of failing to make a payment when due or gives the other
creditor the right to accelerate the obligation.

          (d)    FALSE INFORMATION.  Any representation or warranty under this
Agreement or any agreement, instrument or certificate executed pursuant to this
Agreement or in connection with any transaction contemplated hereby shall prove
to have been false or misleading in any material respect when made or when
deemed to have been made.

          (e)    BANKRUPTCY.  Borrower files a bankruptcy petition, a bankruptcy
petition is filed against Borrower or Borrower makes a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors.   The default will be deemed cured if any bankruptcy
petition filed AGAINST Borrower is dismissed within a period of sixty (60) days
after the filing; provided, however, that Bank will not be obligated to extend
any additional credit to Borrower during any bankruptcy period.

          (f)    RECEIVERS.  A receiver or similar official is appointed for
Borrower's business, or the business is terminated.

          (g)    LAWSUITS.   Any lawsuit or lawsuits are filed on behalf of one
or more trade creditors against Borrower in an aggregate amount of Ten Million
dollars ($10,000,000) and such

                                       16
<PAGE>


lawsuits or lawsuits are not dismissed or fully bonded within ten (10) calendar
days after service of process upon Borrower.

          (h)    JUDGMENTS.  Any judgments or arbitration awards are entered
against Borrower and, absent procurement of a stay of execution, such judgment
or award remains unbonded or unsatisfied for ten (10) calendar days after the
date of entry; or Borrower enters into any settlement agreement with respect to
any litigation or arbitration, in an aggregate amount of Ten Million dollars
($10,000,000) or more in excess of any insurance coverage.

          (i)    GOVERNMENT ACTION.  Any government authority takes action that
Bank believes adversely affects Borrower's financial condition or ability to
repay.

          (j)    MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.  A material adverse change occurs in
Borrower's financial condition, properties or prospects, or ability to repay the
obligations hereunder.

          (k)    ERISA PLANS.  The occurrence of a reportable event with respect
to Plan which is, in the reasonable judgment of Bank, likely to result in the
termination of such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, or could reasonably
be expected, in the judgment of Bank, to subject Borrower to any tax, penalty or
liability (or any combination of the foregoing) which, in the aggregate, would
have an adverse effect on the financial condition of Borrower with respect to a
Plan.

     7.2  REMEDIES.  Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, Bank
shall have all of the following rights and remedies:

               (a)  All obligations and indebtedness hereunder may, at the
     option of Bank and without demand, notice, or legal process of any kind, be
     declared, and immediately shall become, due and payable;

               (b)  The Loans shall bear interest at the Default Rate;

     7.3  COSTS AND EXPENSES.  Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, 
Bank shall be entitled to recover all costs, expenses, and attorneys' fees 
(including any allocated costs of in-house counsel) in connection with the
administering or enforcing of this Agreement, whether or not an action is
filed.

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8.  MISCELLANEOUS

    8.1   GAAP.  Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, all financial 
information provided to Bank and all financial covenants will be made under 
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

    8.2   CALIFORNIA LAW.  This Agreement is governed by California law.

    8.3   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement is binding on Borrower's 
and Bank's successors and assignees. Borrower agrees that it may not assign 
this Agreement without Bank's prior written consent. Bank may sell 
participations in or assign these loans, or any portion thereof, and may 
exchange financial information about Borrower with actual or potential 
participants or assignees. If a participation is sold or any portion of the 
loans is assigned, the purchaser will have the right of set-off against 
Borrower.

    8.4   SEVERABILITY; WAIVERS.  If any part of this Agreement is not 
enforceable, the rest of the Agreement may be enforced. No failure on the 
part of Bank to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power, or 
remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any 
single or partial exercise of any right under this Agreement preclude any 
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. Any 
consent or waiver under this Agreement must be in writing. If Bank waives a 
default, it may enforce a later default.

    8.5   COSTS AND EXPENSES.  In addition to the recovery of costs and 
expenses upon an occurrence of an Event of Default, if Bank incurs expenses 
in connection with the preparation, administering or enforcing of this 
Agreement, Borrower shall pay Bank all such costs and reasonable attorneys' 
fees, including any allocated costs of in-house counsel.

    8.6   ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement and any related security or other 
agreements required by this Agreement, collectively:

              (a) represent the sum of the understandings and agreements 
    between Bank and Borrower concerning this credit; and


                                     18

<PAGE>

              (b) replace any prior oral or written agreements between Bank 
    and Borrower concerning this credit; and

              (c) are intended by Bank and Borrower as the final, complete 
    and exclusive statement of the terms agreed to by them.

          In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other 
agreements required by this Agreement, this Agreement will prevail.

    8.7   NOTICES.  Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices required 
under this Agreement shall be personally delivered or sent by first class 
mail, postage prepaid, to the addresses on the signature page of this 
Agreement, or to such other addresses as Bank and Borrower may specify from 
time to time in writing.

    8.8   HEADINGS.  Article and paragraph headings are for reference only 
and shall not affect the interpretation or meaning of any provisions of this 
Agreement.

    8.9   COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in as many 
counterparts as necessary or convenient, and by the different parties on 
separate counterparts each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an 
original but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same 
agreement.

    8.10  FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Borrower shall, at its expense and without 
expense to Bank, do, execute and deliver such further acts and documents as 
Bank from time to time reasonably requires for the assuring to Bank the 
rights created or intended to be created by this Agreement and for carrying 
out the intention or facilitating the performance of the terms of this 
Agreement or any document executed in connection with this Agreement.

    8.11  HAZARDOUS WASTE INDEMNIFICATION.  Borrower will indemnify and hold 
harmless Bank from loss or liability directly or indirectly arising out of 
the use, generation, manufacture, production, storage, release, threatened 
release, discharge, disposal or presence of a hazardous substance. This 
indemnity will apply whether the hazardous substance is on, under or about 
Borrower's property or operations or property



                                     19

<PAGE>

leased to Borrower. The indemnity includes but is not limited to attorneys' 
fees (including the reasonable estimate of the allocated cost of in-house 
counsel and staff). The indemnity extends to Bank, its parent, subsidiaries 
and all of their directors, officers, employees, agents, successors, 
attorneys and assigns. For these purposes, the term "hazardous substances" 
means any substance which is or becomes designated as "hazardous" or "toxic" 
under any federal, state or local law. This indemnity will survive repayment 
of Borrower's obligations to Bank.

          Upon demand by Bank, Borrower will defend any investigation, action 
or proceeding alleging the presence of any hazardous substance in any such 
location, which affects any of Borrower's property or operations or property 
leased to Borrower or which is brought or commenced against Bank, whether 
alone or together with Borrower or any other person, all at Borrower's own 
cost and by counsel to be approved by Bank in the exercise of its reasonable 
judgment. In the alternative, Bank may elect to conduct its own defense at 
the expense of Borrower.

    8.12  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  The parties to this Agreement acknowledge 
that jury trials often entail additional expenses and delays not occasioned 
by nonjury trials. The parties to this Agreement further agree and stipulate 
that a fair trial may be had before a state or federal judge by means of a 
bench trial without a jury. In view of the foregoing, and as a specifically 
negotiated provision of this Agreement, each party to this Agreement hereby 
expressly waives any right to trial by jury of any claim, demand, action or 
cause of action (1) arising under this Agreement or any other instrument, 
document or agreement executed or delivered in connection herewith, or (2) in 
any way connected with or related or incidental to the dealings of the 
parties hereto or any of them with respect to this Agreement or  any other 
instrument, document or agreement executed or delivered in connection 
herewith, or the transactions related hereto or thereto, in each case whether 
now existing or hereafter arising, and whether sounding in contract or tort 
or otherwise; and each party hereby agrees and consents that any such claim, 
demand, action or cause of action shall be decided by court trial without a 
jury, and that any party to this Agreement may file an original counterpart 
or a copy of this section with any court as written evidence of the consent 
of the parties hereto to the waiver of their right to trial by jury.


                                     20

<PAGE>

This Agreement is executed as of the date stated at the top of the first page.

NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC.


By /s/
   ---------------------------
   Its       CFO
      --------------------------


By /s/  John P. Root
   -----------------------------
   Its  Product Line Controller
      --------------------------

Address where notices to Borrower are to be sent:

Novellus Systems, Inc.
81 Vista Montana
San Jose, CA 95134
Attn: John P. Root


SUMITOMO BANK OF CALIFORNIA


By  /s/ William G. Nelle, Jr.
   --------------------------------
    Its  Vice President & Manager
       ----------------------------

Address where notices to Bank are to be sent:

Sumitomo Bank of California
84 West Santa Clara Street, Suite 700
San Jose, California 95113
Attn: W.G. Nelle, Jr.


                                     21

<PAGE>

                                 UNSECURED LINE NOTE


$1,000,000.00                                             November 1, 1995
                                                          San Jose, California

    FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned promises to pay to the order of The 
Sumitomo Bank of California (the "BANK"), the principal amount of ONE MILLION 
AND N0/100 DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) or such lesser aggregate amount of 
advances under the Revolving Line of Credit as may be made by the Bank 
pursuant to the Loan Agreement referred to below, together with interest on 
the principal amount of each advance under the Revolving Line of Credit 
remaining unpaid from time to time from the date of each such advance under 
the Revolving Line of Credit until the date of payment in full, payable as 
hereinafter set forth.

    Reference is made to the Commercial Loan Agreement dated as of even date 
herewith, by and between the undersigned, as Borrower, and the Bank (the 
"Loan Agreement"). Terms defined in the Loan Agreement and not otherwise 
defined herein are used herein with the meanings defined for those terms in 
the Loan Agreement. This is the Unsecured Line Note referred to in the Loan 
Agreement, and any holder hereof is entitled to all of the rights, remedies, 
benefits and privileges provided for in the Loan Agreement as originally 
executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented, modified or amended. 
The Loan Agreement,among other things, contains provisions for acceleration 
of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events upon the 
terms and conditions therein specified.

    The principal indebtedness evidenced by this Unsecured Line Note shall be 
payable as provided in the Loan Agreement and in any event on June 30,1996.

    Interest shall be payable on the outstanding daily unpaid principal 
amount of advances under the Revolving Line of Credit from the date first 
written above until payment in full and shall accrue and be payable at the 
rates and on the dates set forth in the Loan Agreement both before and after 
default and before and after maturity and judgment, with interest on overdue 
principal and interest to bear interest at the rate set forth in Section 3.10 
of the Loan Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

    Each payment hereunder shall be made to the Bank in immediately available 
funds not later than 4:00 p.m. (Los Angeles time) on the day of payment 
(which must be a Banking Day). All payments received after 4:00 p.m. (Los 
Angeles time) on any particular Banking Day shall be deemed received on the 
next succeeding Banking Day.  All payments shall be made in lawful money of 
the United States of America.



<PAGE>

    The Bank shall use its best efforts to keep a record of advances under 
the Revolving Line of Credit made by it and payments received by it with 
respect to this Unsecured Line Note, and, absent manifest error, such record 
shall be presumptive evidence of the amounts owing under this Unsecured Line 
Note.

    The undersigned hereby promises to pay all costs and expenses of any 
rightful holder hereof incurred in collecting the undersigned's obligations 
hereunder or in enforcing or attempting to enforce any of such holder's 
rights hereunder, including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements 
(including the allocated costs of in-house counsel), whether or not an action 
is filed in connection therewith.

    Subject to the provisions of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby 
waives presentment, demand for payment, dishonor, notice of dishonor, protest, 
notice of protest and any other notice or formality, to the fullest extent 
permitted by applicable laws.

    This Unsecured Line Note shall be delivered to and accepted by the Bank 
in the State of California, and shall be governed by, and construed and 
enforced in accordance with, the local laws thereof.

NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC., a
California corporation


By /s/ William J. Wall
   ------------------------------------------
      William J. Wall, CFO
      (Printed Name & Title)

By  /s/ John P. Root
    -----------------------------------------
       John P. Root, Product Line Controller
       (Printed Name & Title)



<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT A

                              UNSECURED LINE NOTE


$1,000,000.00                                             November 1, 1995
                                                          San Jose, California


    FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned promises to pay to the order of The 
Sumitomo Bank of California (the "BANK"), the principal amount of ONE MILLION 
AND N0/100 DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) or such lesser aggregate amount of 
advances under the Revolving Line of Credit as may be made by the Bank 
pursuant to the Loan Agreement referred to below, together with interest on 
the principal amount of each advance under the Revolving Line of Credit 
remaining unpaid from time to time from the date of each such advance under 
the Revolving Line of Credit until the date of payment in full, payable as 
hereinafter set forth.

    Reference is made to the Commercial Loan Agreement dated as of even date 
herewith, by and between the undersigned, as Borrower, and the Bank (the 
"Loan Agreement"). Terms defined in the Loan Agreement and not otherwise 
defined herein are used herein with the meanings defined for those terms in 
the Loan Agreement.  This is the Unsecured Line Note referred to in the Loan 
Agreement, and any holder hereof is entitled to all of the rights, remedies, 
benefits and privileges provided for in the Loan Agreement as originally 
executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented, modified or amended. 
The Loan Agreement, among other things, contains provisions for acceleration 
of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events upon the 
terms and conditions therein specified.

    The principal indebtedness evidenced by this Unsecured Line Note shall be 
payable as provided in the Loan Agreement and in any event on June 30,1996.

     Interest shall be payable on the outstanding daily unpaid principal 
amount of advances under the Revolving Line of Credit from the date first 
written above until payment in full and shall accrue and be payable at the 
rates and on the dates set forth in the Loan Agreement both before and after 
default and before and after maturity and judgment, with interest on overdue 
principal and interest to bear interest at the rate set forth in SECTION 3.10 
of the Loan Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

    Each payment hereunder shall be made to the Bank in immediately available 
funds not later than 4:00 p.m. (Los Angeles time) on the day of payment (which 
must be a Banking Day). All payments received after 4:00 p.m. (Los Angeles 
time) on any particular Banking Day shall be deemed received on the next 
succeeding Banking Day. All payments shall be made in lawful money of the 
United States of America.


<PAGE>

    The Bank shall use its best efforts to keep a record of advances under 
the Revolving Line of Credit made by it and payments received by it with 
respect to this Unsecured Line Note, and, absent manifest error, such record 
shall be presumptive evidence of the amounts owing under this Unsecured Line 
Note.

    The undersigned hereby promises to pay all costs and expenses of any 
rightful holder hereof incurred in collecting the undersigned's obligations 
hereunder or in enforcing or attempting to enforce any of such holder's 
rights hereunder, including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements 
(including the allocated costs of in-house counsel), whether or not an action 
is filed in connection therewith.

    Subject to the provisions of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby 
waives presentment, demand for payment, dishonor, notice of dishonor, 
protest, notice of protest and any other notice or formality, to the fullest 
extent permitted by applicable laws.

    This Unsecured Line Note shall be delivered to and accepted by the Bank 
in the State of California, and shall be governed by, and construed and 
enforced in accordance with, the local laws thereof.

NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC., a
California corporation


By-----------------------------------
  -----------------------------------
  (Printed Name & Title)



By-----------------------------------
  -----------------------------------
  (Printed Name & Title)

<PAGE>

                      MASTER FOREIGN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT

    Master Foreign Exchange Agreement (the "Agreement") dated as of November 
15, 1995, between Novellus Systems, Inc. (the "Customer") and the Sumitomo 
Bank of California (the "Bank").

    1.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Bank, in 
its discretion, may enter into spot and forward foreign exchange transactions 
with Customer requiring the exchange of a specified amount of one currency 
for a specified amount of a second currency on a specified date, referred to 
as the settlement date (each, a "foreign exchange transaction"), each foreign 
exchange transaction to be evidenced by a confirmation sent by Bank and 
acknowledged by Customer. Customer agrees to pay Bank, on demand, Bank's then 
standard foreign exchange transaction contract fees for each foreign exchange 
transaction.

    2.  The Bank shall enter into transactions with Customer within a Foreign 
Exchange Line established by the Bank, the aggregate amount payable by one 
party in any currency not to exceed $5,000,000, although this amount may be 
increased if both Bank and Customer agree in writing.

    3.  The maximum amount at any time of the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the 
sum of Customer's obligation to Bank hereunder shall not exceed $5,000,000 in 
the aggregate and $2,500,000 for any one settlement date.

    4.  Neither Customer nor Bank shall be under any obligation to  enter 
into any particular foreign exchange transaction with each other.



<PAGE>

    5.  It shall constitute a "default" hereunder in the event that:

        (a)  Bank or Customer fails to pay any sum due under any transaction 
or pursuant to this Agreement within two business days of notice of such 
non-payment;

        (b)  Customer fails to perform or observe any other term, obligation, 
covenant or undertaking contained hereunder, under any transaction entered 
into pursuant hereto, or under any other transaction entered into between 
Customer and Bank, within seven days of notice of such failure to perform or 
observe;

        (c)  any representations or warranties made or deemed, pursuant to 
Section 7, to be made by Customer proves to be untrue in any material respect 
when made or deemed made; 

        (d)  Customer files or has filed against it a proceeding seeking a 
judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy 
or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors' rights or has a 
receiver, administrator, custodian, or similar official appointed for it or 
substantially all of its assets is the subject of any event that, under 
applicable law, has an analogous effect to any of the foregoing; or

        (e)  the authority of any investment manager to transact on 
Customer's behalf hereunder is terminated or limited for any reason or such 
investment manager is removed or resigns and Customer fails to provide Bank 
with reasonably contemporaneous notice thereof; 



                                     2

<PAGE>


then the other of us (referred to as the non-defaulting party) may then, at 
its option, treat such event or circumstances as an anticipatory breach by 
the defaulting party of its obligations to the non-defaulting party under the 
outstanding transactions in compliance with the next paragraph.

    6.  Upon the closing of Bank and Customer's outstanding transactions 
hereunder the defaulting party or the non-defaulting party, as the cause may 
be, shall be obligated to pay to the other with respect to closed-out 
transactions an amount determined as follows:

        i)    All determinations shall be made in good faith by the 
non-defaulting party, shall be conclusive absent manifest error as soon as 
practicable, and the date of determination shall be the "Close-Out Day";

        ii)   With respect to each outstanding transaction there shall be 
calculated the "Closing Gain or Loss" which shall be a sum of money equal to 
the difference between: (x) the amount of the currency which the 
non-defaulting party contracted to sell under such transaction (the "Sold 
Currency"); and (y) the amount of the sold currency which is required to 
purchase the amount of the currency which the non-defaulting party contracted 
to buy under such transaction (the "Bought Currency"), at the rate of 
exchange (determined in good faith by the non-defaulting party) at which, on 
the Close-Out Day, the non-defaulting party could enter into a contract in 
the foreign exchange market to buy that amount of the Bought Currency in 
exchange for the Sold Currency for delivery on the relevant value date or the 
second business day after the Close-Out Day, whichever is later;



                                     3

<PAGE>


        iii)  Each difference calculated in accordance with clause (i) above 
in currency (other than in U.S. Dollars) shall be notionally converted into 
U.S. Dollars at the rate of exchange (determined in good faith by 
non-defaulting party) at which, on the Close-Out Day, the non-defaulting 
party could enter into a contract in the foreign exchange market to buy such 
currency in exchange for U.S. Dollars for delivery on such value date or the 
second business day after the Close-Out Day, whichever is later;

        iv)   The Closing Gain or Loss for each transaction converted into 
U.S. Dollars as aforesaid as appropriate shall be adjusted to present value 
by discounting or, if the value date precedes the Close-Out Day, at a 
then prevailing market rate (as determined in good faith by the non-defaulting 
party, and calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 
year of 360 days); and

        v)    The following amounts shall be netted against each other, as 
appropriate, in the following order: (x) all adjusted Closing Gains or Losses 
owed by one of us to the other; and (y) at the election of the non-defaulting 
party, any or all other amounts owing and then due by one of us to the other 
under this Agreement.

The amount due and owing after effecting close out between Bank and Customer 
as aforesaid shall be immediately due and payable on the Close-Out Day. In 
addition, the defaulting party will pay the costs and disbursements 
(including all legal fees and costs) incurred by the non-defaulting party in 
connection with such close-out or in the enforcement and preservation 
generally by the non-defaulting party's rights hereunder and under any 
transaction.  Upon notification by



                                     4

<PAGE>

the non-defaulting party to the defaulting party of such costs and 
disbursements, the same will be immediately due and payable. All amounts 
payable under this Agreement, until paid, shall bear interest from the date 
they are due at then prevailing market rates (as determined in good faith by 
the non-defaulting party). All rights and remedies provided in this Agreement 
are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies which 
either Bank or Customer may have at common law, by statute or otherwise. Bank 
reserves all rights of offset available under applicable law. In the event of 
any inconsistency between the terms of a foreign exchange transaction 
contract and this Agreement, the terms of the foreign exchange transaction 
contract shall prevail for the purpose of the foreign exchange transaction 
therein described.

    7.  Customer represents and warrants to Bank throughout the term hereof 
that:

        (a)  it has power to enter into and perform its obligations under 
this Agreement and the foreign exchange transactions contemplated hereunder; 
and

        (b)  this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered 
by it, does not conflict with or contravene any provision of its 
constitutional documents or any contractual restriction binding on it or any 
of its assets and constitutes its valid, binding and enforceable obligation.

Customer further represents that it acknowledges that any advice or market 
commentary given by Bank in connection with this Agreement is



                                     5

<PAGE>


incidental to the provision of its services hereunder and will not serve as 
the primary basis of any investment decision made by Customer. Customer 
further acknowledges that market commentary made by Bank at any time does not 
constitute investment or trading advice and may be different from market 
commentary made to other customers due to individual analysis of fundamental 
and technical factors by different personnel associated with the Bank and 
further that such market commentary may not be consistent with our 
investments or any of our affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents 
or independent contractors.

    8.  Prior to entering into the initial foreign exchange transaction with 
any investment advisor on Customer's behalf, Customer shall have delivered to 
Bank evidence satisfactory to Bank of the authority of such investment 
manager to enter into such transactions on Customer's behalf. Customer agrees 
that Bank will incur no liability from operating pursuant to the terms hereof 
and on the basis of the evidence of authority previously furnished to Bank 
unless and until Bank has received written notice of any changes in authority 
of the investment manager to act on Customer's behalf.

    9.  The receipt or recovery by either Bank or Customer of any amount in 
respect of an obligation of the other in a currency (other than U.S. 
Dollars), whether pursuant to a judgment of any court or pursuant to Section 
7, shall discharge such obligation only to the extent that on the business 
day immediately following such receipt the recipient shall be able, in 
accordance with normal banking procedures, to purchase U.S. Dollars with the 
currency received. If the amount of U.S. Dollars so purchasable shall be less 
than the original U.S. Dollar amount of such obligation, the obligor shall,



                                     6

<PAGE>


as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any judgment of any court, 
indemnify the recipient against any costs incurred by it in making any such 
purchase of U.S. Dollars.

    10.  Customer agrees that Bank may, in its sole discretion, electronically 
record any telephonic conversation between Customer and Bank and that any 
such recording may be submitted in evidence to any court or in any legal or 
arbitration proceeding for the purpose of establishing any matters pertinent 
to any foreign exchange transaction.

    11.  All notices, requests, confirmations and other communications not 
permitted to be given orally hereunder shall be deemed to be effective:

        i)  when received (if acknowledged by appropriate answerback or 
confirmation of receipt), if given by hand delivery, telex, or facsimile; and

        ii)  on the third day after the day sent, if given by first class 
mail, postage prepaid.

All such communications shall be sent to the receiving party at its address, 
telex or facsimile number, each as set forth on the signature page hereof.

    12.  In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this 
Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, 
the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions 
contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.  Bank 
and Customer shall endeavor in



                                     7

<PAGE>


good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable 
provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close 
as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

    13.  No indulgence or concession is granted by Bank hereunder and no 
omission or delay on Bank's part in exercising any right, power or privilege 
hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial 
exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any other or further 
exercise thereof or the exercise of any right, power or privilege.

    14.  This Agreement represents Bank's and Customer's entire agreement, 
supersedes all prior oral or written agreements having the same subject 
matter, can be modified only by a signed writing, and may not be assigned by 
Customer without the written consent of Bank.

    15.  This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with 
the laws of the State of California without regard to principles on conflicts 
of law. The parties agree that all actions and proceedings arising in 
connection with this Agreement shall be tried and litigated only in the State 
of California. Each party submits to the jurisdiction of the State and 
Federal courts in California with respect to any such action or proceeding.

    16.  EACH PARTY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION 
BETWEEN THEM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.


                                     8


<PAGE>


AGREED AND ACCEPTED:


NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC.


By:  /s/ William J. Wall
   ---------------------------------------
        William J. Wall   CFO

        Print Name and Title

Date:  November 15, 1995

Address:  81 Vista Montana
          San Jose, CA 95134

Phone: 408-943-3463
Facsimile: 408-943-0202



SUMITOMO BANK OF CALIFORNIA


By: /s/ William G. Nelle, Jr.
   --------------------------------------
      William G. Nelle, Jr.
      Vice President & Manager

        Print Name and Title

Date:  November 15, 1995

Address:  84 West Santa Clara Street
          Suite 700
          Santa Jose, CA 95113

Phone:  415-445-8015 (San Francisco)
        408-288-6265 (San Jose)
Facsimile:  415-445-3909 (San Francisco)
            408-288-6292 (San Jose)



                                     9

<PAGE>

                         CORPORATE RESOLUTION TO BORROW

     Resolved, that this corporation  Novellus Systems, Inc.  borrow from
Sumitomo Bank of California  hereinafter called the "Bank," from time to time,
such sums of money as, in the judgment of the officer or officers hereinafter
authorized, this corporation may require; provided that the aggregate amount of
such borrowing, pursuant to this resolution, shall not at any one time exceed
the principle sum of  One million dollars  ($1,000,000.00).

In addition to such amount as may be otherwise authorized;

     Resolved Further, that any       2        of the following named officers
                               ----------------
                                Specify Number

     William J. Wall                    the  CFO
----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------

     John P. Root                       the  Product Line Controller
----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------

                                        the
----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------

                                        the
----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------
of this corporation (the officer or officers or officers acting in combination,
authorized to act pursuant hereto being hereinafter designated as "authorized
officers"), be and they are hereby authorized and empowered, for and on behalf
and in the name of this corporation (1) to execute and deliver to the Bank such
notes or other evidences of indebtedness of this corporation for the monies so
borrowed, with interest thereon, as the Bank may require, and to execute and
deliver, from time to time, renewals or extensions of such notes or other
evidences of indebtedness; (2) to grant a security interest in: transfer, or
otherwise hypothecate or deed in trust for Bank's benefit and deliver by such
instruments in writing or otherwise as may be demanded by the Bank, any of the
property of this corporation as may be required by the Bank to secure the
payment of any notes or other indebtedness of this corporation to the Bank,
whether arising pursuant to this resolution or otherwise; and (3) to perform all
acts and execute and deliver all instruments which the Bank may deem necessary
to carry out the purposes of this resolution;
     Resolved Further, that said authorized officers be and they are hereby
authorized and empowered, and that any one of said authorized officers be and he
is hereby authorized and empowered (1) to discount with or sell to the Bank,
conditional sales contracts, notes, acceptances, drafts, bailment agreements,
leases, receivables and evidences of indebtedness payable to this corporation,
upon such terms as may be agreed upon by them and the Bank, and to endorse in
the name of this corporation said notes, acceptances, drafts, bailment
agreements, leases, receivables and evidences of indebtedness so discounted, and
to guarantee the payment of the same to the Bank, and (2) to apply for and
obtain from the Bank letters of credit and in connection therewith to execute
such agreements, applications, guarantees, indemnities and other financial
undertakings as Bank may require;
     Resolved Further, that this resolution will continue in full force and
effect until the Bank shall receive official notice in writing from this
corporation of the revocation thereof by a resolution duly adopted by the Board
of Directors of this corporation, and that the certification of the Secretary of
this corporation as to the signatures of the above named persons shall be
binding on this corporation.

     I, William J. Wall Secretary of the above named corporation, duly organized
and existing under the laws of the State of California, do hereby certify that
the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of a resolution of the Board of
Directors of said corporation, duly and regularly passed and adopted at a
meeting of the Board of Directors of said corporation which was duly and
regularly called and held on the________________day of_________________________
at which meeting a quorum of the Board of Directors of said corporation was
at all times present and acting.
     I further certify that said resolution is still in full force and effect
and has not been amended or revoked, and that the specimen signatures appearing
below are the signatures of the officers authorized to sign for this corporation
by virtue of said resolution.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as such Secretary, and
affixed the corporate seal of said corporation this 7 day of December, 1995.

     AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES:

/s/ William J. Wall
---------------------------------
          (Signature)

/s/ John P. Root                      SEAL
----------------------------------    (If none,
          (Signature)                 no state)

---------------------------------
          (Signature)
                                        /s/ William J. Wall
----------------------------------      ----------------------------------------
          (Signature)                      (Signature)           (Secretary)