Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.7

                            INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

        This Indemnification Agreement (the "Agreement") is made as of
_______________, by and between PDF Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and <<IndemniteeName>> (the "Indemnitee").

                                    RECITALS

        The Company and Indemnitee recognize the increasing difficulty in
obtaining liability insurance for directors, officers and key employees, the
significant increases in the cost of such insurance and the general reductions
in the coverage of such insurance. The Company and Indemnitee further recognize
the substantial increase in corporate litigation in general, subjecting
directors, officers and key employees to expensive litigation risks at the same
time as the availability and coverage of liability insurance has been severely
limited. Indemnitee does not regard the current protection available as adequate
under the present circumstances, and Indemnitee and agents of the Company may
not be willing to continue to serve as agents of the Company without additional
protection. The Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly
qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, and to indemnify its directors,
officers and key employees so as to provide them with the maximum protection
permitted by law.

                                    AGREEMENT

        In consideration of the mutual promises made in this Agreement, and for
other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Company and Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:

        1. INDEMNIFICATION.

               (a) THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS. The Company shall indemnify
Indemnitee if Indemnitee is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party
to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in
the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or any subsidiary of the
Company, by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while an
officer or director or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving
at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement (if such settlement is approved in advance by the Company, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) actually and reasonably incurred by
Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if Indemnitee
acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee's
conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by
judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or
its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did
not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, or, with respect

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to any criminal action or proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to
believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

               (b) PROCEEDINGS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY. The Company
shall indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding by
or in the right of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to procure a
judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or any subsidiary of the
Company, by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while an
officer or director or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving
at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees) and, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, amounts paid in settlement (if such settlement is approved in
advance by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), in
each case to the extent actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if Indemnitee
acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, except
that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter
as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudicated by court order or
judgment to be liable to the Company in the performance of Indemnitee's duty to
the Company and its stockholders unless and only to the extent that the court in
which such action or proceeding is or was pending shall determine upon
application that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court
shall deem proper.

               (c) MANDATORY PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. To the extent that Indemnitee
has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in Section 1(a) or Section 1(b) or the defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in
connection therewith.

        2. NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended
to create in Indemnitee any right to continued employment.

        3. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURE.

               (a) ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES. The Company shall advance all
expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense,
settlement or appeal of any civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding
referred to in Section l(a) or Section 1(b) hereof (including amounts actually
paid in settlement of any such action, suit or proceeding). Indemnitee hereby
undertakes to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it
shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified
by the Company as authorized hereby.

               (b) NOTICE/COOPERATION BY INDEMNITEE. Indemnitee shall, as a
condition precedent to his or her right to be indemnified under this Agreement,
give the Company notice in writing as soon as practicable of any claim made
against Indemnitee for which indemnification will or could be sought under this
Agreement. Notice to the Company shall be directed to the

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Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall be given in accordance with the
provisions of Section 12(d) below. In addition, Indemnitee shall give the
Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as
shall be within Indemnitee's power.

               (c) PROCEDURE. Any indemnification and advances provided for in
Section 1 and this Section 3 shall be made no later than twenty (20) days after
receipt of the written request of Indemnitee. If a claim under this Agreement,
under any statute, or under any provision of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws providing for indemnification, is not paid in full by
the Company within twenty (20) days after a written request for payment thereof
has first been received by the Company, Indemnitee may, but need not, at any
time thereafter bring an action against the Company to recover the unpaid amount
of the claim and, subject to Section 11 of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall also
be entitled to be paid for the expenses (including attorneys' fees) of bringing
such action. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action
brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in connection with any action,
suit or proceeding in advance of its final disposition) that Indemnitee has not
met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under applicable law for
the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for the amount claimed, but the burden of
proving such defense shall be on the Company and Indemnitee shall be entitled to
receive interim payments of expenses pursuant to Section 3(a) unless and until
such defense may be finally adjudicated by court order or judgment from which no
further right of appeal exists. It is the parties' intention that if the Company
contests Indemnitee's right to indemnification, the question of Indemnitee's
right to indemnification shall be for the court to decide, and neither the
failure of the Company (including its Board of Directors, any committee or
subgroup of the Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its
stockholders) to have made a determination that indemnification of Indemnitee is
proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard
of conduct required by applicable law, nor an actual determination by the
Company (including its Board of Directors, any committee or subgroup of the
Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that
Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a
presumption that Indemnitee has or has not met the applicable standard of
conduct.

               (d) NOTICE TO INSURERS. If, at the time of the receipt of a
notice of a claim pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof, the Company has director and
officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of
the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter
take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf
of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in
accordance with the terms of such policies.

               (e) SELECTION OF COUNSEL. In the event the Company shall be
obligated under Section 3(a) hereof to pay the expenses of any proceeding
against Indemnitee, the Company, if appropriate, shall be entitled to assume the
defense of such proceeding, with counsel approved by Indemnitee, upon the
delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election so to do. After
delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the
retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to
Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by
Indemnitee with respect to the same proceeding, provided that (i) Indemnitee
shall have the right to employ counsel in any such proceeding at Indemnitee's
expense; and (ii) if (A) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been

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previously authorized by the Company, (B) Indemnitee shall have reasonably
concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and
Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense or (C) the Company shall not, in
fact, have employed counsel to assume the defense of such proceeding, then the
fees and expenses of Indemnitee's counsel shall be at the expense of the
Company.

        4. ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION RIGHTS; NONEXCLUSIVITY.

               (a) SCOPE. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
the Company hereby agrees to indemnify the Indemnitee to the fullest extent
permitted by law, notwithstanding that such indemnification is not specifically
authorized by the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation, the Company's Bylaws or by statute. In the event of any
change, after the date of this Agreement, in any applicable law, statute, or
rule which expands the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of
its board of directors or an officer, such changes shall be deemed to be within
the purview of Indemnitee's rights and the Company's obligations under this
Agreement. In the event of any change in any applicable law, statute or rule
which narrows the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its
board of directors or an officer, such changes, to the extent not otherwise
required by such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement shall have
no effect on this Agreement or the parties' rights and obligations hereunder.

               (b) NONEXCLUSIVITY. The indemnification provided by this
Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights to which Indemnitee may be
entitled under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, its Bylaws, any
agreement, any vote of stockholders or disinterested members of the Company's
Board of Directors, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or
otherwise, both as to action in Indemnitee's official capacity and as to action
in another capacity while holding such office. The indemnification provided
under this Agreement shall continue as to Indemnitee for any action taken or not
taken while serving in an indemnified capacity even though he or she may have
ceased to serve in any such capacity at the time of any action, suit or other
covered proceeding.

        5. PARTIAL INDEMNIFICATION. If Indemnitee is entitled under any
provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a
portion of the expenses, judgments, fines or penalties actually or reasonably
incurred in the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement of any civil or
criminal action, suit or proceeding, but not, however, for the total amount
thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of
such expenses, judgments, fines or penalties to which Indemnitee is entitled.

        6. MUTUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Both the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge
that in certain instances, Federal law or public policy may override applicable
state law and prohibit the Company from indemnifying its directors and officers
under this Agreement or otherwise. For example, the Company and Indemnitee
acknowledge that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has taken
the position that indemnification is not permissible for liabilities arising
under certain federal securities laws, and federal legislation prohibits
indemnification for certain ERISA violations. Indemnitee understands and
acknowledges that the Company has undertaken or may be required in the future to
undertake with the SEC to submit

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the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a
determination of the Company's right under public policy to indemnify
Indemnitee.

        7. OFFICER AND DIRECTOR LIABILITY INSURANCE. The Company shall, from
time to time, make the good faith determination whether or not it is practicable
for the Company to obtain and maintain a policy or policies of insurance with
reputable insurance companies providing the officers and directors of the
Company with coverage for losses from wrongful acts, or to ensure the Company's
performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. Among other
considerations, the Company will weigh the costs of obtaining such insurance
coverage against the protection afforded by such coverage. In all policies of
director and officer liability insurance, Indemnitee shall be named as an
insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits
as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company's directors, if
Indemnitee is a director; or of the Company's officers, if Indemnitee is not a
director of the Company but is an officer; or of the Company's key employees, if
Indemnitee is not an officer or director but is a key employee. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligation to obtain or maintain such
insurance if the Company determines in good faith that such insurance is not
reasonably available, if the premium costs for such insurance are
disproportionate to the amount of coverage provided, if the coverage provided by
such insurance is limited by exclusions so as to provide an insufficient
benefit, or if Indemnitee is covered by similar insurance maintained by a parent
or subsidiary of the Company.

        8. SEVERABILITY. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or
shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in
violation of applicable law. The Company's inability, pursuant to court order,
to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of
this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable as provided
in this Section 8. If this Agreement or any portion hereof shall be invalidated
on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall
nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee to the full extent permitted by any applicable
portion of this Agreement that shall not have been invalidated, and the balance
of this Agreement not so invalidated shall be enforceable in accordance with its
terms.

        9. EXCEPTIONS. Any other provision herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement:

               (a) CLAIMS INITIATED BY INDEMNITEE. To indemnify or advance
expenses to Indemnitee with respect to proceedings or claims initiated or
brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except with respect
to proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under
this Agreement or any other statute or law or otherwise as required under
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, but such indemnification or
advancement of expenses may be provided by the Company in specific cases if the
Board of Directors finds it to be appropriate;

               (b) LACK OF GOOD FAITH. To indemnify Indemnitee for any expenses
incurred by Indemnitee with respect to any proceeding instituted by Indemnitee
to enforce or interpret this Agreement, if a court of competent jurisdiction
determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee in such
proceeding was not made in good faith or was frivolous;

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               (c) INSURED CLAIMS. To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses or
liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments,
fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) to the
extent such expenses or liabilities have been paid directly to Indemnitee by an
insurance carrier under a policy of officers' and directors' liability insurance
maintained by the Company; or

               (d) CLAIMS UNDER SECTION 16(b). To indemnify Indemnitee for
expenses or the payment of profits arising from the purchase and sale by
Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor statute.

        10. CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN PHRASES.

               (a) For purposes of this Agreement, references to the "Company"
shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent
corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a
consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would
have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees
or agents, so that if Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of
such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
Indemnitee shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this
Agreement with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as Indemnitee
would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate
existence had continued.

               (b) For purposes of this Agreement, references to "other
enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall
include any excise taxes assessed on Indemnitee with respect to an employee
benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall
include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company
which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer,
employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or
beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee
reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries
of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a
manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this
Agreement.

        11. ATTORNEYS' FEES. In the event that any action is instituted by
Indemnitee under this Agreement to enforce or interpret any of the terms hereof,
Indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid all court costs and expenses, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by Indemnitee with respect to such action,
unless as a part of such action, the court of competent jurisdiction determines
that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee as a basis for such
action were not made in good faith or were frivolous. In the event of an action
instituted by or in the name of the Company under this Agreement or to enforce
or interpret any of the terms of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to
be paid all court costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by
Indemnitee in defense of such action (including with respect to Indemnitee's
counterclaims and cross-claims made in such action), unless as a part of such
action the court determines that each of Indemnitee's material defenses to such
action were made in bad faith or were frivolous.

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        12. MISCELLANEOUS.

               (a) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and all acts and transactions
pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be
governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflict of law.

               (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT; ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS. This Agreement sets
forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the
subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No
modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights
under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties
to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this
Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

               (c) CONSTRUCTION. This Agreement is the result of negotiations
between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective
counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product
of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or
against any one of the parties hereto.

               (d) NOTICES. Any notice, demand or request required or permitted
to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
sufficient when delivered personally or sent by telegram or fax, or forty-eight
(48) hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail, as certified or registered
mail, with postage prepaid, and addressed to the party to be notified at such
party's address as set forth below or as subsequently modified by written
notice.

               (e) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one instrument.

               (f) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon
the Company and its successors and assigns, and inure to the benefit of
Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, legal representatives and assigns.

               (g) SUBROGATION. In the event of payment under this Agreement,
the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the
rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and
shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the
Company to effectively bring suit to enforce such rights.

                            [Signature Page Follows]

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        The parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
set forth on the first page of this Agreement.

                                        PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

                                        By:
                                           -------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                        Address:   333 West San Carlos St.
                                                   Suite 700
                                                   San Jose, CA 95110

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:

<<IndemniteeName>>

----------------------------------------
(Signature)

Address: <<IndemniteeAddress1>>
         <<IndemniteeAddress2>>

                                       8<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

                               PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

                             1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                   (AS AMENDED AND RESTATED ON JUNE 30, 2000)

        1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Option Plan are to
attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options (as
defined under Section 422 of the Code) or non-statutory stock options, as
determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and subject to
the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

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

               (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees
appointed pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 4 of the Plan.

               (b) "Affiliate" means any entity which has a business
relationship with the Company.

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

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

               (e) "Committee" means the Committee appointed by the Board of
Directors in accordance with paragraph (a) of Section 4 of the Plan.

               (f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

               (g) "Company" means PDF Solutions, Inc., a California
corporation.

               (h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, who is
engaged by the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate to render
consulting services and is compensated for such services, and any director of
the Company whether compensated for such services or not, provided that if and
in the event the Company registers any class of any equity security pursuant to
the Exchange Act, the term Consultant shall thereafter not include directors who
are not compensated for their services or are paid only a director's fee by the
Company.

               (i) "Continuous Status as an Employee" means the absence of any
interruption or termination of the employment relationship by the Company or any
Subsidiary. Continuous Status as an Employee shall not be considered interrupted
in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of
absence approved by the Board, provided that such leave is for a period of not
more than ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such
leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise

<PAGE>   2

pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; or (iv) in the case of
transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its
Subsidiaries or its successor.

               (j) "Employee" means any person, including officers and
directors, employed by the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the
Company. The payment of a director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient
to constitute "employment" by the Company.

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

               (l) "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 National
Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated
Quotation ("Nasdaq") System, 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 system or exchange, or the exchange with the greatest volume of trading
in Common Stock) for the last market trading day prior to the time of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;

                      (ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq System
(but not on the National Market thereof) or regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock
for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported
in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator 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 Administrator.

               (m) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify
as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

               (n) "Named Executive" means (any individual who, on the last day
of the Company's fiscal year, is the chief executive officer of the Company (or
is acting in such capacity) or among the four highest compensated officers of
the Company (other than the chief executive officer). Such officer status shall
be determined pursuant to the executive compensation disclosure rules under the
Exchange Act.

               (o) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

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

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

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<PAGE>   3

               (r) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option.

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

               (t)    "Plan" means this 1996 Stock Option Plan.

               (u) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

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

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 1,097,551 shares of Common Stock. The shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

               If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason
without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares that were subject
thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for
future grant under the Plan.

        4. Administration of the Plan.

               (a) Composition of Administrator.

                      (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3, and by the legal requirements relating to the administration of Stock
Option Plans, if any, of applicable securities laws and the Code (collectively,
the "Applicable Laws"), the Plan may (but need not) be administered by different
administrative bodies with respect to directors, officers who are not directors
and Employees who are neither directors nor officers.

                      (ii) Administration with respect to Directors and
Officers. With respect to grants of Options to Employees or Consultants who are
also officers or directors of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A)
the Board, if the Board may administer the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3 as
it applies to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan and
Section 162(m) of the Code as it applies so as to qualify grants of Options to
Named Executives as performance-based compensation, or (B) a Committee
designated by the Board to administer the Plan, which Committee shall be
constituted in such a manner as to permit the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3 as
it applies to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan, to
qualify grants of Options to Named Executives as performance-based compensation
under Section 162(m) of the Code and otherwise so as to satisfy the Applicable
Laws.

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<PAGE>   4

                      (iii) Administration with respect to Other Persons. With
respect to grants of Options to Employees or Consultants who are neither
directors nor officers of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the
Board or (B) a Committee designated by the Board, which Committee shall be
constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the Applicable Laws.

                      (iv) General. If a Committee has been appointed pursuant
to subsection (ii) or (iii) of this Section 4(a), such Committee shall continue
to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From
time to time the Board may increase the size of any Committee and appoint
additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint
new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies (however caused) and remove
all members of a Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to
the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws and, in the case of a Committee
appointed under subsection (ii), to the extent permitted by Rule 16b-3 as it
applies to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan, and to
the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code to qualify grants of
Options to Named Executives as performance-based compensation.

               (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan and in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board
to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its
discretion:

                      (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common
               Stock, in accordance with Section 2(l) of the Plan;

                      (ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom
               Options may from time to time be granted hereunder;

                      (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options are
               granted hereunder;

                      (iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
               be covered by each such award granted hereunder;

                      (v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

                      (vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not
               inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted
               hereunder (including, but not limited to, the share price and any
               restriction or limitation, or any vesting acceleration or waiver
               of forfeiture restrictions regarding any Option and/or the shares
               of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such
               factors as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole
               discretion);

                      (vii) to determine whether and under what circumstances an
               Option may be settled in cash under Section 10(f) instead of
               Common Stock;

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

                      (viii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the
               then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the
               Common Stock covered by such Option shall have declined since the
               date the Option was granted.

               (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. All decisions,
        determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final
        and binding on all Optionees and any other holders of any Options.

        5.     Eligibility.

               (a) Nonstatutory Stock Options may be granted to Employees and
Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. An
Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option may, if he or she is
otherwise eligible, be granted an additional Option or Options.

               (b) Each Option shall be designated in the written option
agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate
Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Options designated as
Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee
during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent,
Subsidiary or Affiliate) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated
as Nonstatutory Stock Options.

               (c) For purposes of Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall
be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair
Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with
respect to such Shares is granted.

               (d) The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with an Optionee's right or the
Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at
any time, with or without cause.

        6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
shareholders of the Company as described in Section 19 of the Plan. It shall
continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under
Section 15 of the Plan.

        7. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated in
the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten
(10) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be
provided in the Option Agreement. However, in the case of an Option granted to
an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock representing more
than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, the term of the Option shall be
five (5) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be
provided in the Option Agreement.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

        8. Limitation on Grants to Employees. Subject to adjustment as provided
in Section 13 of this Plan, the maximum number of shares which may be subject to
Options granted to any one employee under this Plan for any fiscal year of the
Company shall be 300,000.

        9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

               (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares
to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is
determined by the Board, but shall be subject to the following:

                      (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                             (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of the
grant of such Incentive Stock Option, owns stock representing more than ten
percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any
Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, the per Share exercise price shall be no less
than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                             (B) granted to any other Employee, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

                      (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option

                             (A) granted to a person who, at the time of the
grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or
Affiliate, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of the grant.

                             (B) granted to a person, who, at the time of grant
of such Option is a Named Executive of the Company, the per share exercise price
shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant.

                             (C) granted to any person other than those persons
described in subsections (ii) (A) and (B) above, the per Share exercise price
shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of
grant.

               (b) Permissible Consideration. The consideration to be paid for
the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of
payment, shall be determined by the Administrator (and, in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option, shall be determined at the time of grant) and may
consist entirely of (1) cash, (2) check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares
that (x) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been
owned by the Optionee for more than six 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 such Option shall be exercised, (5)
authorization from the Company to retain from the total number of Shares as to
which the Option is exercised that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value
on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price for the total number of
Shares as to which the Option is exercised, (6) delivery of a properly executed
exercise notice together with such other

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

documentation as the Administrator 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, (7) delivery of a subscription
agreement for the Shares that irrevocably obligates the option holder to take
and pay for the Shares not more than twelve months after the date of delivery of
the subscription agreement, (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment, or (9) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance
of Shares to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws. In making its
determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Board shall
consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.

        10. Exercise of Option.

               (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Board, including performance criteria with respect to the
Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms of the
Plan.

               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 the Company has
received full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is
exercised. Full payment may, as authorized by the Board, consist of any
consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 9(b) 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 exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to
be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No
adjustment will 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 13 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 Employment. In the event of termination of an
Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee with the
Company, such Optionee may, but only within three (3) months (or such other
period of time as is determined by the Board, with such determination in the
case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of grant of the Option
and not exceeding three (3) months) after the date of such termination (but in
no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth
in the Option Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that Optionee
was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that
Optionee was not entitled to ,exercise the Option at the date of such
termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

               (c) Disability of Optionee. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 10(b) above, in the event of termination of an Optionee's consulting
relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee as a result of his or her total
and permanent disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code),
Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date of such
termination (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent
otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent
that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of
termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

               (d) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee,
the Option may be exercised, at any time within twelve (12) months following the
date of death (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of
such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), by the Optionee's estate or
by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or
inheritance, but only to the extent the Optionee was entitled to exercise the
Option at the date of death. To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise
such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the
Option shall terminate.

               (e) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to persons subject to Section
16(b) of the Exchange Act must comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such
additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify
for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to
Plan transactions.

               (f) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

        11. 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.

        12. Stock Withholding to Satisfy Withholding Tax Obligation. At the
discretion of the Administrator. Optionees may satisfy withholding obligations
as provided in this paragraph. When an Optionee incurs tax liability in
connection with an Option, which tax liability is subject to tax withholding
under applicable tax laws, and the Optionee is obligated to pay the Company an
amount required to be withheld under applicable tax laws, the Optionee may
satisfy the withholding tax obligation by electing to have the Company withhold
from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option that number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair
Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that
the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined (the "Tax Date").

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

        All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose
shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the Administrator and shall be
subject to the following restrictions:

               (a) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax
Date;

               (b) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option as to which the election is made;

               (c) all elections shall be subject to the consent or disapproval
of the Administrator;

               (d) if the Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act,
the election must comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall
be subject to such additional conditions or restrictions as may be required
thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange
Act with respect to Plan transactions.

        In the event the election to have Shares withheld is made by an Optionee
and the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because no election is
filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Optionee shall receive the full
number of Shares with respect to which the Option or Stock Purchase Right is
exercised but, such Optionee shall be unconditionally obligated to tender back
to the Company the proper number of Shares on the Tax Date.

        13. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization; Corporate Transactions.

               (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock that have been
authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet been
granted or that have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration
of an Option, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which Options may
be granted to any employee under Section 8 of the Plan and the price per share
of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option, shall be
proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued
shares of Common Stock 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 of Common Stock 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." Such adjustment shall be
made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding
and conclusive. 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

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common
Stock subject to an Option.

               (b) Corporate Transactions. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Option will terminate immediately
prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise provided by
the Administrator. The Administrator may, in the exercise of its sole discretion
in such instances, declare that any Option shall terminate as of a date fixed by
the Administrator and give each Optionee the right to exercise his or her Option
as to all or any part of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which the
Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In the event of a proposed sale of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the
Company with or into another corporation, the Option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option shall be substituted by such successor corporation or a parent
or subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless the Administrator
determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such
assumption or substitution, that the Optionee shall have the right to exercise
the Option as to some or all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which
the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. If the Administrator makes an
Option exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a
merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee that the
Option shall be exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
such notice, and the Option will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

        14. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for
all purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the determination
granting such Option, or such other date as is determined by the Board. Notice
of the determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an
Option is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

        15. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

               (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may amend or terminate
the Plan from time to time in such respects as the Board may deem advisable;
provided that, the following revisions or amendments shall require approval of
the shareholders of the Company in the manner described in Section 19 of the
Plan:

                      (i) any increase in the number of Shares subject to the
               Plan, other than an adjustment under Section 13 of the Plan;

                      (ii) any change in the designation of the class of persons
               eligible to be granted Options;

                      (iii) any change in the limitation on grants to employees
               as described in Section 8 of the Plan or other changes which
               would require shareholder approval to qualify options granted
               hereunder as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m)
               of the Code; or

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

                      (iv) any revision or amendment requiring shareholder
               approval in order to preserve the qualification of the Plan under
               Rule 16b-3.

               (b) Shareholder Approval. If any amendment requiring shareholder
approval under Section 16(a) of the Plan is made subsequent to the first
registration of any class of equity securities by the Company under Section 12
of the Exchange Act, such shareholder approval shall be solicited as described
in Section 19 of the Plan.

               (c) 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, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and
the Board, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the
Company.

        16. 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, and the requirements of any stock exchange 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.

        17. 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.

               The 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.

        18. Agreements. Options shall be evidenced by written agreements in such
form as the Board shall approve from time to time.

        19.    Shareholder Approval.

               (a) Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date
the Plan is adopted. Such

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under
applicable state and federal law and the rules of any stock exchange upon which
the Shares are listed.

               (b) In the event that the Company registers any class of equity
securities pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, any required approval of
the shareholders of the Company obtained after such registration shall be
solicited substantially in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

               (c) If any required approval by the shareholders of the Plan
itself or of any amendment thereto is solicited at any time otherwise than in
the manner described in Section 19(b) hereof, then the Company shall, at or
prior to the first annual meeting of shareholders held subsequent to the later
of (1) the first registration of any class of equity securities of the Company
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act or (2) the granting of an Option hereunder
to an officer or director after such registration, do the following:

                      (i) furnish in writing to the holders entitled to vote for
the Plan substantially the same information that would be required (if proxies
to be voted with respect to approval or disapproval of the Plan or amendment
were then being solicited) by the rules and regulations in effect under Section
14(a) of the Exchange Act at the time such information is furnished; and

                      (ii) file with, or mail for filing to, the Securities and
Exchange Commission four copies of the written information referred to in
subsection (i) hereof not later than the date on which such information is first
sent or given to shareholders.

        20. Information to Optionees. The Company shall provide to each Optionee
and individual who acquired shares pursuant to the exercise of an option, during
the period for which such Optionee has one or more Options outstanding, copies
of all annual reports and other information that are provided to all
shareholders of the Company.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

                               PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

                             1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                          NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

<<NameofOptionee>>

------------------------------

(Address)

------------------------------

        You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of PDF
Solutions, Inc. (the "Company") as follows:

        Date of Grant                   <<DateofGrant>>

        Vesting Commencement Date       <<VCD>>

        Exercise Price per Share        $<<ExercisePrice>>

        Total Number of Shares Granted  <<NoShares>>

        Total Exercise Price            $<<TotalExercisePrice>>

        Type of Option:                 <<ISO>> Incentive Stock Option

                                        <<NSO>> Nonstatutory Stock Option

        Term/Expiration Date:           <<ExpirationDate>>

        Vesting Schedule:               This Option may be exercised, in whole
                                        or in part, in accordance with the
                                        following schedule: 1/4 of the Shares
                                        subject to the Option shall vest on the
                                        one year anniversary of the Vesting
                                        Commencement Date and 1/48 of the Shares
                                        shall vest on the <<VestDay>> day of
                                        each month after the Vesting
                                        Commencement Date.

        Termination Period:             Option may be exercised for 30 days
                                        after termination of employment or
                                        consulting relationship except as set
                                        out in Sections 7 and 8 of the Stock
                                        Option Agreement (but in no event later
                                        than the Expiration Date).

<PAGE>   14

        By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the 1996 Stock Option Plan and the Stock Option
Agreement, all of which are attached and made a part of this document.

OPTIONEE:                                    PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

                                             By:
-----------------------------------             --------------------------------
Signature
                                             Title:
-----------------------------------                -----------------------------
Print Name

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   15

                               PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

                             1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

        1. Grant of Option. PDF Solutions, Inc., a California corporation (the
"Company"), hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant (the
"Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase a total number of shares of
Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise
price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price") subject
to the terms, definitions and provisions of the PDF Solutions, Inc. 1996 Stock
Option Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by
reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Option.

               If designated an Incentive Stock Option, this Option is intended
to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code.

        2. Exercise of Option. This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the Exercise Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with
the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as follows:

               (i) Right to Exercise.

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

                      (b) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of employment, the exercisability of the Option is governed by
Sections 6, 7 and 8 below, subject to the limitation contained in subsection
2(i)(c).

                      (c) In no event may this Option be exercised after the
date of expiration of the term of this Option as set forth in the Notice of
Grant.

               (ii) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by
written notice (in the form attached as EXHIBIT A) which shall state the
election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the
Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to
the holder's investment intent with respect to such shares of Common Stock as
may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Such
written notice shall be signed by the Optionee and shall be delivered in person
or by certified mail to the Secretary of the Company. The written notice shall
be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. This Option shall be deemed to
be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice accompanied by
the Exercise Price.

               No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option
unless such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant provisions
of law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then
be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be
considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is
exercised with respect to such Shares.

        3. Optionee's Representations. In the event the Shares purchasable
pursuant to the exercise of this Option have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Option is exercised,
Optionee shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of
all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his Investment
Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT B, and shall
read the applicable rules of the Commissioner of Corporations attached to such
Investment Representation Statement.

<PAGE>   16

        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; or

               ii. check; or

               iii. surrender of other shares of Common Stock of the Company
which (A) in the case of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Company
option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date
of surrender, and (B) have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to
the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised; or

               iv. such other consideration, including promissory notes, as may
be determined by the Board in its absolute discretion to the extent permitted
under Sections 408 and 409 of the California General Corporation Law.

        5. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until such
time as the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, or 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 regulation, including any rule under
Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G") as
promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. 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. Termination of Relationship. In the event of termination of
Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee, Optionee
may, to the extent otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the
"Termination Date"), exercise this Option during the Termination Period set out
in the Notice of Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise
this Option at the date of such termination, or if Optionee does not exercise
this Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        7. Disability of Optionee.

               (i) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6 above, in the
event of termination of Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status
as an Employee as a result of his total and permanent disability (as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months
from the date of termination of employment (but in no event later than the date
of expiration of the term of this Option as set forth in Section 10 below),
exercise this Option to the extent he was entitled to exercise it at the date of
such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the
Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option
(which he was entitled to exercise) within the time specified herein, the Option
shall terminate.

               (ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6 above, in the
event of termination of Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status
as an Employee as a result of any disability not constituting a total and
permanent disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may,
but only within six (6) months from the date of termination of employment (but
in no event later than the date of expiration of the term of this Option as set
forth in Section 10 below), exercise this Option to the extent he was entitled
to exercise it at the date of such termination; provided, however, that if this
is an Incentive Stock Option and Optionee fails to exercise this Incentive Stock
Option within three (3) months from the date of termination of employment, this
Option will cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option (as defined in Section
422 of the Code) and Optionee will be treated for federal income tax purposes as
having received ordinary income at the time of such exercise in an amount
generally measured by the difference between the exercise price for the Shares
and the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise. To the extent
that

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   17

Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or
if Optionee does not exercise such Option (which he was entitled to exercise)
within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        8. Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of Optionee:

               (i) during the term of this Option and while an Employee or
Consultant of the Company and having a consulting relationship with the Company
or having been in Continuous Status as an Employee since the date of grant of
the Option, the Option may be exercised, at any time within six (6) following
the termination of such status, months following the date of death (but in no
event later than the date of expiration of the term of this Option as set forth
in Section 10 below), by Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right
to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent of the
right to exercise that would have accrued had the Optionee continued living and
remained a consultant or remained in Continuous Status as an Employee six (6)
months after the date of death; or

               (ii) within thirty (30) days after the termination of Optionee's
Status as an Employee or Consultant, the Option may be exercised, at any time
within six (6) months following the date of death (but in no event later than
the date of expiration of the term of this Option as set forth in Section 10
below), by Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise
the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent of the right to
exercise that had accrued at the date of termination.

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

        10. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term
set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option. The limitations set out
in Section 7 of the Plan regarding Options designated as Incentive Stock Options
and Options granted to more than ten percent (10%) shareholders shall apply to
this Option.

        11. Tax Consequences. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date
of this Option of some of the federal and California tax consequences of
exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING
OF THE SHARES.

               (i) Exercise of Incentive Stock Option. If this Option qualifies
as an incentive stock option, there will be no regular federal income tax
liability or California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option,
although the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date
of exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to the
alternative minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to
the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.

               (ii) Exercise of Nonstatutory Stock Option. If this Option does
not qualify as an incentive stock option, there may be a regular federal income
tax liability and a California income tax liability upon the exercise of the
Option. The Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income
(taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair
market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If
Optionee is an employee, the Company will be required to withhold from
Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable
taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income
at the time of exercise.

               (iii) Disposition of Shares. In the case of a nonstatutory stock
option, if Shares are held for at least one year, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
and California income tax purposes. In the case of an incentive stock option, if
Shares transferred

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   18

pursuant to the Option are held for at least one year after exercise and are
disposed of at least two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term capital gain for
federal and California income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an
incentive stock option are disposed of within such one-year period or within two
years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on such disposition will be
treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent
of the difference between the Exercise Price and the lesser of (1) the fair
market value of the Shares on the date of exercise, or (2) the sale price of the
Shares.

               (iv) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of Incentive Stock
Option Shares. If the Option granted to Optionee herein is an incentive stock
option, and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares
acquired pursuant to the incentive stock option on or before the later of (1)
the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the date one year after the
date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing
of such disposition. Optionee agrees that Optionee may be subject to income tax
withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the Optionee
from the early disposition by payment in cash or out of the current earnings
paid to the Optionee.

        12. Withholding Tax Obligations. Optionee understands that, upon
exercising a nonstatutory stock 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 over the exercise price. However, the timing of this income recognition
may be deferred for up to six months if Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). If the
Optionee is an employee, the Company will be required to withhold from
Optionee's compensation, or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable
taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income.
Additionally, the Optionee may at some point be required to satisfy tax
withholding obligations with respect to the disqualifying disposition of an
incentive stock option. The Optionee shall satisfy his or her tax withholding
obligation arising upon the exercise of this Option by one or some combination
of the following methods: (i) by cash payment, or (ii) out of Optionee's current
compensation, or (iii) if permitted by the Administrator, in its discretion, by
surrendering to the Company Shares which (a) in the case of Shares previously
acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
months on the date of surrender, and (b) have a fair market value on the date of
surrender equal to or greater than Optionee's marginal tax rate times the
ordinary income recognized, (iv) by electing to have the Company withhold from
the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option that number of Shares having
a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld. For this
purpose, the fair market value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined
on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined (the "Tax
Date").

        If the Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (an
"Insider"), any surrender of previously owned Shares to satisfy tax withholding
obligations arising upon exercise of this Option must comply with the applicable
provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act ("Rule 16b-3") and
shall be subject to such additional conditions or restrictions as may be
required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the
Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

        All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld to satisfy tax
withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the
Administrator and shall be subject to the following restrictions:

               (1) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax
Date;

               (2) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option as to which the election is made;

               (3) all elections shall be subject to the consent or disapproval
of the Administrator;

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   19

               (4) if the Optionee is an Insider, the election must comply with
the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall be subject to such additional
conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the
maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan
transactions.

                                            PDF Solutions, Inc.,
                                            a California corporation

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

                                            Title:
                                                  ------------------------------

        OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO
THE OPTION HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING CONSULTANCY OR EMPLOYMENT AT THE
WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS
OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN WHICH IS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT WITH
RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY BY THE COMPANY, NOR SHALL
IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH HIS RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE HIS
EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

        Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that
he is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this
Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee has reviewed
the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the
advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all
provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding,
conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon
any questions arising under the Plan or this Option.

Dated:
       ------------------------              -----------------------------------
                                             Signature of Optionee

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   20

                                    EXHIBIT A

                             1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

PDF Solutions, Inc.
333 West San Carlos, Suite 625
San Jose, CA  95110
Attn:  John Kibarian

        1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, _______________, 19___,
the undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to
purchase _____________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of PDF
Solutions, Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the Company's 1996 Stock
Option Plan, as amended (the "Plan") and the Incentive Stock Option Agreement
dated <<DateofGrant>> (the "Option Agreement").

        2. Representations of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to
abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions. Optionee represents that
Optionee is purchasing the Shares for Optionee's own account for investment and
not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, a distribution of any of
such Shares.

        3. Compliance with Securities Laws. Optionee understands and
acknowledges that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and, notwithstanding any other provision
of the Option Agreement to the contrary, the exercise of any rights to purchase
any Shares is expressly conditioned upon compliance with the 1933 Act, all
applicable state securities laws and all applicable requirements of any stock
exchange or over the counter market on which the Company's Common Stock may be
listed or traded at the time of exercise and transfer. Optionee agrees to
cooperate with the Company to ensure compliance with such laws.

        4. Federal Restrictions on Transfer. Optionee understands that the
Shares have not been registered under the 1933 Act and therefore cannot be
resold and must be held indefinitely unless they are registered under 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.
Specifically, Optionee has been advised that Rule 144 promulgated under the 1933
Act, which permits certain resales of unregistered securities, is not presently
available with respect to the Shares and, in any event requires that the Shares
be paid for and then be held for at least one year (and in some cases two years)
before they may be resold under Rule 144.

        5. Rights as Shareholder. Until the stock certificate evidencing such
Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the
Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote
or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with
respect to the optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The
Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly
after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will 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 12 of the Plan.

               Optionee shall enjoy rights as a shareholder until such time as
Optionee disposes of the Shares or the Company and/or its assignee(s) exercises
the Right of First Refusal hereunder. Upon such

<PAGE>   21

exercise, Optionee shall have no further rights as a holder of the Shares so
purchased except the right to receive payment for the Shares so purchased in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and Optionee shall forthwith
cause the certificate(s) evidencing the Shares so purchased to be surrendered to
the Company for transfer or cancellation.

        6. Company's Right of First Refusal. Before any Shares held by Optionee
or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the "Holder")
may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of
law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to
purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (the
"Right of First Refusal").

               (a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall
deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the Holder's
bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of
each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee"); (iii) the
number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the
bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to
transfer the Shares (the "Offered Price"), and the Holder shall offer the Shares
at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).

               (b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty
(30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may,
by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than
all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed
Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c)
below.

               (c) Purchase Price. The purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the
Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section shall be
the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash,
the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.

               (d) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the
option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of
all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company
(or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any
combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner
and at the times set forth in the Notice.

               (e) Holder's Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in
the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by
the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section, then the Holder
may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the
Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is
consummated within 120 days after the date of the Notice and provided further
that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any
applicable securities laws and the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that
the provisions of this Section shall continue to apply to the Shares in the
hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not
transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice shall be
given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be
offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be
sold or otherwise transferred.

               (f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the
contrary contained in this Section notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all
of the Shares during the Optionee's lifetime or on the Optionee's death by will
or intestacy to the Optionee's immediate family or a trust for the benefit of
the Optionee's immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this
Section. "Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant
or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee
or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to
the provisions of this Section, and there shall be no further transfer of such
Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   22

               (g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First
Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares 90 days after the first sale of Common
Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement
filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the 1933 Act.

        7. Tax Consultation. 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 has consulted with any tax
consultants Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

        8. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

               (a) Legends. Optionee understands and agrees that the Company
shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent
thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares
together with any other legends that may be required by state or federal
securities laws:

               THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER
               THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED,
               SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND
               UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL IN
               FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE
               SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION
               IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.

               THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
               RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OPTIONS HELD
               BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE
               NOTICE BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE
               SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE
               OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST
               REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.

               IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY,
               OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION
               THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER
               OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED
               IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES.

               Optionee understands that transfer of the Shares may be
restricted by Section 260.141.11 of the Rules of the California Corporations
Commissioner, a copy of which is attached to EXHIBIT B, the Investment
Representation Statement.

               (b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Optionee agrees that, in order to
ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may
issue appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any,
and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.

               (c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in
violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner
of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser
or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   23

        9. Market Standoff Agreement. In connection with the initial public
offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or the
underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company's securities,
Optionee hereby agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any
option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any Shares (other than those
included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company
or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed
180 days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by
the Company or such managing underwriters.

        10. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights
under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to
the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding
upon Optionee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns.

        11. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this
Agreement shall be submitted by Optionee or by the Company forthwith to the
Company's Board of Directors or the committee thereof that administers the Plan,
which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of
such a dispute by the Board or committee shall be final and binding on the
Company and on Optionee.

        12. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California excluding that
body of law pertaining to conflicts of law. Should any provision of this
Agreement be determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the
other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain
enforceable.

        13. Notices. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given
in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon
deposit in the United States mail by certified mail, with postage and fees
prepaid, addressed to the other party at its address as shown below beneath its
signature, or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from
time to time to the other party.

        14. Further Instruments. The parties agree to execute such further
instruments and to take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to
carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

        15. Delivery of Payment. Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
full Exercise Price for the Shares.

        16. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Notice of Grant/Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice of
Grant/Option 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 subject matter hereof, and is governed by
California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

Submitted by:                            Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:                                PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

                                         By:
----------------------------------          ------------------------------------
<<NameofOptionee>>
                                         Title:
                                               ---------------------------------

Address:                                 Address: 333 West San Carlos, Suite 625
        --------------------------                San Jose, CA  95110

----------------------------------

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   24

                                    EXHIBIT B

                       INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT

OPTIONEE  :      <<NameofOptionee>>

COMPANY   :      PDF Solutions, Inc.

SECURITY  :      Common Stock

AMOUNT    :      ___________________ Shares

DATE      :      ___________________, 19___

In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, I, the Optionee,
represent to the Company the following:

               (a) I am aware of the Company's business affairs and financial
condition, and have acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach
an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. I am
purchasing these Securities for my own account for investment purposes only and
not with a view to, or for the resale in connection with, any "distribution"
thereof for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act").

               (b) I understand that the Securities have not been registered
under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which
exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of my
investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection, I understand that, in
the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the statutory
basis for such exemption may be unavailable if my representation was predicated
solely upon a present intention to hold these Securities for the minimum capital
gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an
increase or decrease in the market price of the Securities, or for a period of
one year or any other fixed period in the future.

               (c) I further understand that the Securities must be held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or unless
an exemption from registration is otherwise available. Moreover, I understand
that the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities. In addition,
I understand that the certificate evidencing the Securities will be imprinted
with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities unless they are
registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel for
the Company.

               (d) I am familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144,
each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited
public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or indirectly, from
the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of
certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule
701 at the time of issuance of the Securities, such issuance will be exempt from
registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company later becomes
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter the securities exempt under
Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of certain of the conditions
specified by Rule 144, including among other things: (1) the sale being made
through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions
directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934); and, in the case of an affiliate, (2) the availability of
certain public information about the Company, and the amount of securities being
sold during any three month period not exceeding the limitations specified in
Rule 144(e), if applicable. Notwithstanding this paragraph (d), I acknowledge
and agree to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (e) hereof.

<PAGE>   25

               In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at
the time of issuance of the Securities, then the Securities may be resold in
certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which
requires among other things: (1) the availability of certain public information
about the Company, (2) the resale occurring not less than one year after the
party has purchased, and made full payment for, within the meaning of Rule 144,
the securities to be sold; and, in the case of an affiliate, or of a
non-affiliate who has held the securities less than two years, (3) the sale
being made through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in
transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and the amount of securities being sold during
any three month period not exceeding the specified limitations stated therein,
if applicable.

               (e) I further understand that in the event all of the applicable
requirements of Rule 144 or Rule 701 are not satisfied, registration under the
Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration
exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rule 144 and
Rule 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the SEC has expressed its opinion that
persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a
registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 701 will
have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from
registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and
their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own
risk.

               (f) I understand that the certificate evidencing the Securities
may be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities
without the consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of California. I have
read the applicable Commissioner's Rules with respect to such restriction, a
copy of which is attached.

                                             Signature of Optionee:

                                             -----------------------------------
                                             <<NameofOptionee>>

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   26

              STATE OF CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
         Title 10. Investment - Chapter 3. Commissioner of Corporations

     260.141.11:  Restriction on Transfer.

     (a) The issuer of any security upon which a restriction on transfer has
been imposed pursuant to Sections 260.102.6, 260.141.10 or 260.534 shall cause a
copy of this section to be delivered to each issuee or transferee of such
security at the time the certificate evidencing the security is delivered to the
issuee or transferee.

     (b) It is unlawful for the holder of any such security to consummate a sale
or transfer of such security, or any interest therein, without the prior written
consent of the Commissioner (until this condition is removed pursuant to Section
260.141.12 of these rules), except:

         (1) to the issuer;

         (2) pursuant to the order or process of any court;

         (3) to any person described in Subdivision (i) of Section 25102 of the
    Code or Section 260.105.14 of these rules;

         (4) to the transferor's ancestors, descendants or spouse, or any
    custodian or trustee for the account of the transferor or the transferor's
    ancestors, descendants, or spouse; or to a transferee by a trustee or
    custodian for the account of the transferee or the transferee's ancestors,
    descendants or spouse;

         (5) to holders of securities of the same class of the same issuer;

         (6) by way of gift or donation inter vivos or on death;

         (7) by or through a broker-dealer licensed under the Code (either
    acting as such or as a finder) to a resident of a foreign state, territory
    or country who is neither domiciled in this state to the knowledge of the
    broker-dealer, nor actually present in this state if the sale of such
    securities is not in violation of any securities law of the foreign state,
    territory or country concerned;

         (8) to a broker-dealer licensed under the Code in a principal
    transaction, or as an underwriter or member of an underwriting syndicate or
    selling group;

         (9) if the interest sold or transferred is a pledge or other lien given
    by the purchaser to the seller upon a sale of the security for which the
    Commissioner's written consent is obtained or under this rule not required;

         (10) by way of a sale qualified under Sections 25111, 25112, 25113 or
    25121 of the Code, of the securities to be transferred, provided that no
    order under Section 25140 or Subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect
    with respect to such qualification;

         (11) by a corporation to a wholly owned subsidiary of such corporation,
    or by a wholly owned subsidiary of a corporation to such corporation;

         (12) by way of an exchange qualified under Section 25111, 25112 or
    25113 of the Code, provided that no order under Section 25140 or Subdivision
    (a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to such qualification;

         (13) between residents of foreign states, territories or countries who
    are neither domiciled nor actually present in this state;

         (14) to the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law or
    to the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state;

         (15) by the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law or
    by the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state if, in
    either such case, such person (i) discloses to potential purchasers at the
    sale that transfer of the securities is restricted under this rule, (ii)
    delivers to each purchaser a copy of this rule, and (iii) advises the
    Commissioner of the name of each purchaser;

         (16) by a trustee to a successor trustee when such transfer does not
    involve a change in the beneficial ownership of the securities; or

         (17) by way of an offer and sale of outstanding securities in an issuer
    transaction that is subject to the qualification requirement of Section
    25110 of the Code but exempt from that qualification requirement by
    subdivision (f) of Section 25102;

provided that any such transfer is on the condition that any certificate
evidencing the security issued to such transferee shall contain the legend
required by this section.

     (c) The certificates representing all such securities subject to such a
restriction on transfer, whether upon initial issuance or upon any transfer
thereof, shall bear on their face a legend, prominently stamped or printed
thereon in capital letters of not less than 10-point size, reading as follows:

         "IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR
         ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT
         THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OR CORPORATIONS OF THE
         STATE OF CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES."

<PAGE>   27

                               PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

                    1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN / 1997 STOCK PLAN

          EARLY EXERCISE NOTICE AND RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

        This Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of ______________, by and
between PDF Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
____________ ("Purchaser"). To the extent any capitalized terms used in this
Agreement are not defined, they shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the
[__] 1996 Stock Option Plan / [__]1997 Stock Plan (check applicable plan).

        1. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof,
Purchaser hereby elects to exercise his or her option to purchase ______________
shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of the Company under and pursuant to
the Company's [__]1996 Stock Option Plan / [__]1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and
the Stock Option Agreement dated ______________ (the "Option Agreement"). Of
these Shares, Purchaser has elected to purchase _______________ of those Shares
which have become vested as of the date hereof under the Vesting Schedule set
forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the "Vested Shares") and
_____________ Shares which have not yet vested under such Vesting Schedule (the
"Unvested Shares"). The purchase price for the Shares shall be $____ per Share
for a total purchase price of $_______________. The term "Shares" refers to the
purchased Shares and all securities received in replacement of the Shares or as
stock dividends or splits, all securities received in replacement of the Shares
in a recapitalization, merger, reorganization, exchange or the like, and all
new, substituted or additional securities or other properties to which Purchaser
is entitled by reason of Purchaser's ownership of the Shares.

        2. TIME AND PLACE OF EXERCISE. The purchase and sale of the Shares under
this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2(b) of the Option Agreement. On such date, the Company
will deliver to Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares to be purchased
by Purchaser (which shall be issued in Purchaser's name) against payment of the
purchase price therefor by Purchaser by (a) check made payable to the Company,
(b) cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Purchaser, (c) delivery of
shares of the Common Stock of the Company in accordance with Section 3 of the
Option Agreement, (d) delivery of a promissory note in the form attached as
Attachment A (or in any form acceptable to the Company), or (e) a combination of
the foregoing. If Purchaser delivers a promissory note as partial or full
payment of the purchase price, Purchaser will also deliver a Pledge and Security
Agreement in the form attached to Attachment B (or in any form acceptable to the
Company).

        3. LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER. In addition to any other limitation on
transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not assign,
encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares while the Shares are subject
to the Company's Repurchase Option (as defined below). After any Shares have
been released from such Repurchase Option, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber
or dispose of any interest in such Shares except in compliance with the
provisions below and applicable securities laws.

<PAGE>   28

               (a) REPURCHASE OPTION.

                      (i) In the event of the voluntary or involuntary
termination of Purchaser's employment or consulting relationship with the
Company for any reason (including death or disability), with or without cause,
the Company shall upon the date of such termination (the "Termination Date")
have an irrevocable, exclusive option (the "Repurchase Option") for a period of
60 days from such date to repurchase all or any portion of the Unvested Shares
held by Purchaser as of the Termination Date which have not yet been released
from the Company's Repurchase Option at the original purchase price per Share
specified in Section 1 (adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends and the
like).

                      (ii) The Repurchase Option shall be exercised by the
Company by written notice to Purchaser or Purchaser's executor and, at the
Company's option, (A) by delivery to Purchaser or Purchaser's executor with such
notice of a check in the amount of the purchase price for the Shares being
purchased, or (B) in the event Purchaser is indebted to the Company, by
cancellation by the Company of an amount of such indebtedness equal to the
purchase price for the Shares being repurchased, or (C) by a combination of (A)
and (B) so that the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals
such purchase price. Upon delivery of such notice and payment of the purchase
price in any of the ways described above, the Company shall become the legal and
beneficial owner of the Shares being repurchased and all rights and interest
therein or related thereto, and the Company shall have the right to transfer to
its own name the number of Shares being repurchased by the Company, without
further action by Purchaser.

                      (iii) One hundred percent (100%) of the Unvested Shares
shall initially be subject to the Repurchase Option. The Unvested Shares shall
be released from the Repurchase Option in accordance with the Vesting Schedule
set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant until all Shares are released from
the Repurchase Option. Fractional shares shall be rounded to the nearest whole
share.

               (b) RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. Before any Shares held by Purchaser
or any transferee of Purchaser (either being sometimes referred to herein as the
"Holder") may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or
operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first
refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Section 3(b) (the "Right of First Refusal").

                      (i) NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFER.  The Holder of the Shares
shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the
Holder's bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the
name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee");
(iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and
(iv) the terms and conditions of each proposed sale or transfer. The Holder
shall offer the Shares at the same price (the "Offered Price") and upon the same
terms (or terms as similar as reasonably possible) to the Company or its
assignee(s).

                      (ii) EXERCISE OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. At any time
within 30 days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s)
may, by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less
than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   29

any one or more of the Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in
accordance with subsection (iii) below.

                      (iii) PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price ("Purchase
Price") for the Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this
Section 3(b) shall be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes
consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash
consideration shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in
good faith.

                      (iv) PAYMENT. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made,
at the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by
cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder
to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee),
or by any combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in
the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.

                      (v) HOLDER'S RIGHT TO TRANSFER. If all of the Shares
proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not
purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section
3(b), then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that
Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that
such sale or other transfer is consummated within 60 days after the date of the
Notice and provided further that any such sale or other transfer is effected in
accordance with any applicable securities laws and the Proposed Transferee
agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section 3 shall continue to apply
to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described
in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period,
or if the Holder proposes to change the price or other terms to make them more
favorable to the Proposed Transferee, a new Notice shall be given to the
Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right
of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise
transferred.

                      (vi) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN FAMILY TRANSFERS. Anything to
the contrary contained in this Section 3(b) notwithstanding, the transfer of any
or all of the Shares during Purchaser's lifetime or on Purchaser's death by will
or intestacy to Purchaser's Immediate Family (as defined below) or a trust for
the benefit of Purchaser's Immediate Family shall be exempt from the provisions
of this Section 3(b). "Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse,
lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such
case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so
transferred subject to the provisions of this Section, and there shall be no
further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this
Section 3.

               (c) INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER.

                      (i) COMPANY'S RIGHT TO PURCHASE UPON INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER.
In the event, at any time after the date of this Agreement, of any transfer by
operation of law or other involuntary transfer (including divorce or death, but
excluding, in the event of death, a transfer to Immediate Family as set forth in
Section 3(b)(vi) above) of all or a portion of the Shares by the record holder
thereof, the Company shall have the right to purchase all of the Shares
transferred at the greater of the purchase price paid by Purchaser pursuant to
this

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   30

Agreement or the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of transfer. Upon
such a transfer, the person acquiring the Shares shall promptly notify the
Secretary of the Company of such transfer. The right to purchase such Shares
shall be provided to the Company for a period of 30 days following receipt by
the Company of written notice by the person acquiring the Shares.

                      (ii) PRICE FOR INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER. With respect to any
stock to be transferred pursuant to Section 3(c)(i), the price per Share shall
be a price set by the Board of Directors of the Company that will reflect the
current value of the stock in terms of present earnings and future prospects of
the Company. The Company shall notify Purchaser or his or her executor of the
price so determined within 30 days after receipt by it of written notice of the
transfer or proposed transfer of Shares. However, if the Purchaser does not
agree with the valuation as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company,
the Purchaser shall be entitled to have the valuation determined by an
independent appraiser to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the
Purchaser and whose fees shall be borne equally by the Company and the
Purchaser.

               (d) ASSIGNMENT. The right of the Company to purchase any part of
the Shares may be assigned in whole or in part to any shareholder or
shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations; provided,
however, that an assignee, other than a corporation that is the Parent or a 100%
owned Subsidiary of the Company, must pay the Company, upon assignment of such
right, cash equal to the difference between the original purchase price and Fair
Market Value, if the original purchase price is less than the Fair Market Value
of the Shares subject to the assignment.

               (e) RESTRICTIONS BINDING ON TRANSFEREES. All transferees of
Shares or any interest therein will receive and hold such Shares or interest
subject to the provisions of this Agreement, including, insofar as applicable,
the Repurchase Option. Any sale or transfer of the Shares shall be void unless
the provisions of this Agreement are satisfied.

               (f) TERMINATION OF RIGHTS. The Right of First Refusal and the
Company's right to repurchase the Shares in the event of an involuntary transfer
pursuant to Section 3(c) above shall terminate upon the first sale of Common
Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement
filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

               (g) MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. In connection with the initial
public offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or
the underwriters managing such underwritten offering of the Company's
securities, Purchaser agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant
any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the
Company (other than those included in the registration) without the prior
written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for
such period of time (not to exceed 180 days) from the effective date of such
registration as may be requested by the Company or such managing underwriters
and to execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the
underwriters at the time of the Company's initial public offering.

        4. ESCROW OF UNVESTED SHARES. For purposes of facilitating the
enforcement of the provisions of Section 3 above, Purchaser agrees, immediately
upon receipt of the certificate(s)

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   31

for the Shares subject to the Repurchase Option, to deliver such certificate(s),
together with an Assignment Separate from Certificate in the form attached to
this Agreement as Attachment C executed by Purchaser and by Purchaser's spouse
(if required for transfer), in blank, to the Secretary of the Company, or the
Secretary's designee, to hold such certificate(s) and Assignment Separate from
Certificate in escrow and to take all such actions and to effectuate all such
transfers and/or releases as are in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Purchaser hereby acknowledges that the Secretary of the Company, or the
Secretary's designee, is so appointed as the escrow holder with the foregoing
authorities as a material inducement to make this Agreement and that said
appointment is coupled with an interest and is accordingly irrevocable.
Purchaser agrees that said escrow holder shall not be liable to any party hereof
(or to any other party). The escrow holder may rely upon any letter, notice or
other document executed by any signature purported to be genuine and may resign
at any time. Purchaser agrees that if the Secretary of the Company, or the
Secretary's designee, resigns as escrow holder for any or no reason, the Board
of Directors of the Company shall have the power to appoint a successor to serve
as escrow holder pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

        5. INVESTMENT AND TAXATION REPRESENTATIONS. In connection with the
purchase of the Shares, Purchaser represents to the Company the following:

               (a) Purchaser is aware of the Company's business affairs and
financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to
reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares. Purchaser is
purchasing the Shares for investment for his or her own account only and not
with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof
within the meaning of the Securities Act.

               (b) Purchaser understands that the Shares have not been
registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom,
which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of
Purchaser's investment intent as expressed herein.

               (c) Purchaser understands that the Shares are "restricted
securities" under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and that,
pursuant to these laws, Purchaser must hold the Shares indefinitely unless they
are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and qualified by
state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and qualification
requirements is available. Purchaser acknowledges that the Company has no
obligation to register or qualify the Shares for resale. Purchaser further
acknowledges that if an exemption from registration or qualification is
available, it may be conditioned on various requirements including, but not
limited to, the time and manner of sale, the holding period for the Shares, and
requirements relating to the Company which are outside of the Purchaser's
control, and which the Company is under no obligation and may not be able to
satisfy.

               (d) Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax
consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of the Shares.
Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted any tax consultants Purchaser
deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and
that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   32

        6. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS AND STOP-TRANSFER ORDERS.

               (a) LEGENDS. The certificate or certificates representing the
Shares shall bear the following legends (as well as any legends required by
applicable state and federal corporate and securities laws):

                      (i)    THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT
                             BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933,
                             AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH
                             A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR
                             DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
                             MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
                             STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL
                             IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH
                             REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES
                             ACT OF 1933.

                      (ii)   THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE
                             TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN
                             AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER,
                             A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF
                             THE COMPANY.

                (b) STOP-TRANSFER NOTICES. Purchaser agrees that, in order to
ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may
issue appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any,
and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.

               (c) REFUSAL TO TRANSFER. The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in
violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner
of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser
or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

               (d) REMOVAL OF LEGEND. When all of the following events have
occurred, the Shares then held by Purchaser will no longer be subject to the
legend referred to in Section 6(a)(ii): (i) the termination of the Right of
First Refusal; (ii) the expiration or termination of the market standoff
provisions of Section 3(g) (and of any agreement entered pursuant to Section
3(g)); and (iii) the expiration or exercise in full of the Repurchase Option.
After such time, and upon Purchaser's request, a new certificate or certificates
representing the Shares not repurchased shall be issued without the legend
referred to in Section 6(a)(ii), and delivered to Purchaser.

        7. NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any
manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary
of the Company, to terminate Purchaser's employment or consulting relationship,
for any reason, with or without cause.

        8. SECTION 83(b) ELECTION. Purchaser understands that Section 83(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), taxes as ordinary
income for a Nonstatutory Stock Option and as alternative minimum taxable income
for an Incentive Stock Option the

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   33

difference between the amount paid for the Shares and the Fair Market Value of
the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse. In this context,
"restriction" means the right of the Company to buy back the Shares pursuant to
the Repurchase Option set forth in Section 3(a) of this Agreement. Purchaser
understands that Purchaser may elect to be taxed at the time the Shares are
purchased, rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires, by filing an
election under Section 83(b) (an "83(b) Election") of the Code with the Internal
Revenue Service within 30 days from the date of purchase. Even if the Fair
Market Value of the Shares at the time of the execution of this Agreement equals
the amount paid for the Shares, the election must be made to avoid income and
alternative minimum tax treatment under Section 83(a) in the future. Purchaser
understands that failure to file such an election in a timely manner may result
in adverse tax consequences for Purchaser. Purchaser further understands that an
additional copy of such election form should be filed with his or her federal
income tax return for the calendar year in which the date of this Agreement
falls. Purchaser acknowledges that the foregoing is only a summary of the effect
of United States federal income taxation with respect to purchase of the Shares
hereunder, and does not purport to be complete. Purchaser further acknowledges
that the Company has directed Purchaser to seek independent advice regarding the
applicable provisions of the Code, the income tax laws of any municipality,
state or foreign country in which Purchaser may reside, and the tax consequences
of Purchaser's death.

        Purchaser agrees that he or she will execute and deliver to the Company
with this executed Agreement a copy of the Acknowledgment and Statement of
Decision Regarding Section 83(b) Election (the "Acknowledgment") attached hereto
as Attachment D. Purchaser further agrees that he or she will execute and submit
with the Acknowledgment a copy of the 83(b) Election attached hereto as
Attachment E (for tax purposes in connection with the early exercise of an
option) if Purchaser has indicated in the Acknowledgment his or her decision to
make such an election.

        9. MISCELLANEOUS.

               (a) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and all acts and transactions
pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be
governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

               (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT; ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS. This Agreement sets
forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the
subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No
modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights
under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties
to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this
Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

               (c) SEVERABILITY. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are
held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate
such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a
mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such
provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of the
Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii)
the balance of the Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   34

               (d) CONSTRUCTION. This Agreement is the result of negotiations
between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective
counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product
of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or
against any one of the parties hereto.

               (e) NOTICES. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient when delivered personally or
sent by telegram or fax or 48 hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail, as
certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, and addressed to the party
to be notified at such party's address as set forth below or as subsequently
modified by written notice.

               (f) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one instrument.

               (g) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The rights and benefits of this
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company's
successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Purchaser under this
Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.

               (h) CALIFORNIA CORPORATE SECURITIES LAW. THE SALE OF THE
SECURITIES WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THIS AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN QUALIFIED WITH
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE ISSUANCE OF
THE SECURITIES OR THE PAYMENT OR RECEIPT OF ANY PART OF THE CONSIDERATION
THEREFOR PRIOR TO THE QUALIFICATION IS UNLAWFUL, UNLESS THE SALE OF SECURITIES
IS EXEMPT FROM QUALIFICATION BY SECTION 25100, 25102 OR 25105 OF THE CALIFORNIA
CORPORATIONS CODE. THE RIGHTS OF ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE EXPRESSLY
CONDITIONED UPON THE QUALIFICATION BEING OBTAINED, UNLESS THE SALE IS SO EXEMPT.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   35

        The parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth
above.

                                        COMPANY:

                                        PDF SOLUTIONS, INC.

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

                                        Name:
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             (print)

                                        Title:
                                              ----------------------------------

                                        Address:
                                                --------------------------------

                                        ----------------------------------------

                                        PURCHASER:

                                        NAME:
                                             -----------------------------------

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (Signature)

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (Print Name)

                                        Address:
                                                --------------------------------

                                        ----------------------------------------

I, ______________________, spouse of _______________ have read and hereby
approve the foregoing Agreement. In consideration of the Company's granting my
spouse the right to purchase the Shares as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby
agree to be bound irrevocably by the Agreement and further agree that any
community property or similar interest that I may have in the Shares shall
hereby be similarly bound by the Agreement. I hereby appoint my spouse as my
attorney-in-fact with respect to any amendment or exercise of any rights under
the Agreement.

                                        ----------------------------------------

                                        Spouse of
                                                 -------------------------------

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   36

                                  Attachment A

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

$__________                                                 San Jose, California
                                                           _______________, 2000

        For value received, the undersigned promises to pay PDF Solutions, Inc.,
a California corporation (the "Company"), at its principal office the principal
sum of $__________ with interest from the date hereof at a rate of _____% per
annum, compounded annually, on the unpaid balance of such principal sum. Such
accrued interest shall be due and payable on each annual interest compounding
date, and such principal shall be due and payable on __________.

        If the undersigned's employment or consulting relationship with the
Company is terminated prior to payment in full of this Note, this Note shall be
immediately due and payable.

        Principal and interest are payable in lawful money of the United States
of America. AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THIS NOTE MAY BE PREPAID AT ANY TIME WITHOUT
INTEREST OR PENALTY.

        Should suit be commenced to collect any sums due under this Note, such
sum as the Court may deem reasonable shall be added hereto as attorneys' fees.
The makers and endorsers have severally waived presentment for payment, protest,
notice of protest and notice of nonpayment of this Note.

        This Note, which is full recourse, is secured by a pledge of certain
shares of Common Stock of the Company and is subject to the terms of a Pledge
and Security Agreement between the undersigned and the Company of even date
herewith.

                                           -------------------------------------
                                           <<Optionee>>

<PAGE>   37

                                  Attachment B

                          PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

        This Pledge and Security Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into
this _____ day of ____________ by and between PDF Solutions, Inc., a California
corporation (the "Company") and <<Optionee>> ("Purchaser").

                                    RECITALS

        In connection with Purchaser's exercise of an option to purchase certain
shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Shares") pursuant to an Option
Agreement dated __________ between Purchaser and the Company, Purchaser is
delivering a promissory note of even date herewith (the "Note") in full or
partial payment of the exercise price for the Shares. The company requires that
the Note be secured by a pledge of the Shares or the terms set forth below.

                                    AGREEMENT

        In consideration of the Company's acceptance of the Note as full or
partial payment of the exercise price of the Shares, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties
hereto agree as follows:

        1. The Note shall become payable in full upon the voluntary or
involuntary termination or cessation of employment of Purchaser with the
Company, for any reason, with or without cause (including death or disability).

        2. Purchaser shall deliver to the Secretary of the Company, or his or
her designee (hereinafter referred to as the "Pledge Holder"), all certificates
representing the Shares, together with an Assignment Separate from Certificate
in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A executed by Purchaser and by
Purchaser's spouse (if required for transfer), in blank, for use in transferring
all or a portion of the Shares to the Company if, as and when required pursuant
to this Agreement. In addition, if Purchaser is married, Purchaser's spouse
shall execute the signature page attached to this Agreement.

        3. As security for the payment of the Note and any renewal, extension or
modification of the Note, Purchaser hereby grants to the Company a security
interest in and pledges with and delivers to the Company Purchaser's Shares
(sometimes referred to herein as the "Collateral").

        4. In the event that Purchaser prepays all or a portion of the Note, in
accordance with the provisions thereof, Purchaser intends, unless written notice
to the contrary is delivered to the Pledge Holder, that the Shares represented
by the portion of the Note so repaid, including annual interest thereon, shall
continue to be so held by the Pledge Holder, to serve as independent collateral
for the outstanding portion of the Note for the purpose of commencing the
holding period set forth in Rule 144(d) promulgated under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

<PAGE>   38

        5. In the event of any foreclosure of the security interest created by
this Agreement, the Company may sell the Shares at a private sale or may
repurchase the Shares itself. The parties agree that, prior to the establishment
of a public market for the Shares of the Company, the securities laws affecting
sale of the Shares make a public sale of the Shares commercially unreasonable.
The parties further agree that the repurchasing of such Shares by the Company,
or by any person to whom the Company may have assigned its rights under this
Agreement, is commercially reasonable if made at a price determined by the Board
of Directors in its discretion, fairly exercised, representing what would be the
fair market value of the Shares reduced by any limitation on transferability,
whether due to the size of the block of shares or the restrictions of applicable
securities laws.

        6. In the event of default in payment when due of any indebtedness under
the Note, the Company may elect then, or at any time thereafter, to exercise all
rights available to a secured party under the California Commercial Code
including the right to sell the Collateral at a private or public sale or
repurchase the Shares as provided above. The proceeds of any sale shall be
applied in the following order:

               (a) To the extent necessary, proceeds shall be used to pay all
reasonable expenses of the Company in enforcing this Agreement and the Note,
including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and legal expenses
incurred by the Company.

               (b) To the extent necessary, proceeds shall be used to satisfy
any remaining indebtedness under Purchaser's Note.

               (c) Any remaining proceeds shall be delivered to Purchaser.

        7. Upon full payment by Purchaser of all amounts due under the Note,
Pledge Holder shall deliver to Purchaser all Shares in Pledge Holder's
possession belonging to Purchaser, and Pledge Holder shall thereupon be
discharged of all further obligations under this Agreement; provided, however,
that Pledge Holder shall nevertheless retain the Shares as escrow agent if at
the time of full payment by Purchaser said Shares are still subject to a
Repurchase Option in favor of the Company.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   39

        The parties have executed this Pledge and Security Agreement as of the
date first set forth above.

                                        COMPANY:

                                        PDF Solutions, Inc.

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

                                        Name:
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             (print)

                                        Title:
                                              ----------------------------------

                                        PURCHASER:

                                        <<Optionee>>

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (Signature)

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (Print Name)

                                        Address:
                                        <<OptioneeAddress1>>
                                        <<OptioneeAddress2>>

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   40

                                    Exhibit A

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

               FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Pledge and
Security Agreement between the undersigned ("Purchaser") and PDF Solutions,
Inc., dated _____________, (the "Agreement"), Purchaser hereby sells, assigns
and transfers unto _______________________________ (________) shares of the
Common Stock of PDF Solutions, Inc., standing in Purchaser's name on the books
of said corporation represented by Certificate No. ___ herewith and hereby
irrevocably appoints _____________________________ to transfer said stock on the
books of the within-named corporation with full power of substitution in the
premises. THIS ASSIGNMENT MAY ONLY BE USED AS AUTHORIZED BY THE AGREEMENT.

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

                                        Signature:

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        <<Optionee>>

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Spouse of <<Optionee>> (if applicable)

Instruction: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The
 purpose of this assignment is to perfect the security interest of the Company
                           pursuant to the Agreement.

<PAGE>   41

                                  ATTACHMENT C

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

               FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Early Exercise
Notice and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement between the undersigned
("Purchaser") and PDF Solutions, Inc. (the "Company") dated _______________,
____ (the "Agreement"), Purchaser hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto the
Company _________________________________ (________) shares of the Common Stock
of the Company, standing in Purchaser's name on the books of the Company and
represented by Certificate No. ____, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint ________________________________________________ to transfer said stock
on the books of the Company with full power of substitution in the premises.
THIS ASSIGNMENT MAY ONLY BE USED AS AUTHORIZED BY THE AGREEMENT AND THE
ATTACHMENTS THERETO.

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

                                       Signature:

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Name:

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Spouse of _______________ (if applicable)

Instruction: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The
purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its Repurchase
Option set forth in the Agreement without requiring additional signatures on the
part of Purchaser.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   42

                                  ATTACHMENT D

                    ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND STATEMENT OF DECISION
                        REGARDING SECTION 83(b) ELECTION

        The undersigned (which term includes the undersigned's spouse), a
purchaser of ___________ shares of Common Stock of PDF Solutions, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company") by exercise of an option (the "Option")
granted pursuant to the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan / [__]1997 Stock Plan
(the "Plan"), hereby states as follows:

        1. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan relating
to the offering of such shares. The undersigned has carefully reviewed the Plan
and the option agreement pursuant to which the Option was granted.

        2. The undersigned either [check and complete as applicable]:

        (a) ____ has consulted, and has been fully advised by, the undersigned's
                 own tax advisor, _____________________________________, whose
                 business address is ______________________________, regarding
                 the federal, state and local tax consequences of purchasing
                 shares under the Plan, and particularly regarding the
                 advisability of making elections pursuant to Section 83(b) of
                 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and
                 pursuant to the corresponding provisions, if any, of applicable
                 state law; or

        (b) ____ has knowingly chosen not to consult such a tax advisor.

        3. The undersigned hereby states that the undersigned has decided [check
as applicable]:

        (a) ____ to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code,
                 and is submitting to the Company, together with the
                 undersigned's executed Early Exercise Notice and Restricted
                 Stock Purchase Agreement, an executed form entitled "Election
                 Under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;" or

        (b) ____ not to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
                 Code.

        4. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary or representative of the
Company has made any warranty or representation to the undersigned with respect
to the tax consequences of the undersigned's purchase of shares under the Plan
or of the making or failure to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Code or the corresponding provisions, if any, of applicable state law.

Date:
     --------------------               ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:

Date:
     --------------------               ----------------------------------------
                                        Spouse of
                                                 -------------------------------

<PAGE>   43

                                  ATTACHMENT E

                          ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)
                      OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986

        The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code, to include in taxpayer's gross income or alternative
minimum taxable income, as applicable, for the current taxable year, the amount
of any income that may be taxable to taxpayer in connection with taxpayer's
receipt of the property described below:

1.      The name, address, taxpayer identification number and taxable year of
        the undersigned are as follows:

        NAME OF TAXPAYER: ________________________

        NAME OF SPOUSE:  ________________

        ADDRESS:  ______________________________________________________________

        IDENTIFICATION NO. OF TAXPAYER:  _______________

        IDENTIFICATION NO. OF SPOUSE:  _______________

        TAXABLE YEAR:  __________

2.      The property with respect to which the election is made is described as
        follows:

        ______________ shares of the Common Stock $0.0001par value, of PDF
        Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").

3.      The date on which the property was transferred is:  _______________

4.      The property is subject to the following restrictions:

        Repurchase option at cost in favor of the Company upon termination of
        taxpayer's employment or consulting relationship.

5.      The fair market value at the time of transfer, determined without regard
        to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will
        never lapse, of such property is: $____________

6.      The amount (if any) paid for such property: $____________

The undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom
the services were performed in connection with the undersigned's receipt of the
above-described property. The transferee of such property is the person
performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property.

The undersigned understands that the foregoing election may not be revoked
except with the consent of the Commissioner.

Date:
     --------------------               ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:

Date:
     --------------------               ----------------------------------------
                                        Spouse of
                                                 -------------------------------

<PAGE>   44

                                     RECEIPT

        The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of Certificate No. _____ for
__________ shares of Common Stock of PDF Solutions, Inc.

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

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        <<Optionee>>

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   45

                               RECEIPT AND CONSENT

        The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a photocopy Certificate
No. _____ purchaser for __________ shares of Common Stock of PDF Solutions, Inc.
(the "Company").

        The undersigned further acknowledges that the Secretary of the Company,
or his or her designee, is acting as Pledge Holder pursuant to the Pledge and
Security Agreement Purchaser has previously entered into with the Company. As
Pledge Holder, the Secretary of the Company, or his or her designee, holds the
original of the aforementioned certificate issued in the undersigned's name.

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

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                           <<Optionee>>

<PAGE>   46

                                     RECEIPT

        PDF Solutions, Inc. (the "Company") hereby acknowledges receipt of a
check in the amount of $____________ given by <<Optionee>> as consideration for
Certificate No. _________ for __________ shares of Common Stock of PDF
Solutions, Inc.

Dated:                                       PDF Solutions, Inc.
        ------------
                                             By:
                                                  ------------------------------

                                             Name:
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  (print)

                                             Title:
                                                   -----------------------------

                                       6

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