COMPUTER ACCESS TECHNOLOGY CORP
S-1, EX-1.1, 2000-08-16
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                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

                                                          Draft of July 26, 2000
                                                                [Execution Copy]
                                                                [Conformed Copy]

                            Underwriting Agreement


                             ___________ ___, 2000

FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc.
CIBC World Markets
SG Cowen Securities
Needham & Company, Inc.
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc.
555 California Street, Suite 2600
San Francisco, CA  94104

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          Introductory.  Computer Access Technology Corporation, a _________
corporation (the "Company"), proposes to issue and sell to the several
underwriters named in Schedule A (the "Underwriters") an aggregate of
                      ----------
___________ shares (the "Firm Shares") of its Common Stock, par value $_______
per share (the "Common Shares").  In addition, the Company proposes to grant to
the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional _________ Common
Shares (the "Option Shares") as provided in Section 2.  The Firm Shares and, if
and to the extent such option is exercised, the Option Shares are collectively
called the "Shares".  FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc. ("Robertson
Stephens"), CIBC World Markets, SG Cowen Securities and Needham & Company, Inc.
have agreed to act as representatives of the several Underwriters (in such
capacity, the "Representatives") in connection with the offering and sale of the
Shares.  As a part of the offering contemplated by this Agreement, Robertson
Stephens has agreed to reserve out of the Shares set forth opposite its name on
Schedule II to this Agreement, up to _________________ shares, for sale to the
Company's employees, officers, and directors [and other parties associated with
the Company] (collectively, "Participants"), as set forth in the Prospectus (as
defined below) under the heading "Underwriting" (the "Directed Share Program").
The Shares to be sold by Robertson Stephens pursuant to the Directed Share
Program (the "Directed Shares") will be sold by Robertson Stephens pursuant to
this Agreement at the public offering price. Any Directed Shares not orally
confirmed for purchase by any Participants as of 7:00am California time on the
first day trading of the Shares commences will be offered to the public by
Robertson Stephens as set forth in the Prospectus.

          The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No.
333-______),
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which contains a form of prospectus, subject to completion, to be used in
connection with the public offering and sale of the Shares. Each such
prospectus, subject to completion, used in connection with such public offering
is called a "preliminary prospectus". Such registration statement, as amended,
including the financial statements, exhibits and schedules thereto, in the form
in which it was declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act of
1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the
"Securities Act"), including any information deemed to be a part thereof at the
time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, is called
the "Registration Statement". Any registration statement filed by the Company
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act is called the "Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement", and from and after the date and time of filing of the
Rule 462(b) Registration Statement the term "Registration Statement" shall
include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. Such prospectus, in the form
first used by the Underwriters to confirm sales of the Shares, is called the
"Prospectus". All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement,
the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, a preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus
or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing, shall include any copy
thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval System ("EDGAR").

          The Company hereby confirms its agreement with the Underwriters as
follows:

     Section 1.  Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company
hereby represents, warrants and covenants to each Underwriter as follows:

     (a)  Compliance with Registration Requirements.  The Registration Statement
and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement have been declared effective by the
Commission under the Securities Act.  The Company has complied to the
Commission's satisfaction with all requests of the Commission for additional or
supplemental information.  No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is in effect
and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to
the best knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the
Commission.

          Each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus when filed complied in
all material respects with the Securities Act and, if filed by electronic
transmission via EDGAR (except as may be permitted by Regulation S-T under the
Securities Act), was identical to the copy thereof delivered to the Underwriters
for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.  Each of the
Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement and any post-
effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective and at all
subsequent times, complied and will comply in all material respects with the
Securities Act and did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.  Each preliminary
prospectus, as of its date, and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as
of its date and at all subsequent times through the 30th day after the date
hereof, did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
The representations and warranties set forth in the two immediately preceding
sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration
Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or any post-effective
amendment thereto, or the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto,
made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any
Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by the Representatives expressly
for use therein.  There are no contracts or other documents

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<PAGE>

required to be described in the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement which have not been described or filed as required.

     (b) Offering Materials Furnished to Underwriters.  The Company has
delivered to the Representatives four complete conformed copies of the
Registration Statement and of each consent and certificate of experts filed as a
part thereof, and conformed copies of the Registration Statement (without
exhibits) and preliminary prospectuses and the Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, in such quantities and at such places as the Representatives have
reasonably requested for each of the Underwriters.

     (c) Distribution of Offering Material By the Company.  The Company has not
distributed and will not distribute, prior to the later of the Second Closing
Date (as defined below) and the completion of the Underwriters' distribution of
the Shares, any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of
the Shares other than a preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or the
Registration Statement.

     (d) The Underwriting Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by, and is a valid and binding agreement of, the Company,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnification
hereunder may be limited by applicable law and except as the enforcement hereof
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors or by
general equitable principles.

     (e) Authorization of the Shares To Be Sold by the Company.  The Shares to
be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company have been duly authorized for
issuance and sale pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by
the Company pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

     (f) No Applicable Registration or Other Similar Rights.  There are no
persons with registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt
securities of the Company registered for sale under the Registration Statement
or included in the offering contemplated by this Agreement, except for such
rights as have been duly waived in writing, with a copy of such waiver(s)
delivered to the Underwriters or their counsel.

     (g) No Material Adverse Change.  Subsequent to the respective dates as of
which information is given in the Prospectus: (i) there has been no material
adverse change, or any development that could reasonably be expected to result
in a material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in
the earnings, business, operations or prospects, whether or not arising from
transactions in the ordinary course of business, of the Company and its
subsidiaries, considered as one entity (any such change or effect, where the
context so requires, is called a "Material Adverse Change" or a "Material
Adverse Effect"); (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one
entity, have not incurred any material liability or obligation, indirect, direct
or contingent, not in the ordinary course of business nor entered into any
material transaction or agreement not in the ordinary course of business; and
(iii) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or
made by the Company or, except for dividends paid to the Company or other
subsidiaries, any of its subsidiaries on any class of capital stock or
repurchase or redemption by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any class
of capital stock.

     (h) Independent Accountants.  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who have
expressed their opinion with respect to the financial statements (which term as
used in this Agreement

                                       3
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includes the related notes thereto) and supporting schedules filed with the
Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in the
Prospectus, are independent public or certified public accountants as required
by the Securities Act.

     (i) Preparation of the Financial Statements.  The financial statements
filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included
in the Prospectus present fairly the consolidated financial position of the
Company and its subsidiaries as of and at the dates indicated and the results of
operations and cash flows for the periods specified.  The supporting schedules
included in the Registration Statement present fairly the information required
to be stated therein.  Such financial statements and supporting schedules have
been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as may be
expressly stated in the related notes thereto.  No other financial statements or
supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement.
The financial data set forth in the Prospectus under the captions "Summary--
Summary Selected Financial Data", "Selected Financial Data" and "Capitalization"
fairly present the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that
of the audited financial statements contained in the Registration Statement.

     (j) Company's Accounting System.  The Company and each of its subsidiaries
maintain a system of accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
assurances that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's
general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary
to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii)
access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or
specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is
compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is
taken with respect to any differences.

     (k) Subsidiaries of the Company.  The Company does not own or control,
directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity other than
the subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21 to the Registration Statement.  The
subsidiaries, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not
constitute a "significant subsidiary," as defined in Rule 1-02(v) of Regulation
S-X under the Securities Act.

     (l) Incorporation and Good Standing of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has been duly organized and is validly
existing as a corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in
good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized with
full corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its
business as described in the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business as
a foreign corporation and is in good standing under the laws of each
jurisdiction which requires such qualification.

     (m) Capitalization of the Subsidiaries.  All the outstanding shares of
capital stock of each subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and, except as otherwise set forth
in the Prospectus, all outstanding shares of capital stock of the subsidiaries
are owned by the Company either directly or through wholly owned subsidiaries
free and clear of any security interests, claims, liens or encumbrances.

     (n) No Prohibition on Subsidiaries from Paying Dividends or Making Other
Distributions.  No subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly
or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other
distribution on such subsidiary's

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capital stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such
subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such subsidiary's
property or assets to the Company or any other subsidiary of the Company, except
as described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.

     (o) Capitalization and Other Capital Stock Matters.  The authorized, issued
and outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus
under the caption "Capitalization" (other than for subsequent issuances, if any,
pursuant to employee benefit plans described in the Prospectus or upon exercise
of outstanding options [or warrants] described in the Prospectus).  The Common
Shares (including the Shares) conform in all material respects to the
description thereof contained in the Prospectus.  All of the issued and
outstanding Common Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued, are
fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all
applicable federal and state securities laws.  None of the outstanding Common
Shares were issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first
refusal or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the
Company.  There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, preemptive
rights, rights of first refusal or other rights to purchase, or equity or debt
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any capital
stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than those accurately
described in the Prospectus.  The description of the Company's stock option,
stock bonus and other stock plans or arrangements, and the options or other
rights granted thereunder, set forth in the Prospectus accurately and fairly
presents the information required to be shown with respect to such plans,
arrangements, options and rights.

     (p) Stock Exchange Listing.  The Shares have been approved for listing on
the Nasdaq National Market, subject only to official notice of issuance.

     (q) No Consents, Approvals or Authorizations Required.  No consent,
approval, authorization, filing with or order of any court or governmental
agency or regulatory body is required in connection with the transactions
contemplated herein, except such as have been obtained or made under the
Securities Act and such as may be required (i) under the blue sky laws of any
jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by
the Underwriters in the manner contemplated here and in the Prospectus, (ii) by
the National Association of Securities Dealers, LLC and (iii) by the federal and
provincial laws of Canada.

     (r) Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments and/or Agreements.  Neither
the issue and sale of the Shares nor the consummation of any other of the
transactions herein contemplated nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof will
conflict with, result in a breach or violation or imposition of any lien, charge
or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries pursuant to, (i) the charter or by-laws of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage,
deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation,
condition, covenant or instrument to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which it or they are bound or to which its or
their property is subject or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment,
order or decree applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any
court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or
other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or any of its or their properties.

     (s) No Defaults or Violations.  Neither the Company nor any subsidiary is
in violation or default of (i) any provision of its charter or by-laws, (ii) the
terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note
agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or
instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to which its

                                       5
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property is subject or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order
or decree of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental
body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or such
subsidiary or any of its properties, as applicable, except any such violation or
default which would not, singly or in the aggregate, result in a Material
Adverse Change.

     (t) No Actions, Suits or Proceedings.  No action, suit or proceeding by or
before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator
involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its or their property is
pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened that (i) could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the performance of
this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
hereby or (ii) could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Effect.

     (u) All Necessary Permits, Etc.  The Company and each subsidiary possess
such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the
appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to
conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any subsidiary
has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or
modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or
permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable
decision, ruling or finding, could result in a Material Adverse Change.

     (v) Title to Properties.  The Company and each of its subsidiaries has good
and marketable title to all the properties and assets reflected as owned in the
financial statements referred to in Section 1(i) above (or elsewhere in the
Prospectus), in each case free and clear of any security interests, mortgages,
liens, encumbrances, equities, claims and other defects, except such as do not
materially and adversely affect the value of such property and do not materially
interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the
Company or such subsidiary.  The real property, improvements, equipment and
personal property held under lease by the Company or any subsidiary are held
under valid and enforceable leases, with such exceptions as are not material and
do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such
real property, improvements, equipment or personal property by the Company or
such subsidiary.

     (w) Tax Law Compliance.  The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have
filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns
or have properly requested extensions thereof and have paid all taxes required
to be paid by any of them and, if due and payable, any related or similar
assessment, fine or penalty levied against any of them.  The Company has made
adequate charges, accruals and reserves in the applicable financial statements
referred to in Section 1(i) above in respect of all federal, state and foreign
income and franchise taxes for all periods as to which the tax liability of the
Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries has not been finally determined.
The Company is not aware of any tax deficiency that has been or might be
asserted or threatened against the Company that could result in a Material
Adverse Change.

     (x) Intellectual Property Rights.  Each of the Company and its subsidiaries
owns or possesses adequate rights to use all patents, patent rights or licenses,
inventions, collaborative research agreements, trade secrets, know-how,
trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights which are necessary to
conduct its businesses as described in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus; the expiration of any patents, patent rights, trade secrets,
trademarks, service marks, trade names or copyrights would not result in a
Material Adverse Change that is not otherwise disclosed in the Prospectus; the
Company has not received any

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notice of, and has no knowledge of, any infringement of or conflict with
asserted rights of the Company by others with respect to any patent, patent
rights, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, trademarks, service marks, trade
names or copyrights; and the Company has not received any notice of, and has no
knowledge of, any infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others
with respect to any patent, patent rights, inventions, trade secrets, know-how,
trademarks, service marks, trade names or copyrights which, singly or in the
aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, might
have a Material Adverse Change. There is no claim being made against the Company
regarding patents, patent rights or licenses, inventions, collaborative
research, trade secrets, know-how, trademarks, service marks, trade names or
copyrights. The Company and its subsidiaries do not in the conduct of their
business as now or proposed to be conducted as described in the Prospectus
infringe or conflict with any right or patent of any third party, or any
discovery, invention, product or process which is the subject of a patent
application filed by any third party, known to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, which such infringement or conflict is reasonably likely to result
in a Material Adverse Change.

     (y) Y2K.  There are no Y2K issues related to the Company, or any of its
subsidiaries,  that (i) are of a character required to be described or referred
to in the Registration Statement or Prospectus by the Securities Act which have
not been accurately described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or
(ii) might reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Change or
that might materially affect their properties, assets or rights.

     (z) No Transfer Taxes or Other Fees.  There are no transfer taxes or other
similar fees or charges under Federal law or the laws of any state, or any
political subdivision thereof, required to be paid in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the issuance and sale by the Company
of the Shares.

     (aa) Company Not an "Investment Company".  The Company has been advised of
the rules and requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "Investment Company Act").  The Company is not, and after receipt of
payment for the Shares will not be, an "investment company" or an entity
"controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act and will conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become
subject to the Investment Company Act.

     (bb) Insurance.  Each of the Company and its subsidiaries are insured by
recognized, financially sound and reputable institutions with policies in such
amounts and with such deductibles and covering such risks as are generally
deemed adequate and customary for their businesses including, but not limited
to, policies covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Company
and its subsidiaries against theft, damage, destruction, acts of vandalism and
earthquakes, general liability and Directors and Officers liability.  The
Company has no reason to believe that it or any subsidiary will not be able (i)
to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or
(ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary
or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would
not result in a Material Adverse Change.  Neither of the Company nor any
subsidiary has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for
which it has applied.

     (cc) Labor Matters.  To the best of the Company's knowledge, no labor
disturbance by the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists or
is imminent; and the Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor
disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers, subassemblers,
value added resellers, subcontractors, original equipment

                                       7
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manufacturers, authorized dealers or international distributors that might be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

     (dd) No Price Stabilization or Manipulation.  The Company has not taken and
will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might be
reasonably expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the
price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.

     (ee) Lock-Up Agreements.  Each officer and director of the company and each
beneficial owner of any of the outstanding issued share capital of the Company
has agreed to sign an agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A (the "Lock-up Agreements").  The Company has provided to counsel for
---------
the Underwriters a complete and accurate list of all securityholders of the
Company and the number and type of securities held by each securityholder.  The
Company has provided to counsel for the Underwriters true, accurate and complete
copies of all of the Lock-up Agreements presently in effect or effected hereby.
The Company hereby represents and warrants that it will not release any of its
officers, directors or other stockholders from any Lock-up Agreements currently
existing or hereafter effected without the prior written consent of Robertson
Stephens.

     (ff) Related-Party Transactions.  There are no business relationships or
related-party transactions involving the Company or any subsidiary or any other
person required to be described in the Prospectus which have not been described
as required.

     (gg) No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments.  Neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries nor, to the best of the Company's knowledge, any
employee or agent of the Company or any subsidiary, has made any contribution or
other payment to any official of, or candidate for, any federal, state or
foreign office in violation of any law or of the character required to be
disclosed in the Prospectus.

     (hh) Environmental Laws.  (i) The Company and its subsidiaries are in
compliance with all rules, laws and regulations relating to the use, treatment,
storage and disposal of toxic substances and protection of health or the
environment ("Environmental Laws") which are applicable to their business,
except where the failure to comply would not result in a Material Adverse
Change, (ii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have received any
notice from any governmental authority or third party of an asserted claim under
Environmental Laws, which claim is required to be disclosed in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus, (iii) neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries are currently aware that it will be required to make future
material capital expenditures to comply with Environmental Laws and (iv) no
property which is owned, leased or occupied by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries has been designated as a Superfund site pursuant to the
Comprehensive Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42
U.S.C. (S) 9601, et seq.), or otherwise designated as a contaminated site under
                 ------
applicable state or local law.

     (ii) Periodic Review of Costs of Environmental Compliance.  In the ordinary
course of its business, the Company conducts a periodic review of the effect of
Environmental Laws on the business, operations and properties of the Company and
its subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates associated
costs and liabilities (including, without limitation, any capital or operating
expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with
Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval, any related constraints
on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties).  On the
basis of such review and the amount of its established reserves, the Company has
reasonably concluded that such

                                       8
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associated costs and liabilities would not, individually or in the aggregate,
result in a Material Adverse Change.

     (jj) ERISA Compliance.  The Company and its subsidiaries and any "employee
benefit plan" (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder
(collectively, "ERISA")) established or maintained by the Company, its
subsidiaries or their "ERISA Affiliates" (as defined below) are in compliance in
all material respects with ERISA.  "ERISA Affiliate" means, with respect to the
Company or a subsidiary, any member of any group of organizations described in
Sections 414(b),(c),(m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the "Code") of
which the Company or such subsidiary is a member.  No "reportable event" (as
defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with
respect to any "employee benefit plan" established or maintained by the Company,
its subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates.  No "employee benefit plan"
established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their ERISA
Affiliates, if such "employee benefit plan" were terminated, would have any
"amount of unfounded benefit liabilities" (as defined under ERISA).  Neither the
Company, its subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA Affiliates has incurred or
reasonably expects to incur any liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with
respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any "employee benefit plan" or
(ii) Sections 412, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code.  Each "employee benefit
plan" established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their
ERISA Affiliates that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the
Code is so qualified and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to
act, which would cause the loss of such qualification.

     (kk) Consents Required in Connection with the Directed Share Program.  No
consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any
governmental body or agency, other than those obtained, is required in
connection with the offering of the Directed Shares in any jurisdiction where
the Directed Shares are being offered.

     (ll) No Improper Influence in Connection with the Directed Share Program.
The Company has not offered, or caused Robertson Stephens to offer, Shares to
any person pursuant to the Directed Share Program with the specific intent to
unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company to alter the
customer's or supplier's level or type of business with the Company or (ii) a
trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about
the Company or its products.

Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to the
Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed to be a
representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters
set forth therein.

     Section 2.  Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Shares.

     (a)  The Firm Shares.  The Company agrees to issue and sell to the several
Underwriters the Firm Shares upon the terms herein set forth.  On the basis of
the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the
terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Underwriters agree,
severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective number of
Firm Shares set forth opposite their names on Schedule A.  The purchase price
                                              ----------
per Firm Share to be paid by the several Underwriters to the Company shall be
$_______ per share.

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<PAGE>

     (b)  The First Closing Date. Delivery of the Firm Shares to be purchased by
the Underwriters and payment therefor shall be made by the Company and the
Representatives at 6:00 a.m. San Francisco time, at the offices of Brobeck,
Phleger & Harrison LLP, One Market, Spear Street Tower, San Francisco, CA 94105
(or at such other place as may be agreed upon among the Representatives and the
Company), (i) on the third (3/rd/) full business day following the first day
that Shares are traded, (ii) if this Agreement is executed and delivered after
1:30 P.M., San Francisco time, the fourth (4/th/) full business day following
the day that this Agreement is executed and delivered or (iii) at such other
time and date not later than seven (7) full business days following the first
day that Shares are traded as the Representatives and the Company may determine
(or at such time and date to which payment and delivery shall have been
postponed pursuant to Section 8 hereof), such time and date of payment and
delivery being herein called the "Closing Date;" provided, however, that if the
Company has not made available to the Representatives copies of the Prospectus
within the time provided in Section 2(g) and 3(e) hereof, the Representatives
may, in their sole discretion, postpone the Closing Date until no later than two
(2) full business days following delivery of copies of the Prospectus to the
Representatives.

     (c)  The Option Shares; the Second Closing Date.  In addition, on the basis
of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the
terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby grants
an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up
to an aggregate of ________ Option Shares from the Company at the purchase price
per share to be paid by the Underwriters for the Firm Shares.  The option
granted hereunder is for use by the Underwriters solely in covering any over-
allotments in connection with the sale and distribution of the Firm Shares.  The
option granted hereunder may be exercised at any time upon notice by the
Representatives to the Company, which notice may be given at any time within 30
days from the date of this Agreement.  The time and date of delivery of the
Option Shares, if subsequent to the First Closing Date, is called the "Second
Closing Date" and shall be determined by the Representatives and shall not be
earlier than three nor later than five full business days after delivery of such
notice of exercise.  If any Option Shares are to be purchased, (i) each
Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Option
Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the
Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total
number of Option Shares to be purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth
on Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of
   ----------
Firm Shares and (ii) the Company agrees to sell the number of Option Shares set
forth in the paragraph "Introductory" of this Agreement.  The Representatives
may cancel the option at any time prior to its expiration by giving written
notice of such cancellation to the Company.

     (d)  Public Offering of the Shares.  The Representatives hereby advise the
Company that the Underwriters intend to offer for sale to the public, as
described in the Prospectus, their respective portions of the Shares as soon
after this Agreement has been executed and the Registration Statement has been
declared effective as the Representatives, in their sole judgment, have
determined is advisable and practicable.

     (e)  Payment for the Shares.  Payment for the Shares shall be made at the
First Closing Date (and, if applicable, at the Second Closing Date) by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the Company.

          It is understood that the Representatives have been authorized, for
their own account and the accounts of the several Underwriters, to accept
delivery of and receipt for, and

                                       10
<PAGE>

make payment of the purchase price for, the Firm Shares and any Option Shares
the Underwriters have agreed to purchase. FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc.,
individually and not as the Representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall
not be obligated to) make payment for any Shares to be purchased by any
Underwriter whose funds shall not have been received by the Representatives by
the First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, for the
account of such Underwriter, but any such payment shall not relieve such
Underwriter from any of its obligations under this Agreement.

     (f) Delivery of the Shares.  The Company shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, a credit representing the Firm Shares to an account or accounts at
The Depository Trust Company, as designated by the Representatives for the
accounts of the Representatives and the several Underwriters at the First
Closing Date, against the irrevocable release of a wire transfer of immediately
available funds for the amount of the purchase price therefor.  The Company
shall also deliver, or cause to be delivered, a credit representing the Option
Shares the Underwriters have agreed to purchase at the First Closing Date (or
the Second Closing Date, as the case may be), to an account or accounts at The
Depository Trust Company as designated by the Representatives for the accounts
of the Representatives and the several Underwriters, against the irrevocable
release of a wire transfer of immediately available funds for the amount of the
purchase price therefor. Time shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time
and place specified in this Agreement is a further condition to the obligations
of the Underwriters.

     (g) Delivery of Prospectus to the Underwriters.  Not later than 12:00 noon
on the second business day following the date the Shares are released by the
Underwriters for sale to the public, the Company shall deliver or cause to be
delivered copies of the Prospectus in such quantities and at such places as the
Representatives shall request.

     Section 3.  Covenants of the Company. The Company further covenants and
agrees with each Underwriter as follows:

     (a) Registration Statement Matters.  The Company will (i) use its best
efforts to cause a registration statement on Form 8-A (the "Form 8-A
Registration Statement") as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act") to become effective simultaneously with the Registration
Statement, (ii) use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to
become effective or, if the procedure in Rule 430A of the Securities Act is
followed, to prepare and timely file with the Commission under Rule 424(b) under
the Securities Act a Prospectus in a form approved by the Representatives
containing information previously omitted at the time of effectiveness of the
Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430A of the Securities Act and (iii)
not file any amendment to the Registration Statement or supplement to the
Prospectus of which the Representatives shall not previously have been advised
and furnished with a copy or to which the Representatives shall have reasonably
objected in writing or which is not in compliance with the Securities Act. If
the Company elects to rely on Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, the Company
shall file a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement with the Commission in
compliance with Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act prior to the time
confirmations are sent or given, as specified by Rule 462(b)(2) under the
Securities Act, and shall pay the applicable fees in accordance with Rule 111
under the Securities Act.

     (b) Securities Act Compliance.  The Company will advise the Representatives
promptly (i) when the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment
thereto shall have become effective, (ii) of receipt of any comments from the
Commission, (iii) of any request of the Commission for amendment of the
Registration Statement or for supplement to the

                                       11
<PAGE>

Prospectus or for any additional information and (iv) of the issuance by the
Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement or the use of the Prospectus or of the institution of any proceedings
for that purpose. The Company will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance
of any such stop order preventing or suspending the use of the Prospectus and to
obtain as soon as possible the lifting thereof, if issued.

     (c) Blue Sky Compliance.  The Company will cooperate with the
Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters in endeavoring to qualify the
Shares for sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions (both national
and foreign) as the Representatives may reasonably have designated in writing
and will make such applications, file such documents, and furnish such
information as may be reasonably required for that purpose, provided the Company
shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general
consent to service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not now so
qualified or required to file such a consent.  The Company will, from time to
time, prepare and file such statements, reports and other documents, as are or
may be required to continue such qualifications in effect for so long a period
as the Representatives may reasonably request for distribution of the Shares.

     (d) Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus and Other Securities Act
Matters.  The Company will comply with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act,
and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, so as to permit the
completion of the distribution of the Shares as contemplated in this Agreement
and the Prospectus.  If during the period in which a prospectus is required by
law to be delivered by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur as a
result of which, in the judgment of the Company or in the reasonable opinion of
the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters, it becomes necessary to
amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances existing at the time the Prospectus is delivered
to a purchaser, not misleading, or, if it is necessary at any time to amend or
supplement the Prospectus to comply with any law, the Company promptly will
prepare and file with the Commission, and furnish at its own expense to the
Underwriters and to dealers, an appropriate amendment to the Registration
Statement or supplement to the Prospectus so that the Prospectus as so amended
or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when it is so
delivered, be misleading, or so that the Prospectus will comply with the law.

     (e) Copies of any Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus.  The
Company agrees to furnish the Representatives, without charge, during the period
beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the First Closing Date
or such date, as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, the Prospectus
is no longer required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an
Underwriter or dealer (the "Prospectus Delivery Period"), as many copies of the
Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto as the Representatives may
request.

     (f) Insurance.  The Company shall (i) obtain Directors and Officers
liability insurance in the minimum amount of $10 million which shall apply to
the offering contemplated hereby, (ii) cause Robertson Stephens to be added to
such policy such that up to $500,000 of its expenses pursuant to section 7(a)
shall be paid directly by such insurer and (iii) shall cause Robertson Stephens
to be added as an additional insured to such policy in respect of the offering
contemplated hereby.

     (g) Notice of Subsequent Events.  If at any time during the ninety (90) day
period after the Registration Statement becomes effective, any rumor,
publication or event relating to or affecting the Company shall occur as a
result of which, in Robertson Stephens opinion, the

                                       12
<PAGE>

market price of the Common Shares has been or is likely to be materially
affected (regardless of whether such rumor, publication or event necessitates a
supplement to or amendment of the Prospectus), the Company will, after written
notice from Robertson Stephens advising the Company to the effect set forth
above, forthwith prepare, consult with Robertson Stephens concerning the
substance of and disseminate a press release or other public statement,
reasonably satisfactory to Robertson Stephens, responding to or commenting on
such rumor, publication or event.

     (h) Use of Proceeds.  The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the
sale of the Shares sold by it in the manner described under the caption "Use of
Proceeds" in the Prospectus.

     (i) Transfer Agent.  The Company shall engage and maintain, at its expense,
a registrar and transfer agent for the Common Shares.

     (j) Earnings Statement.  As soon as practicable, the Company will make
generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives an
earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering the twelve-month period
ending ____________ that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the
Securities Act.

     (k) Periodic Reporting Obligations.  During the Prospectus Delivery Period
the Company shall file, on a timely basis, with the Commission and the Nasdaq
National Market all reports and documents required to be filed under the
Exchange Act.

     (l) Agreement Not to Offer or Sell Additional Securities.  The Company will
not offer, sell or contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or enter into any
transaction which is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the
disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due
to cash settlement or otherwise by the Company or any affiliate of the Company
or any person in privity with the Company or any affiliate of the Company)
directly or indirectly, or announce the offering of, any other Common Shares or
any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, Common Shares; provided,
however, that the Company may (i) issue and sell Common Shares pursuant to any
director or employee stock option plan, stock ownership plan or dividend
reinvestment plan of the Company in effect at the date of the Prospectus and
described in the Prospectus so long as none of those shares may be transferred
and the Company shall enter stop transfer instructions with its transfer agent
and registrar against the transfer of any such Common Shares and (ii) the
Company may issue Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of securities or
the exercise of warrants outstanding at the date of the Prospectus and described
in the Prospectus. These restrictions terminate after the close of trading of
the Shares on the 180/th/ day of (and including) the day the Shares commenced
trading on the Nasdaq National Market (the "Lock-Up Period").

     (m) Future Reports to the Representatives.  During the five year period
following the date of this Agreement, the Company will furnish to the
Representatives (i) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year,
copies of the Annual Report of the Company containing the balance sheet of the
Company as of the close of such fiscal year and statements of income,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the opinion
thereon of the Company's independent public or certified public accountants;
(ii) as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, copies of each proxy
statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current
Report on Form 8-K or other report filed by the Company with the Commission, the
National Association of Securities Dealers, LLC or any securities exchange;

                                       13
<PAGE>

and (iii) as soon as available, copies of any report or communication of the
Company mailed generally to holders of its capital stock.

     (n) Directed Share Program.  The Company (i) will comply with all
applicable securities and other applicable laws, rules and regulations in each
jurisdiction in which the Directed Shares are offered in connection with the
Directed Share Program and (ii) will pay all reasonable fees and disbursements
of counsel incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share
Program and any stamp duties, similar taxes or duties or other taxes, if any,
incurred by the underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program.

     Section 4.  Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters. The
obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares as
provided herein on the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Option
Shares, the Second Closing Date, shall be subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 1 hereof as
of the date hereof and as of the First Closing Date as though then made and,
with respect to the Option Shares, as of the Second Closing Date as though then
made, to the timely performance by the Company of its covenants and other
obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional conditions:

     (a) Compliance with Registration Requirements; No Stop Order; No Objection
from the National Association of Securities Dealers, LLC.  The Registration
Statement shall have become effective prior to the execution of this Agreement,
or at such later date as shall be consented to in writing by you; and no stop
order suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued and no
proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of
the Company or any Underwriter, threatened by the Commission, and any request of
the Commission for additional information (to be included in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the
satisfaction of Underwriters' Counsel; and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, LLC shall have raised no objection to the fairness and
reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.

     (b) Corporate Proceedings.  All corporate proceedings and other legal
matters in connection with this Agreement, the form of Registration Statement
and the Prospectus, and the registration, authorization, issue, sale and
delivery of the Shares, shall have been reasonably satisfactory to Underwriters'
Counsel, and such counsel shall have been furnished with such papers and
information as they may reasonably have requested to enable them to pass upon
the matters referred to in this Section.

     (c) No Material Adverse Change.  Subsequent to the execution and delivery
of this Agreement and prior to the First Closing Date, or the Second Closing
Date, as the case may be, there shall not have been any Material Adverse Change
in the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, operations, business or
business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
enterprise from that set forth in the Registration Statement or Prospectus,
which, in your sole judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in your
sole judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering
of the Shares as contemplated by the Prospectus.

     (d) Opinion of Counsel for the Company.  You shall have received on the
First Closing Date, or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion
of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP, counsel for the Company, substantially in
the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, dated the First Closing Date, or the
            ---------
Second Closing Date, as the case may be, addressed to the

                                       14
<PAGE>

Underwriters and with reproduced copies or signed counterparts thereof for each
of the Underwriters.

         Counsel rendering the opinion contained in Exhibit B may rely as to
                                                    ---------
questions of law not involving the laws of the United States or the State of
California [and the State of __________] upon opinions of local counsel, and as
to questions of fact upon representations or certificates of officers of the
Company and of government officials, in which case their opinion is to state
that they are so relying and that they have no knowledge of any material
misstatement or inaccuracy in any such opinion, representation or certificate.
Copies of any opinion, representation or certificate so relied upon shall be
delivered to you, as Representatives of the Underwriters, and to Underwriters'
Counsel.

     (e) Opinion of Counsel for the Underwriters.  You shall have received on
the First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, an
opinion of Fenwick & West LLP, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto.
                                                            ---------
The Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they may have
requested for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.

     (f) Accountants' Comfort Letter.  You shall have received on the First
Closing Date and on the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, a letter from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP addressed to the Underwriters, dated the First
Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, confirming that
they are independent certified public accountants with respect to the Company
within the meaning of the Act and the applicable published Rules and Regulations
and based upon the procedures described in such letter delivered to you
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (herein called the "Original
Letter"), but carried out to a date not more than four (4) business days prior
to the First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, (i)
confirming, to the extent true, that the statements and conclusions set forth in
the Original Letter are accurate as of the First Closing Date or the Second
Closing Date, as the case may be, and (ii) setting forth any revisions and
additions to the statements and conclusions set forth in the Original Letter
which are necessary to reflect any changes in the facts described in the
Original Letter since the date of such letter, or to reflect the availability of
more recent financial statements, data or information.  The letter shall not
disclose any change in the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings,
operations, business or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries
considered as one enterprise from that set forth in the Registration Statement
or Prospectus, which, in your sole judgment, is material and adverse and that
makes it, in your sole judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with
the public offering of the Shares as contemplated by the Prospectus.  The
Original Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP shall be addressed to or for the
use of the Underwriters in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters
and shall (i) represent, to the extent true, that they are independent certified
public accountants with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Act and
the applicable published Rules and Regulations, (ii) set forth their opinion
with respect to their examination of the consolidated balance sheet of the
Company as of December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and related consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the twelve
(12) months ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, (iii) state that
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has performed the procedures set out in Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 71 ("SAS 71") for a review of interim financial
information and providing the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as described
in SAS 71 on the financial statements for each of the quarters in the ____-
quarter period ended ________________, 2000 (the "Quarterly Financial
Statements"), (iv) state that in the course of such review, nothing came to
their attention that leads them to believe that any material modifications need
to be made to any of the Quarterly Financial Statements in order for

                                       15
<PAGE>

them to be in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied across the periods presented, and (v) address other matters
agreed upon by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and you. In addition, you shall have
received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP a letter addressed to the Company and
made available to you for the use of the Underwriters stating that their review
of the Company's system of internal accounting controls, to the extent they
deemed such review necessary in establishing the scope of their examination of
the Company's consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1999, did not
disclose any weaknesses in internal controls that they considered to be material
weaknesses.

     (g)   Officers' Certificate.  You shall have received on the First Closing
Date and the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, a certificate of the
Company, dated the First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case
may be, signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, to the effect that, and you shall be satisfied that:

     (i)   The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement
     are true and correct, as if made on and as of the First Closing Date or the
     Second Closing Date, as the case may be, and the Company has complied with
     all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be
     performed or satisfied at or prior to the First Closing Date or the Second
     Closing Date, as the case may be;

     (ii)  No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
     Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been
     instituted or are pending or threatened under the Act;

     (iii) When the Registration Statement became effective and at all times
     subsequent thereto up to the delivery of such certificate, the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto,
     contained all material information required to be included therein by the
     Securities Act and in all material respects conformed to the requirements
     of the Securities Act, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and
     any amendments or supplements thereto, did not and does not include any
     untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
     not misleading; and, since the effective date of the Registration
     Statement, there has occurred no event required to be set forth in an
     amended or supplemented Prospectus which has not been so set forth; and

     (iv)  Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given
     in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, there has not been (a) any
     material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
     earnings, operations, business or business prospects of the Company and its
     subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, (b) any transaction that is
     material to the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise,
     except transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business, (c)
     any obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the Company and
     its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, incurred by the Company or
     its subsidiaries, except obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
     business, (d) any change in the capital stock or outstanding indebtedness
     of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is material to the Company
     and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, (e) any dividend or
     distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on the capital stock of the
     Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (f) any loss or damage (whether or
     not insured) to the property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
     which has been sustained or will

                                       16
<PAGE>

     have been sustained which has a material adverse effect on the condition
     (financial or otherwise), earnings, operations, business or business
     prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.

     (h) Lock-up Agreement from Certain Stockholders of the Company.  The
Company shall have obtained and delivered to you an agreement substantially in
the form of Exhibit A attached hereto from each officer and director of the
            ---------
Company and each beneficial owner of one or more percent of the outstanding
issued share capital of the Company.

     (i) Stock Exchange Listing.  The Shares shall have been approved for
listing on the Nasdaq National Market, subject only to official notice of
issuance.

     (j) Compliance with Prospectus Delivery Requirements.  The Company shall
have complied with the provisions of Sections 2(g) and 3(e) hereof with respect
to the furnishing of Prospectuses.

     (k) Additional Documents.  On or before each of the First Closing Date and
the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, the Representatives and counsel for
the Underwriters shall have received such information, documents and opinions as
they may reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the
issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence
the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction
of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained.

         If any condition specified in this Section 4 is not satisfied when and
as required to be satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the
Representatives by notice to the Company at any time on or prior to the First
Closing Date and, with respect to the Option Shares, at any time prior to the
Second Closing Date, which termination shall be without liability on the part of
any party to any other party, except that Section 5 (Payment of Expenses),
Section 6 (Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses), Section 7 (Indemnification
and Contribution) and Section 10 (Representations and Indemnities to Survive
Delivery) shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.

     Section 5.  Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all costs, fees
and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations
hereunder and in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including
without limitation (i) all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the
Shares (including all printing and engraving costs), (ii) all fees and expenses
of the registrar and transfer agent of the Common Stock, (iii) all necessary
issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance and sale
of the Shares to the Underwriters, (iv) all fees and expenses of the Company's
counsel, independent public or certified public accountants and other advisors,
(v) all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation,
printing, filing, shipping and distribution of the Registration Statement
(including financial statements, exhibits, schedules, consents and certificates
of experts), each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus, and all amendments
and supplements thereto, and this Agreement, (vi) all costs and expenses
incurred by Underwriters counsel in connection with the Directed Share Program,
(vii) all filing fees, attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by the Company or
the Underwriters in connection with qualifying or registering (or obtaining
exemptions from the qualification or registration of) all or any part of the
Shares for offer and sale under the state securities or blue sky laws or the
provincial securities laws of Canada or any other country, and, if requested by
the Representatives, preparing and printing a "Blue Sky Survey", an
"International Blue Sky Survey"

                                       17
<PAGE>

or other memorandum, and any supplements thereto, advising the Underwriters of
such qualifications, registrations and exemptions, (viii) the filing fees
incident to, and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the
Underwriters in connection with, the National Association of Securities Dealers,
LLC review and approval of the Underwriters' participation in the offering and
distribution of the Common Shares, (ix) the fees and expenses associated with
listing the Common Shares on the Nasdaq National Market, (x) all costs and
expenses incident to the travel and accommodation of the Company's employees on
the "roadshow", and (xi) all other fees, costs and expenses referred to in Item
13 of Part II of the Registration Statement. Except as provided in this Section
5, Section 6, and Section 7 hereof, the Underwriters shall pay their own
expenses, including the fees and disbursements of their counsel.

     Section 6.  Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses. If this Agreement is
terminated by the Representatives pursuant to Section 4, Section 8 or Section 9,
or if the sale to the Underwriters of the Shares on the First Closing Date is
not consummated because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the
Company to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision hereof,
the Company agrees to reimburse the Representatives and the other Underwriters
(or such Underwriters as have terminated this Agreement with respect to
themselves), severally, upon demand for all out-of-pocket expenses that shall
have been reasonably incurred by the Representatives and the Underwriters in
connection with the proposed purchase and the offering and sale of the Shares,
including but not limited to fees and disbursements of counsel, printing
expenses, travel and accommodation expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone
charges.

     Section 7.  Indemnification and Contribution.

     (a) Indemnification of the Underwriters.  The Company agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless each Underwriter, its officers and employees, and each person,
if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act
and the Exchange Act against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as
incurred, to which such Underwriter or such controlling person may become
subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state
statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in
settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written
consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld),
insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect
thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based (i) upon any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement, or any amendment thereto, including any information
deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, or
the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or
(ii) upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or
supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; or (iii) in whole or
in part upon any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company
contained herein; or (iv) in whole or in part upon any failure of the Company to
perform its obligations hereunder or under law; or (v) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any audio or visual
materials provided by the Company or based upon written information furnished by
or on behalf of the Company including, without limitation, slides, videos, films
or tape recordings, used in connection with the marketing of the Shares or (vi)
any act or failure to act or any alleged act or failure to act by any
Underwriter in connection with, or relating in any manner to, the Shares or the
offering contemplated hereby, and which is included as part of or referred to in
any loss,

                                       18
<PAGE>

claim, damage, liability or action arising out of or based upon any matter
covered by clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above, provided that the Company
shall not be liable under this clause (vi) to the extent that a court of
competent jurisdiction shall have determined by a final judgment that such loss,
claim, damage, liability or action resulted directly from any such acts or
failures to act undertaken or omitted to be taken by such Underwriter through
its bad faith or willful misconduct; and to reimburse each Underwriter and each
such controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and
disbursements of counsel chosen by Robertson Stephens) as such expenses are
reasonably incurred by such Underwriter or such controlling person in connection
with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss,
claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however, that the
foregoing indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, claim, damage,
liability or expense to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of or
based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company by the Representatives expressly for use in
the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any
amendment or supplement thereto). The indemnity agreement set forth in this
Section 7(a) shall be in addition to any liabilities that the Company may
otherwise have.

     (b) Indemnification of the Company, its Directors and Officers.  Each
Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed the
Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any loss, claim,
damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which the Company, or any such
director, officer or controlling person may become subject, under the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, or
at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such
settlement is effected with the written consent of such Underwriter), insofar as
such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as
contemplated below) arises out of or is based upon any untrue or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any
preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto), or arises out of or is based upon the omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to
the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, any preliminary
prospectus, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the
Representatives expressly for use therein; and to reimburse the Company, or any
such director, officer or controlling person for any legal and other expense
reasonably incurred by the Company, or any such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or
paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action. The indemnity
agreement set forth in this Section 7(b) shall be in addition to any liabilities
that each Underwriter may otherwise have.

     (c) Information Provided by the Underwriters.  The Company and each person,
if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act, hereby acknowledges that the only information that the
Underwriters have furnished to the Company expressly for use in the Registration
Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or
supplement thereto) are the statements set forth in the table in the first,
second and ____________ paragraphs under the caption "Underwriting" in the
Prospectus; and the Underwriters confirm that such statements are correct.

                                       19
<PAGE>

     (d) Notifications and Other Indemnification Procedures.  Promptly after
receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 7 of notice of the
commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this Section 7, notify
the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof, but the omission
so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability which
it may have to any indemnified party for contribution or otherwise under the
indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7 or to the extent it is not
prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure.  In case any such action is
brought against any indemnified party and such indemnified party seeks or
intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying party, the indemnifying party
will be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall elect,
jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written
notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid
notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel
reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however, if the
defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded
that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and
the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there
may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are
different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the
indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel to
assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such
action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties.  Upon receipt of notice
from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of such indemnifying
party's election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the
indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such
indemnified party under this Section 7 for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in
accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it being understood,
however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the expenses of
more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel), approved by the
indemnifying party (Robertson Stephens in the case of Section 7(b) and Section
8), representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such action), (ii)
the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the
indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time
after notice of commencement of the action, or (iii) the indemnifying party has
authorized the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of
the indemnifying party, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel
shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party.

     (e) Settlements.  The indemnifying party under this Section 7 shall not be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written
consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, but if settled with
such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying
party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party against any loss, claim, damage,
liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested
an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses
of counsel as contemplated by Section 7(d) hereof, the indemnifying party agrees
that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without
its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 60 days
after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such
indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance
with such request prior to the date of such settlement.  No indemnifying party
shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any
settlement, compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in any pending or
threatened action, suit or proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party
is or could have been

                                       20
<PAGE>

sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement, compromise
or consent includes (i) an unconditional release of such indemnified party from
all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such action, suit or
proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault,
culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

     (f) Contribution.  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is
unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under
Section 7(a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) then each
indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount paid or payable by
such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative benefits received by such party on the one hand and the Underwriters on
the other from the offering of the Shares.  If, however, the allocation provided
by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law then
each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such
indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such
relative benefits but also the relative fault of such party on the one hand and
the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions
which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, (or actions or
proceedings in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations.  The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among
other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the
other and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and
opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

         The Company and Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 7(f) were determined by pro
rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 7(f). The amount paid
or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) referred to above in
this Section 7(f) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating
or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
subsection (f), (i) no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in
excess of the underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the Shares
purchased by such Underwriter and (ii) no person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations in this Section 7(f)
to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting
obligations and not joint.

     (g) Timing of Any Payments of Indemnification.  Any losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or expenses for which an indemnified party is entitled to
indemnification or contribution under this Section 7 shall be paid by the
indemnifying party to the indemnified party as such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses are incurred, but in all cases, no later than forty-five
(45) days of invoice to the indemnifying party.

     (h) Survival.  The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this
Section 7 and the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement
shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any person controlling
any Underwriter, the Company, its Directors or Officers or any persons
controlling the Company, (ii) acceptance of any Shares and payment therefor
hereunder, and (iii) any termination of this Agreement. A successor to any
Underwriter, or to the Company, its

                                       21
<PAGE>

Directors or Officers, or any person controlling the Company, shall be entitled
to the benefits of the indemnity, contribution and reimbursement agreements
contained in this Section 7.

     (i) Acknowledgements of Parties.  The parties to this Agreement hereby
acknowledge that they are sophisticated business persons who were represented by
counsel during the negotiations regarding the provisions hereof including,
without limitation, the provisions of this Section 7, and are fully informed
regarding said provisions.  They further acknowledge that the provisions of this
Section 7 fairly allocate the risks in light of the ability of the parties to
investigate the Company and its business in order to assure that adequate
disclosure is made in the Registration Statement and Prospectus as required by
the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.

     (j) Indemnification for Directed Share Program.  The Company agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless Robertson Stephens and its affiliates and each
person, if any, who controls Robertson Stephens or its affiliates within the
meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange
Act ("Robertson Stephens Entities"), from and against any and all losses,
claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating
any such action or claim) (i) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the
consent of the Company for distribution to participants in connection with the
Directed Share Program, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading; (ii)  the failure of any participant to pay
for and accept delivery of Directed Shares that the participant has agreed to
purchase; or (iii) related to, arising out of, or in connection with the
Directed Share Program other than losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
expenses relating thereto) that are finally judicially determined to have
resulted from the bad faith of Robertson Stephens Entities.

     Section 8.  Default of One or More of the Several Underwriters. If, on the
First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or
more of the several Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it
or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number
of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or
refused to purchase does not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of the Shares to
be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated, severally,
in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their
respective names on Schedule A bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set
                    ----------
forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such
other proportions as may be specified by the Representatives with the consent of
the non-defaulting Underwriters, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting
Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such
date. If, on the First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may
be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares
and the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which such default occurs
exceeds 10% of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, and
arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives and the Company for the
purchase of such Shares are not made within 48 hours after such default, this
Agreement shall terminate without liability of any party to any other party
except that the provisions of Section 5, Section 6 and Section 7 shall at all
times be effective and shall survive such termination. In any such case either
the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the First
Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, but in no event for
longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements
may be effected.

                                       22
<PAGE>

          As used in this Agreement, the term "Underwriter" shall be deemed to
include any person substituted for a defaulting Underwriter under this Section
8.  Any action taken under this Section 8 shall not relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under
this Agreement.

     Section 9.  Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated
by the Representatives by notice given to the Company if (a) at any time after
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the First Closing Date
(i) trading or quotation in any of the Company's securities shall have been
suspended or limited by the Commission or by the Nasdaq Stock Market, or trading
in securities generally on either the Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock
Exchange shall have been suspended or limited, or minimum or maximum prices
shall have been generally established on any of such stock markets or exchanges
by the Commission or the National Association of Securities Dealers, LLC; (ii) a
general banking moratorium shall have been declared by any of federal, New York
[, Delaware] or California authorities; (iii) there shall have occurred any
outbreak or escalation of national or international hostilities or any crisis or
calamity, or any change in the United States or international financial markets,
or any substantial change or development involving a prospective change in
United States' or international political, financial or economic conditions, as
in the judgment of the Representatives is material and adverse and makes it
impracticable or inadvisable to market the Shares in the manner and on the terms
contemplated in the Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the sale of
securities; (iv) in the judgment of the Representatives there shall have
occurred any Material Adverse Change; or (v) the Company shall have sustained a
loss by strike, fire, flood, earthquake, accident or other calamity of such
character as in the judgment of the Representatives may interfere materially
with the conduct of the business and operations of the Company regardless of
whether or not such loss shall have been insured or (b) in the case of any of
the events specified 9(a)(i)-(v), such event singly or together with any other
event, makes it, in Robertson Stephens judgement, impracticable or inadvisable
to market the Shares in the manner and on the terms contemplated in the
Prospectus. Any termination pursuant to this Section 9 shall be without
liability on the part of (x) the Company to any Underwriter, except that the
Company shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representatives and
the Underwriters pursuant to Sections 5 and 6 hereof, (y) any Underwriter to the
Company or any person controlling the Company, or (z) of any party hereto to any
other party except that the provisions of Section 7 shall at all times be
effective and shall survive such termination.

     Section 10.  Representations and Indemnities to Survive Delivery. The
respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other
statements of the Company or any person controlling the company, of its
Officers, and of the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this
Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation
made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company or any of its or their
partners, Officers or Directors or any controlling person, as the case may be,
and will survive delivery of and payment for the Shares sold hereunder and any
termination of this Agreement.

     Section 11.  Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be mailed, hand delivered or telecopied and confirmed to the parties
hereto as follows:

If to the Representatives:

     FLEETBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS INC.
     555 California Street
     San Francisco, California 94104

                                       23
<PAGE>

     Facsimile:  (415) 676-2675
     Attention:  Deputy General Counsel

If to the Company:

     Computer Access Technology Corporation
     2403 Walsh Avenue
     Santa Clara, California 95051
     Facsimile:  (408)  ________
     Attention:  ______________

Any party hereto may change the address for receipt of communications by giving
written notice to the others.

     Section 12.  Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto, including any substitute Underwriters pursuant
to Section 8 hereof, and to the benefit of the employees, officers and directors
and controlling persons referred to in Section 7, and to their respective
successors, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder. The
term "successors" shall not include any purchaser of the Shares as such from any
of the Underwriters merely by reason of such purchase.

     Section 13.  Partial Unenforceability. The invalidity or unenforceability
of any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of any other Section, paragraph or provision hereof.
If any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such
minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid
and enforceable.

     Section 14.  Governing Law Provisions.

     (a) Governing Law.  This agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal laws of the state of New York applicable to
agreements made and to be performed in such state.

     (b) Consent to Jurisdiction.  Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising
out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
("Related Proceedings") may be instituted in the federal courts of the United
States of America located in the City and County of San Francisco or the courts
of the State of California in each case located in the City and County of San
Francisco (collectively, the "Specified Courts"), and each party irrevocably
submits to the personal jurisdiction (except for proceedings instituted in
regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any such court (a "Related
Judgment"), as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of such courts in
any such suit, action or proceeding.  Service of any process, summons, notice or
document by mail to such party's address set forth above shall be effective
service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such
court.  The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the
laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Specified Courts
and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any
such court that any such suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such
court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Each party not located in the
United States irrevocably appoints CT Corporation System, which currently
maintains a San Francisco office at 49 Stevenson Street, San Francisco,
California 94105, United States of America, as its agent to receive service of
process or other legal summons for

                                       24
<PAGE>

purposes of any such suit, action or proceeding that may be instituted in any
state or federal court in the City and County of San Francisco.

     Section 15.  General Provisions. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or
oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations
with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be executed in two
or more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same
effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
This Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the
parties hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived
unless waived in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit.
Section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall
not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

        [The remainder of this page has been intentionally left blank.]

                                       25
<PAGE>

          If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to the Company the enclosed copies hereof,
whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts hereof, shall become a
binding agreement in accordance with its terms.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                       COMPUTER ACCESS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

                                    By: _____________________________________
                                        [Title]
                                        -------------------------------------

          The foregoing Underwriting Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted
by the Representatives as of the date first above written.

FLEETBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS INC.
CIBC WORLD MARKETS
SG COWEN SECURITIES
NEEDHAM & COMPANY, INC.

On their behalf and on behalf of each of the several underwriters named in
Schedule A hereto.
----------

By FLEETBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS INC.

By: _____________________________________________________
     Mitch Whiteford

                                       26
<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE A

                                                                Number of Firm
                                                               Common Shares To
                          Underwriters                           be Purchased
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------
FLEETBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS INC./32/......................
CIBC World Markets...........................................
SG Cowen Securities..........................................
Needham & Company, Inc.......................................
_______________________......................................
     Total...................................................


_______________________

                                      S-A
<PAGE>

                                   Exhibit A

                               Lock-Up Agreement

FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc.
CIBC World Markets
SG Cowen Securities
Needham & Company, Inc.
  As Representatives of the Several Underwriters
c/o FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc.
555 California Street, Suite 2600
San Francisco, California 94104

RE:  Computer Access Technology Corporation (the "Company")
     ------------------------------------------------------

Ladies & Gentlemen:

          The undersigned is an owner of record or beneficially of certain
shares of Common Stock of the Company ("Common Stock") or securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock.  The Company proposes to
carry out a public offering of Common Stock (the "Offering") for which you will
act as the representatives  (the "Representatives") of the underwriters.  The
undersigned recognizes that the Offering will be of benefit to the undersigned
and will benefit the Company by, among other things, raising additional capital
for its operations.  The undersigned acknowledges that you and the other
underwriters are relying on the representations and agreements of the
undersigned contained in this letter in carrying out the Offering and in
entering into underwriting arrangements with the Company with respect to the
Offering.

          In consideration of the foregoing, the undersigned hereby agrees that
the undersigned will not offer to sell, contract to sell, or otherwise sell,
dispose of, loan, pledge or grant any rights with respect to (collectively, a
"Disposition") any shares of Common Stock, any options or warrants to purchase
any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable
for shares of Common Stock (collectively, "Securities") now owned or hereafter
acquired directly by such person or with respect to which such person has or
hereafter acquires the power of disposition, otherwise than (i)  as a bona fide
gift or gifts, provided the donee or donees thereof agree in writing to be bound
by this restriction, (ii) as a distribution to partners or shareholders of such
person, provided that the distributees thereof agree in writing to be bound by
the terms of this restriction, (iii)  with respect to sales or purchases of
Common Stock acquired on the open market, (iv)  with respect to shares received
in the Directed Share Program, or (v)  with the prior written consent of
FleetBoston Robertson Stephens Inc. The foregoing restrictions will terminate
after the close of trading of the Common Stock on the 180th day of (and
including) the day the Common Stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq National
Market (the "Lock-Up Period").  The foregoing restriction has been expressly
agreed to preclude the holder of the Securities from engaging in any hedging or
other transaction which is designed to or reasonably expected to lead to or
result in a Disposition of Securities during the Lock-up Period, even if such
Securities would be disposed of by someone other than such holder.  Such
prohibited hedging or other transactions would include, without limitation, any
short sale (whether or not against the box) or any purchase, sale or grant of
any right (including, without limitation, any put or call option) with respect
to any Securities or with respect to any security (other than a broad-based
market basket or index) that included, relates to or derives any

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

significant part of its value from Securities. The undersigned also agrees and
consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company's transfer
agent and registrar against the transfer of shares of Common Stock or Securities
held by the undersigned except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.

          This agreement is irrevocable and will be binding on the undersigned
and the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns of
the undersigned. In the event the Offering has not occurred on or before
December 1, 2000, this Lock-Up Agreement shall be of no further force or effect.

                               Dated ___________________________________________

                               _________________________________________________
                                                        Printed Name of Holder
                               By: _____________________________________________
                                                                     Signature

                               _________________________________________________
                                             Printed Name of Person Signing (and
                                  indicate capacity of person signing if signing
                               as custodian, trustee, or on behalf of an entity)

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

                                   Exhibit B

            Matters to be Covered in the Opinion of Company Counsel

     (i)     The Company and each Significant Subsidiary (as that term is
     defined in Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act) has been duly incorporated
     and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of
     the jurisdiction of its incorporation;

     (ii)    The Company and each Significant Subsidiary has the corporate power
     and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its
     business as described in the Prospectus;

     (iii)   The Company and each Significant Subsidiary is duly qualified to do
     business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each
     jurisdiction, if any, in which the ownership or leasing of its properties
     or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where
     the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a
     Material Adverse Effect. To such counsel's knowledge, the Company does not
     own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or
     other entity other than [list subsidiaries];

     (iv)    The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company
     is as set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Capitalization" as of
     the dates stated therein, the issued and outstanding shares of capital
     stock of the Company outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares have
     been duly and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and, to
     such counsel's knowledge, will not have been issued in violation of or
     subject to any preemptive right arising under the Company's certificate of
     incorporation or [jurisdiction of incorporation] General Corporation Law,
     co-sale right, right of first refusal or other similar right, other than
     any registration rights described in Opinion (xix) hereof;

     (v)     All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each
     Significant Subsidiary of the Company have been duly authorized and validly
     issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and, to such counsel's
     knowledge, have not been issued in violation of or subject to any
     preemptive right arising under the certificate of incorporation of the
     Company or such Significant Subsidiary or [jurisdiction of incorporation]
     General Corporation Law, co-sale right, right of first refusal or other
     similar right, other than any registration rights described in Opinion
     (xix) hereof and are owned by the Company free and clear of any pledge,
     lien, security interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable interest;

     (vi)    The Firm Shares or the Option Shares, as the case may be, to be
     issued by the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement have been
     duly authorized and, upon issuance and delivery against payment therefor in
     accordance with the terms hereof, will be duly and validly issued and fully
     paid and nonassessable, and will not have been issued in violation of or
     subject to any preemptive right, co-sale right, right of first refusal or
     other similar right, other than any registration rights described in
     Opinion (xix) hereof.

     (vii)   The Company has the corporate power and authority to enter into
     this Agreement and to issue, sell and deliver to the Underwriters the
     Shares to be issued and sold by it hereunder;

                                      B-1
<PAGE>

     (viii)  This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
     action on the part of the Company and has been duly executed and delivered
     by the Company and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by
     you, is a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable in
     accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnification hereunder
     may be limited by applicable law and except as enforceability may be
     limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar
     laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally or by general
     equitable principles (whether relief is sought in a proceeding at law or in
     equity);

     (ix)    The Registration Statement has become effective under the
     Securities Act and, to such counsel's knowledge, no stop order suspending
     the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no
     proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or
     threatened under the Securities Act;

     (x)     The 8-A Registration Statement complied as to form in all material
     respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act; the 8-A Registration
     Statement has become effective under the Exchange Act; and the Firm Shares
     or the Option Shares have been validly registered under the Securities Act
     and the Rules and Regulations of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules
     and regulations of the Commission thereunder;

     (xi)    The Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and each amendment
     or supplement thereto (other than the financial statements (including
     supporting schedules) and financial data derived therefrom as to which such
     counsel need express no opinion), as of the effective date of the
     Registration Statement, complied as to form in all material respects with
     the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and
     Regulations;

     (xii)   The information in the Prospectus under the caption "Description of
     Capital Stock," to the extent that it constitutes matters of law or legal
     conclusions, has been reviewed by such counsel and is a fair summary of
     such matters and conclusions; and the forms of certificates evidencing the
     Common Stock and filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement comply
     with [STATE OF COMPANY'S INCORPORATION] law;

     (xiii)  The description in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus of
     the charter and bylaws of the Company and of statutes are accurate and
     fairly present the information required to be presented by the Securities
     Act;

     (xiv)   To such counsel's knowledge, there are no agreements, contracts,
     leases or documents to which the Company is a party of a character required
     to be described or referred to in the Registration Statement or Prospectus
     or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement which are not
     described or referred to therein or filed as required;

     (xv)    The performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
     transactions herein contemplated (other than performance of the Company's
     indemnification obligations hereunder, concerning which no opinion need be
     expressed) will not (a) result in any violation of the Company's charter or
     bylaws or (b) to such counsel's knowledge, result in a material breach or
     violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default
     under, any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness, or any
     lease, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, joint
     venture or other agreement or instrument known to such counsel to which the
     Company is a party or by which its properties are bound, or any applicable

                                      B-2
<PAGE>

     statute, rule or regulation known to such counsel or, to such counsel's
     knowledge, any order, writ or decree of any court, government or
     governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of
     its subsidiaries, or over any of their properties or operations;

     (xvi)   No consent, approval, authorization or order of or qualification
     with any court, government or governmental agency or body having
     jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or over any of
     their properties or operations is necessary in connection with the
     consummation by the Company of the transactions herein contemplated, except
     (i) such as have been obtained under the Securities Act, (ii) such as may
     be required under state or other securities or Blue Sky laws in connection
     with the purchase and the distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters,
     (iii) such as may be required by the National Association of Securities
     Dealers, LLC and (iv) such as may be required under the federal or
     provincial laws of Canada;

     (xvii)  To such counsel's knowledge, there are no legal or governmental
     proceedings pending or threatened against the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries of a character required to be disclosed in the Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus by the Securities Act, other than those
     described therein;

     (xviii) To such counsel's knowledge, neither the Company nor any of its
     subsidiaries is presently (a) in material violation of its respective
     charter or bylaws, or (b) in material breach of any applicable statute,
     rule or regulation known to such counsel or, to such counsel's knowledge,
     any order, writ or decree of any court or governmental agency or body
     having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or over
     any of their properties or operations; and

     (xix)   To such counsel's knowledge, except as set forth in the
     Registration Statement and Prospectus, no holders of Common Stock or other
     securities of the Company have registration rights with respect to
     securities of the Company and, except as set forth in the Registration
     Statement and Prospectus, all holders of securities of the Company having
     rights known to such counsel to registration of such shares of Common Stock
     or other securities, because of the filing of the Registration Statement by
     the Company have, with respect to the offering contemplated thereby, waived
     such rights or such rights have expired by reason of lapse of time
     following notification of the Company's intent to file the Registration
     Statement or have included securities in the Registration Statement
     pursuant to the exercise of and in full satisfaction of such rights.

     (xx)    The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and the
     sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as described
     in the Prospectus, will not be, an "investment company" as such term is
     defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

     (xxi)   To such counsel's knowledge, the Company owns or possesses
     sufficient trademarks, trade names, patent rights, copyrights, licenses,
     approvals, trade secrets and other similar rights (collectively,
     "Intellectual Property Rights") reasonably necessary to conduct their
     business as now conducted; and the expected expiration of any such
     Intellectual Property Rights would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     The Company has not received any notice of infringement or conflict with
     asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others, which infringement or
     conflict, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, would result in a
     Material Adverse Effect. To such counsel's knowledge, the Company's

                                      B-3
<PAGE>

     discoveries, inventions, products, or processes referred to in the
     Registration Statement or Prospectus do not infringe or conflict with any
     right or patent which is the subject of a patent application known to the
     Company.

          In addition, such counsel shall state that such counsel has
participated in conferences with officials and other representatives of the
Company, the Representatives, Underwriters' Counsel and the independent
certified public accountants of the Company, at which such conferences the
contents of the Registration Statement and Prospectus and related matters were
discussed, and although they have not verified the accuracy or completeness of
the statements contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus,
nothing has come to the attention of such counsel which leads them to believe
that, at the time the Registration Statement became effective and at all times
subsequent thereto up to and on the First Closing Date or Second Closing Date,
as the case may be, the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement
thereto (other than the financial statements including supporting schedules and
other financial and statistical information derived therefrom, as to which such
counsel need express no comment) contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or at the First Closing
Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, the Registration Statement,
the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto (except as aforesaid)
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.

                                      B-4
<PAGE>

                                   Exhibit C

        Matters to be Covered in the Opinion  of Underwriters' Counsel

     (i)     The Firm Shares have been duly authorized and, upon issuance and
     delivery and payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the
     Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-
     assessable.

     (ii)    The Registration Statement complied as to form in all material
     respects with the requirements of the Act; the Registration Statement has
     become effective under the Act and, to such counsel's knowledge, no stop
     order proceedings with respect thereto have been instituted or threatened
     or are pending under the Securities Act.

     (iii)   The 8-A Registration Statement complied as to form in all material
     respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act; the 8-A Registration
     Statement has become effective under the Exchange Act; and the Shares have
     been validly registered under the Securities Act and the Rules and
     Regulations of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of
     the Commission thereunder;

     (iv)    The Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
     delivered by the Company.

          Such counsel shall state that such counsel has reviewed the opinions
addressed to the Representatives from Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP, each
dated the date hereof, and furnished to you in accordance with the provisions of
the Underwriting Agreement.  Such opinions appear on their face to be
appropriately responsive to the requirements of the Underwriting Agreement.

          In addition, such counsel shall state that such counsel has
participated in conferences with officials and other representatives of the
Company, the Representatives, Underwriters' Counsel and the independent
certified public accountants of the Company, at which such conferences the
contents of the Registration Statement and Prospectus and related matters were
discussed, and although they have not verified the accuracy or completeness of
the statements contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus,
nothing has come to the attention of such counsel which leads them to believe
that, at the time the Registration Statement became effective and at all times
subsequent thereto up to and on the First Closing Date or Second Closing Date,
as the case may be, the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement
thereto (other than the financial statements including supporting schedules and
other financial and statistical information derived therefrom, as to which such
counsel need express no comment) contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or at the First Closing
Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, the Registration Statement,
the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto (except as aforesaid)
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.


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