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                                                                    Exhibit 23.2

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan of Novellus
Systems, Inc. of our report dated January 17, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Novellus Systems, Inc. included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999, and the related
financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


San Jose, California
January 18, 2001



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