Mask costs are one of the biggest challenges for fabless design teams and IC manufacturers, limiting the innovation and number of new designs in the industry. The eBeam Initiative is a forum promoting a new design-to-manufacturing approach, design for e-beam (DFEB), which reduces mask costs for low-volume production and prototypes-ultimately resulting in more designs and faster time to market. As part of the Initiative's education campaign, the puzzle is a quick and fun way to learn more about DFEB and the companies involved in the Initiative.
How It Works: To obtain the puzzle in PDF form, click on "Solve Puzzle Now". Once you download and solve the puzzle, you will have the mystery word. Enter the mystery word below for your chance to win a Kindle.
Drawing: The drawing will officially close on September 30, 2009 and the winner will be formally announced the following day, October 1.