shuttle mask

**Shuttle Mask** is a **shared photomask used in MPW (Multi-Project Wafer) services** — a single mask set containing designs from multiple customers arranged in a tile pattern, enabling cost-effective fabrication of small quantities of diverse chip designs. **Shuttle Mask Details** - **Layout**: Multiple designs are tiled within the reticle field — arranged to maximize utilization of the available area. - **Scheduling**: Shuttle runs are scheduled periodically (monthly, quarterly) — customers submit designs by the deadline. - **Standard Process**: All designs use the same process flow and design rules — no customization per design. - **Providers**: Offered by foundries (TSMC, GlobalFoundries, Samsung) and brokers (MUSE, Europractice, MOSIS). **Why It Matters** - **Democratization**: Shuttle masks make advanced fabrication accessible to small teams — $5K-$50K per design instead of $1M+. - **Education**: Universities use shuttle services for research and teaching — training the next generation of chip designers. - **Startup Ecosystem**: Enables fabless semiconductor startups to validate designs before committing to full mask sets. **Shuttle Mask** is **the shared express lane to silicon** — combining many designs on one mask for affordable, small-quantity chip fabrication.