Circuits: VLSI

Puzzle 1 of 100

A metal path

Goal

Connect pad A to pad Y with metal so that Y shows the same signal as A.

Die
12 by 7 squares
Layers
Metal
Input
A
Output
Y

Go to the solution

New in this puzzle

The die

The grid is a die, the piece of silicon a chip is built on. Signals enter and leave at the pads on its edge. The scope on the right shows each input, and the band each output must stay inside.

Metal

Metal carries a signal with almost no resistance. Squares of one layer join wherever their edges touch.

Guide

  1. Paint metal from pad A to pad Y. The dashed outline shows one way to go.
  2. Watch the scope. Y now shows the same signal as A and stays inside its band.

Hint

  1. Hint 1 of 3

    Choose Metal and paint a row of squares from A to Y. Squares join where their edges touch.

  2. Hint 2 of 3

    Look along the row between A and Y. The marked square is one place on a direct route.

  3. Hint 3 of 3

    Select Metal and draw a continuous path between the two pads. The path may bend; every part must stay connected.

These hints describe one valid approach. Other drawings can pass.

Solution

This is the game's reference drawing for the puzzle. It meets the goal and passes the design rules. Other drawings can pass as well.

Top View of the solved die for puzzle 1, A metal path, with the Side View below it.
Top View of the solved die, captured from the game. Paths that carry a high level at the moment shown are lit. The Side View below cuts through the row between the dashed lines.
The game window in Isometric View with the solved die for puzzle 1, A metal path, the guide, and the scope.
The whole game window in Isometric View. The scope on the right compares each output with its target band, and the message above it confirms that the drawing passes.
Solution drawing for puzzle 1, A metal path, drawn on a numbered grid with every layer in its game color and pattern.
The solution on the grid. Squares are numbered from the top left corner, so you can count them.

Legend

  • Metal12 squares
  • Input padA
  • Output padY

About the drawing

  • The drawing uses 12 of the die's 84 squares.
  • The die starts empty, so you draw every square.

After the puzzle

A continuous conducting route lets the output follow the input. The route does not have to match the example drawing.