Cadence has come up with a fun way to get designers to use its tools. According to the company, its Encounter Digital Implementation System "refines and redefines digital implementation for IC design."

By using (and learning about) the tools, you get yourself entered into a contest to win prizes.

The techniques you can learn include complex flat and hierarchical design closure, advanced signoff, low power, mixed signal, and advanced node design.

Each of the five areas is an entrance into a very detailed zone, where you can find some great information on each of those subject areas.

If you do check out one of the zones, come back and let me know what you thought.