An overview of electron beam tool configurations is provided. The adoption of multi-beam writing is mandatory in order to fulfill industrial needs for 11nm HP nodes and below. IMS Nanofabrication realized a 50keV electron multibeam proof-of-concept (POC) tool confirming writing principles with 0.1nm address grid and lithography performance capability. The new architecture will be introduced for mask writing at first, but has also the potential for 1xmask (master template) and direct wafer writing. The POC system achieves the predicted 5nm 1sigma blur across the 82µm x 82µm array of 512 x 512 (262,144) programmable 20nm beams. 24nm HP has been demonstrated and complex patterns have been written in scanning stripe exposure mode. The first production worthy system for the 11nm HP mask node is scheduled for 2014 (Alpha), 2015 (Beta) and 1 st generation HVM mask writer tools in 2016. Implementing a multi-axis column configuration, 50x / 100x productivity enhancements are possible for direct 300mm / 450mm wafer writing.