Circuit Boards Make the World Go 'Round
Time to Read: 1m 20s
[caption id="attachment_4516" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo credit: docoverachiever / Foter / CC BY[/caption]
Just about everything is powered by circuit boards nowadays: iPhones, laptops, clock radios and even toasters. Manufacturers of consumer products (and plenty of non-consumer products as well) design circuit boards that make their products work just as they should. Then, they send their designs to external circuit board manufacturers who turn drawings into finished products.
What are Circuit Boards Made Of?
If you've ever looked at a circuit board, you probably noticed that it was green and lots of little gizmos all over it. Those gizmos are switches, transistors, capacitors and resistors. They all have different jobs -- for a more detailed and scientific explanation, you'll have to talk to an electrical engineer. You'll also notice lines that connect the gizmos and little holes which are called vias. (Again, for a more scientific explanation, consult your local, friendly engineer!)How are Circuit Boards Made?
The process of manufacturing a circuit board involves several steps, including:- Silk screen printing
- Photoengraving
- PCB milling
- Laser resist ablation