What Are Circuit Boards Made Out Of

Most of us can recognize a circuit board when we see one, but few of us have any idea what goes into making one. Circuit boards are complex pieces of technology that allow us to power, control, and program all kinds of electronic devices. So, what are circuit boards made out of?

At the most basic level, a circuit board is composed of two main materials: copper and fiberglass. Copper is used for its excellent electrical conductivity and is what allows current to flow through the board. The copper is etched onto the board in the form of tiny pathways that guide the current from one point to the next. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is a non-conductive material that serves as the backbone of the board. It provides physical support and protection for the copper and other components.

In addition to these two main materials, there are several other components that make up a circuit board. These include things like integrated circuits (ICs), transistors, diodes, resistors, and capacitors. ICs contain millions of transistors and other components and are the brains behind many of today's electronics. Transistors, diodes, resistors, and capacitors are all used to control the current and voltage that flows through the board.

A circuit board also requires a variety of specialized tools and processes to manufacture. In a process known as "etching," the copper is cut and shaped into the desired pattern. Other steps involved include soldering, where the components are attached to the board, and testing, where the board is checked for accuracy.

As you can see, there are many different components that go into making a circuit board. Without these components, our electronics wouldn't work nearly as well as they do now. The combination of copper, fiberglass, and other components creates an incredibly intricate and important piece of technology.

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