Electronics: PCBs
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) have been around for decades, but few people, even those intimately involved in PCB manufacturing, understand the principles of conductivity and resistivity which make these boards so dynamic and integral. Electrical circuits are based on the notion that free electrons can cycle through a conductor–for instance, a metal like copper.
Along the way, the electron stream can encounter numerous obstacles, which will impact the path of the charge. For instance, if the stream goes over whats known as a voltage drop–in which electrons jump from one energy level down to another–the system will release energy. On the other hand, electrons can run into whats known as a resistor, which impedes the flow of charge through the circuit.
Precise PCBs
There are numerous tricks of the trade that electronic engineers use to force streams of electrons to behave. That said, its truly remarkable that we have the technology to be able to fabricate such intricate circuitry on tiny scales. In many cases, PCBs are close to microscopic in size. In order to reach these levels of precision and sophistication, engineers must work closely with manufacturers to develop alloys and substrates for optimal flow.
There are an unlimited number of tools that electrical engineers can use to develop printed circuit boards. Notwithstanding the interesting technological innovations being bandied about by industry futurists, engineers can still paint with an infinite palette. After all, you can arrange the wires in components however you want on the board, provided that you have enough money to manufacture the prototype.