Catch layout hazards before they become failures
In PCB design, minimum clearance is not a detail you can leave to the end of the process. If conductive features sit too close together, you risk leakage currents, short circuits, and costly issues after fabrication. That is exactly where the Hazard Analysis plug-in in PCB-Investigator adds value.
The plug-in generates a comprehensive risk assessment in seconds and highlights potential short-circuit areas in your layout. It also checks critical distances to the board edge and includes often overlooked details such as uncoated drill holes and cutouts.
Why automated hazard analysis matters
Manual review is effective up to a point, but complex multilayer boards and dense designs make it easy to miss risky areas. Standards such as DIN EN 60664 / VDE 0110, IPC-2221A, and UL60950-1 define clear clearance requirements, and automated analysis helps verify them consistently.
“The earlier you detect clearance hazards, the less effort it takes to fix them.”
What the plug-in checks
- Shortest distances between conductive elements are calculated automatically
- Board-edge clearance, uncoated drill holes, and indentations are included
- Exposed copper areas with short-circuit potential are identified
- Minimum clearance values and filters can be customized
- Fast results support design reviews, DFM checks, and release workflows
Improve safety and reduce rework
By catching hazards early, you reduce the chance of discovering critical layout issues during fabrication or test. That means fewer redesign loops, more reliable releases, and a safer path from layout to production.
Try PCB-Investigator for free and see how quickly Hazard Analysis can strengthen your PCB review process.
