In safety‑critical electronic applications, every micrometer counts. Even minimal contamination, moisture, or insufficient spacing between conductive areas can potentially lead to short circuits — with serious consequences for reliability and product safety. This is exactly where Hazard Analysis in PCB‑Investigator comes into play, enabling fast, precise, and standards‑compliant risk assessment.
The plug‑in automatically analyzes the shortest distances between conductive elements as well as to the PCB edge and identifies exposed copper areas that are positioned too close to each other. It takes into account standards such as DIN EN 60664, IPC‑2221A, and UL60950‑1, helping to uncover potential short‑circuit risks caused by condensation, debris particles, or uncoated drill holes at an early stage.
A particularly powerful feature: In addition to distance calculation, Hazard Analysis also supports area‑based risk assessment according to the ZVEI model, enabling even more precise identification of danger zones. Users can decide whether to simulate using Exposed Copper (highest accuracy) or Solder Mask Opening (faster). Factors such as particle size, coatings, identical nets, or areas located under components can also be flexibly included or excluded.
Through filter options, individual nets or components can be examined in a targeted manner — ideal for in‑depth root‑cause analyses. Results can also be integrated into the extended design report, including status, comments, and linked detailed views. With Hazard Analysis, developers gain a powerful tool to reliably detect risks in the layout even before fabrication begins — an essential foundation for robust, safe, and standards‑compliant designs.
