What is a PCB design review?+
A structured technical evaluation of your hardware design (schematic, PCB layout, and BOM) carried out by an experienced hardware engineer before you fabricate. It identifies errors, risks, and improvement opportunities while they are still cheap and fast to fix. Think of it as a code review for your circuit board: the goal is to catch the things that ERC and DRC cannot see, errors that require engineering judgment rather than rule-checking.
When should I get a PCB reviewed?+
Ideally before you place your first fabrication order. The earlier the review, the cheaper and faster issues are to fix. A schematic error caught before layout takes minutes to fix. The same error caught after fabrication takes weeks and thousands of euros. We also review designs before moving from prototype to volume production, or after a failed prototype to validate a proposed fix before spinning again.
How much does a PCB design review cost?+
Pricing is based on design complexity, layer count, board area, type of review, and any specific analysis required. We offer three packages: Basic (high-level scan) from €150, Standard (full schematic + layout + BOM) from €300, and Advanced (deep engineering analysis covering EMC, thermal, lifecycle, and reliability, plus a review call) from €550. In every case, the review cost is a fraction of a single PCB respin. Contact us with a brief description of your design for a specific quote.
How long does a review take?+
Standard reviews: 2 to 3 business days from receiving all required files. Advanced reviews: 4 to 5 business days. Rush turnaround (next business day) is available for straightforward designs. We confirm the turnaround estimate when your files are received.
What files do I need to provide?+
For a Standard or Advanced review: schematic (PDF and/or native EDA file: KiCad, Altium, Eagle, OrCAD, EasyEDA), PCB layout (native or Gerbers), and BOM (Excel, CSV, or PDF). Additional context about the design's application, operating environment, power requirements, and any specific concerns is always useful and may affect the findings.
Is my design kept confidential?+
Yes. We treat all submitted designs as strictly confidential. We do not share, discuss, or reference client work. If you need a signed NDA before sharing files, we can arrange that. Just mention it when you reach out.
Who will actually do the review?+
A senior hardware engineer, not a junior, not an automated tool. The person reviewing your design has real product experience, has seen what fails in the field, and knows the difference between a textbook concern and an actual risk.
Can you help before I start designing?+
Yes. If you want a second opinion before committing to a component, a topology, or a stackup, we can help with that too. Just send us a message describing what you are trying to figure out. Early input is often more useful than a review after the fact.
What format is the report delivered in?+
A structured PDF with severity-rated findings (Critical / Minor / Advisory / Info), specific component or net references for each issue, and concrete actionable recommendations. For Standard and Advanced reviews, annotated design files with issues marked directly in the schematic or layout are also included.
Do you review designs for regulated industries?+
Yes. We have experience across consumer electronics, medical devices (IEC 60601), industrial systems (IEC 61000), and automotive electronics. We apply the relevant regulatory considerations to the review when applicable, and flag where your design may need attention for compliance.
Can you guarantee a defect-free design?+
No, and we will not claim otherwise. A review significantly reduces risk, but it is not a guarantee. What we do guarantee is that we will go through your design carefully, flag everything we find, and be honest about anything we are uncertain about.
What if you find nothing wrong?+
That happens, and it is still useful. You get confirmation from an independent engineer that your design looks solid. We will still note any best-practice deviations or minor improvements, but if the design is good, we will say so clearly.