Hardware Risk Review

    I review your schematic, layout, and BOM to surface the 10–20 risks most likely to cause respins, delays, or manufacturing pain — then give you a prioritized fix list.

    You leave with a clear Go / Caution / Stop decision and a concrete next-step plan.

    Who This Is For

    You're about to spin your first (or second) board and want a sanity check before committing $5–15k
    You inherited a design from a contractor and don't fully trust it
    You have a prototype that "works on the bench" but you're not sure it's production-ready
    Your firmware is unstable and you're not sure if it's hardware, software, or both

    Industries: Industrial boxes, consumer electronics, wellness/wearables (non-medical), audio.

    What You Get

    Risk Register

    10–20 prioritized risks with severity, evidence, and mitigation steps

    Next Actions

    Top 5 things to do (and in what order) before your next milestone

    Go / Caution / Stop

    A clear recommendation: proceed, fix first, or don't build yet

    30-Minute Readout Call

    Walkthrough of findings + Q&A

    One Follow-up

    One email with up to 5 clarifying questions, or a 15-min follow-up call

    Optional add-ons (if you provide the inputs): BOM red flags (lifecycle, single-source, lead time risks) and bring-up checklist starter (10–15 key tests for first power-on).

    What I Review

    Power & Protection

    Input protection, power tree, inrush, brownout/reset, decoupling

    Interfaces

    SPI/I2C/UART/USB mapping, level compatibility, connector sanity

    Layout

    Return paths, high di/dt loops, placement, grounding strategy

    Firmware

    Architecture sanity, embedded best practices

    BOM Health

    Lifecycle flags, single-source parts, alternates strategy

    Testability

    Test points, bring-up hooks, factory test feasibility

    Mechanical Fit

    Mounting, connectors, keepouts

    How It Works

    1

    Book a Fit Check

    Optional 15-min call to confirm this is the right service for your project, or submit the intake form directly.

    2

    Upload Your Files

    Schematic PDF, BOM (CSV), layout screenshots. I'll tell you if I need anything else.

    3

    I Review

    Async deep-dive into your design. Expert review of your schematic, layout, and BOM.

    4

    We Meet

    30-minute readout call to walk through findings and answer questions.

    5

    You Get the Deliverables

    Risk register, next actions, and one follow-up included.

    What I Need From You

    Required

    • Schematic PDF
    • BOM (CSV or Excel) if available
    • PCB layout: screenshots, gerbers, or full project files

    Helpful but Optional

    • Firmware repo link or architecture notes
    • Enclosure CAD or key dimensions
    • Known issues, logs, scope captures

    If you don't have files yet: That's fine — we can do a concept/requirements review instead. Just note that deliverables shift toward feasibility and architecture guidance.

    What This Doesn't Include

    No implementation, redesign, or layout edits
    No compliance certification (but I'll flag compliance risks)
    No guarantees on EMC, yield, etc. — this is risk identification
    No ongoing consulting beyond the follow-up window

    Need more than a review? After we work together, I can scope deeper engagements if needed.

    $1,000 Fixed Fee

    Single-board review with risk register, next actions, readout call, and one follow-up. If your project is more complex (multi-board, RF-heavy, safety-critical), we'll figure that out in the fit check.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What if my files are messy or incomplete?

    That's common. Send what you have. I'll tell you if I need more before we start.

    Can you sign an NDA?

    Yes. I have a standard mutual NDA, or I can sign yours.

    Will you review a design from another contractor?

    Yes. That's a common scenario.

    Can this lead into a larger engagement?

    Yes, but this review is standalone. No obligation.

    What if my project needs more than a Tier A review?

    If your project is multi-board, RF-heavy, or safety-critical, I may recommend a deeper review tier. We'll figure that out in the fit check before you pay anything.

    Ready to De-Risk Your Next Build?

    Book a quick call to see if this is the right fit, or submit your files directly.