KiCad MCP Server

# KiCad PCB Design Analysis Guide This guide explains how to use the PCB design analysis features in the KiCad MCP Server. ## Overview The PCB design analysis functionality allows you to: 1. Extract and analyze information from schematics 2. Validate projects for completeness and correctness 3. Get insights about components and connections 4. Understand PCB layout characteristics ## Quick Reference | Task | Example Prompt | |------|---------------| | Get schematic info | `What components are in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch?` | | Validate project | `Validate my KiCad project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro` | | Analyze PCB | `Analyze the PCB layout at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb` | ## Using PCB Analysis Features ### Schematic Information To extract information from a schematic: ``` What components are in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch? ``` This will provide: - A list of all components in the schematic - Component values and footprints - Connection information - Basic schematic structure Example output: ``` # Schematic: my_project.kicad_sch ## Components (Estimated Count: 42) (symbol (lib_id "Device:R") (at 127 87.63 0) (unit 1) (symbol (lib_id "Device:C") (at 142.24 90.17 0) (unit 1) (symbol (lib_id "MCU_Microchip_ATmega:ATmega328P-PU") (at 170.18 88.9 0) (unit 1) ... and 39 more components ``` ### Project Validation To check a project for issues: ``` Validate my KiCad project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro ``` The validation checks for: - Missing project files - Required components (schematic, PCB) - Valid file formats - Common structural issues This is useful for identifying problems before opening files in KiCad. ### PCB Layout Analysis To analyze a PCB layout: ``` Analyze the PCB layout at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb ``` This will provide information about: - Board dimensions - Layer structure - Component placement - Trace characteristics - Via usage ## Available Resources The server provides several resources for accessing design information: - `kicad://schematic/{schematic_path}` - Information from a schematic file - `kicad://pcb/{pcb_path}` - Information from a PCB file These resources can be accessed programmatically by other MCP clients or directly referenced in conversations. ## Tips for Better Analysis ### Focus on Specific Elements You can ask for analysis of specific aspects of your design: ``` What are all the resistor values in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch? ``` ``` Show me all the power connections in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch ``` ### Integration with Other Features Combine analysis with other features for better insights: 1. Analyze a schematic first to understand component selection 2. Check the BOM for component availability and cost 3. Run DRC checks to find design rule violations 4. View the PCB thumbnail for a visual overview ## Common Analysis Tasks ### Finding Specific Components To locate components in your schematic: ``` Find all decoupling capacitors in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch ``` This helps with understanding component usage and ensuring proper design practices. ### Identifying Signal Paths To trace signals through your design: ``` Trace the clock signal path in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch ``` This helps with understanding signal flow and potential issues. ### Board Metrics To get metrics about your PCB: ``` What are the dimensions of my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb? ``` ``` How many vias are in my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb? ``` ## Troubleshooting ### Schematic Reading Errors If the server can't read your schematic: 1. Verify the file exists and has the correct extension (.kicad_sch) 2. Check if the file is a valid KiCad schematic 3. Ensure you have read permissions for the file 4. Try the analysis on a simpler schematic to isolate the issue ### PCB Analysis Issues If PCB analysis fails: 1. Check if the PCB file exists and has the correct extension (.kicad_pcb) 2. Ensure the PCB file is not corrupted 3. Check for complex features that might cause parsing issues 4. Try a simplified PCB to isolate the problem ## Advanced Usage ### Design Reviews Use the analysis features for comprehensive design reviews: ``` Review the power distribution network in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch ``` ``` Check my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb for potential EMI issues ``` ### Custom Analysis Scripts For advanced users: 1. Use the schematic and PCB analysis tools to extract data 2. Ask for specific analytical insights on that data 3. Request recommendations based on the analysis ## Limitations The current analysis capabilities have some limitations: 1. **Complexity limits**: Very large or complex designs may not be fully analyzed 2. **KiCad version compatibility**: Best results with the same KiCad version as the server 3. **Limited semantic understanding**: The analysis is primarily structural rather than functional 4. **No simulation capabilities**: The server cannot perform electrical simulation ## Future Improvements Future versions of the KiCad MCP Server aim to enhance the analysis capabilities with: 1. More detailed component information extraction 2. Better understanding of circuit functionality 3. Enhanced power and signal analysis 4. Integration with KiCad's ERC and DRC engines 5. Support for hierarchical schematics