Tool

What it does

list_stackups

The IHP stackup files that ship with gds2palace (SG13G2, SG13G2 with conformal passivation, SG13CMOS5L), and the installed versions of the MCP server, gds2palace and the packages its tools use. The MCP server's instructions also name its own and the gds2palace version

inspect_stackup

Variables, materials, dielectrics, layers with GDS numbers and z positions, derived layers, free port layer numbers. Accepts variable overrides such as {"total_thickness": 100}

inspect_gds

Per layer: number of shapes, extent, smallest shape and smallest gap (for choosing the mesh size and via merging). With a stackup, the role of each layer, and which layers gds2palace ignores

check_layout_complexity

Before meshing: polygon count per layer (only layers the stackup uses, without flattening the layout, so it is fast for dense fill and via arrays), layout size, polygon density, the layers that dominate, and simplification hints. A report, no pass/fail limit

measure_holes

Before ground plane openings are filled: per metal layer the repeated opening sizes in ground planes (cheesing, tiled meshes; holes inside tiles and gaps between tiles alike, measured on the merged layer) and the other openings, which stay

simplify_layout

Writes a simplified copy of the layout, like setupEM's Tools > Simplify GDS: remove floating dummy fill, fill the repeated openings of ground planes (measured in the layout, no size threshold), merge via arrays, merge each layer. Layers come from the stackup; returns polygon counts before and after

suggest_mesh_size

Before the mesh settings are discussed: traces and coupled lines on the top 2 conductor layers with shapes, and the refined_cellsize that follows from their smallest width or gap (IHP: accurate 2 µm, quick 5 µm by default; other technologies: the smallest feature itself; never larger than the smallest feature), also as a per-layer override

propose_ports

For a layout without port shapes: port candidates from pins, labels (integer labels give the port numbers) or open trace ends, each with a reference ground (closest solid ground metal below, else SUBGND)

add_ports

Writes a copy of the layout with the confirmed port lines on layers 201 and up, plus the add_port lines for the script

check_ports

Checks the ports against the layout before meshing: via port lines on metal of both layers, in-plane ports touching metal at both ends, layer collisions, several shapes on one port layer

check_repeated_patterns

Before meshing: repeated shapes found from the cell hierarchy without flattening (via fields, fill, tiles with holes placed as arrays), with how often each repeats, whether tiles touch, and which simplify_layout option would reduce them. Recommends preprocessing from 1000 repeated polygons on, so that gmsh doesn't run for hours

check_model_script

Checks a model script without running it: settings that gds2palace doesn't read (typos such as nogui are silently ignored by gds2palace), missing required settings, port layers missing from the layer list, removed or legacy settings, a refined_cellsize larger than the layout's smallest trace width or coupled-line gap, and the port check

generate_model

Runs the model script without gmsh windows and checks the output: config.json, mesh with node and element counts, port_information.json, run_sim. Estimates the Palace unknowns and peak RAM from the mesh (calibrated on 158 Palace runs). With save_geometry, it also saves the unmeshed geometry. The output goes to <script>_generate.log, shown live in a terminal window on the user's screen. After 5 minutes it returns with still_running, and the assistant asks whether to keep waiting; the MCP server never stops a run

wait_for_model

Keeps waiting for a model generation that is still running

show_in_gmsh

Opens the mesh, or the unmeshed geometry, in the gmsh GUI on the user's screen

preview_layout

The layout as an image (via gds_viewer) with the ports labelled, for the assistant to look at. IHP SG13G2 colors and patterns; for other technologies, colors from the stackup materials, with a legend

list_targets

The computers where Palace may run, from the user's ~/.gds2palace_mcp/targets.toml: simulation servers (ssh) and the local machine (WSL on Windows, Linux). With check: reachable, Palace found, RAM, and the Palace processes running there (counts and user names)

submit_simulation

Starts Palace for a generated model on a target: copies mesh and config to a simulation server (into a private folder of its own per run), starts the target's run_palace detached, and shows the log live in a terminal window. Refuses while Palace runs on the target (one run at a time)

simulation_status

Running, finished, failed or stopped; port, frequency step and AMR iteration from the log, the run's own RAM, 'did NOT converge' lines, last log lines. Works after a restart (job record in the model folder)

fetch_results

Copies the results back (without paraview field dumps unless asked), makes the Touchstone files (combine_snp) and returns the run summary. Deletes the run folder on the simulation server only when asked

summarize_results

Summary of finished Palace runs (gds2palace's palace_summary): unknowns, mesh elements, run time, peak RAM, AMR convergence (Max |ΔS| per iteration, optional plot), Touchstone files found, "did NOT converge" in saved logs

sparameter_summary

Numbers from Touchstone files: ports, frequency range, passivity and reciprocity, dB minimum/maximum, dB/phase at chosen frequencies

plot_sparameters

dB/phase plots and Smith charts as images for the assistant (via plot_snp), several files in one plot

show_sparameters

Opens the interactive plot_snp windows on the user's screen

fit_equivalent_circuit

SPICE equivalent circuit (Ngspice/VACASK) from a Touchstone file with snp2le in command-line mode: inductor, MIM capacitor, line, Wilkinson, balun, branch-line structures or a universal vector fit. Needs pip install snp2le

transform_sparameters

Writes a new Touchstone file (the input stays unchanged) and returns how its ports relate to the input's: mixed_mode (differential and common-mode S-parameters for given port pairs, with mixed-mode names such as S21 → Sdd21, mode conversion and CMRR), renormalize (new reference impedance, per port if needed), terminate (close ports with ohm, open or short), cascade (two 2-ports). The other S-parameter tools then work on the new file

figures_of_merit

Figures of merit by device, at chosen frequencies and worst case in a band, optional plot. Transformer: L1, L2, k, Q1, Q2, minimum insertion loss (maximum available gain), optimum source/load impedance, self-resonance. Balun: insertion loss, amplitude/phase imbalance, CMRR, return losses. Coupler: coupling, isolation, directivity, phase difference. Power divider: split, balance, isolation. Line (known length): Z0, eps_eff, loss in dB/mm. Differential transformers and lines on 4 ports via port pairs

passive_values

L or C, R and Q of an inductor or capacitor (differential, single-ended or series), peak Q, self-resonance frequency, optional L/Q plot