Content
# PCB Parts MCP Server
MCP server for searching electronic components across JLCPCB, Mouser, and DigiKey directly from Claude, Cursor, and other AI coding assistants. 1.5M+ parts with parametric filtering and KiCad footprints. No API key required.
**Website:** [pcbparts.dev](https://pcbparts.dev)
## Features
- **Cross-distributor search:** JLCPCB, Mouser, and DigiKey from one MCP server
- **Parametric search:** Filter by electrical specs (Vgs(th) < 2V, Rds(on) < 10mΩ, etc.)
- **Smart query parsing:** "10k 0603 1%" auto-parses into structured filters
- **Find alternatives:** Spec-aware compatibility checking for 120+ component types
- **KiCad footprints:** Download symbols and footprints via SamacSys
- **Pinout data:** Component pin information from EasyEDA symbols
- **MPN lookup:** Find JLCPCB equivalents by manufacturer part number
- **Sensor recommendation:** Find sensor ICs by what they measure, protocol, or platform (1,500+ sensors, 56 measure types)
- **Reference boards:** Search ~285 OSHW board schematics, IC neighborhoods, cross-board consensus for design patterns
- **Design rules:** 41 curated PCB design reference files covering power, protection, interfaces, MCUs, layout, and EMC
- **14 MCP tools** across 7 data sources
- No API key required for JLCPCB (Mouser/DigiKey optional)
## Quick Start
### Claude Code
```bash
claude mcp add -s user --transport http pcbparts https://pcbparts.dev/mcp
```
Optional — auto-approve all pcbparts tools in `~/.claude/settings.json`:
```json
{
"permissions": {
"allow": ["mcp__pcbparts__*"]
}
}
```
### Claude Desktop
Add via Settings → Connectors → "Add custom connector", or add to `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"pcbparts": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
}
}
}
```
### Cursor
Add to `~/.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"pcbparts": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
}
}
}
```
### VS Code
Add to `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
"servers": {
"pcbparts": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
}
}
}
```
### Copilot for Xcode
Add to Extensions config:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"pcbparts": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "mcp-remote", "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"]
}
}
}
```
## Available Tools
### JLCPCB (Local DB + Live API)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `jlc_search` | **Primary search** — smart query parsing + parametric spec filters (local DB, 575K+ in-stock parts) |
| `jlc_stock_check` | Real-time stock verification via live JLCPCB API (use `jlc_search` first) |
| `jlc_get_part` | Full details for a specific LCSC part code or MPN lookup |
| `jlc_get_pinout` | Component pin information from EasyEDA symbols |
| `jlc_find_alternatives` | Find spec-compatible alternative parts with verification |
| `jlc_search_help` | Browse categories, subcategories, and filterable attributes |
### Mouser (requires `MOUSER_API_KEY`)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `mouser_get_part` | Cross-reference a specific MPN on Mouser (daily quota applies) |
### DigiKey (requires `DIGIKEY_CLIENT_ID` + `DIGIKEY_CLIENT_SECRET`)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `digikey_get_part` | Cross-reference a specific MPN on DigiKey (daily quota applies) |
### Sensor Recommendation (no key required)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `sensor_recommend` | Find sensor ICs/modules by measurement need, protocol, or platform (1,500+ sensors, 56 measure types) |
### Reference Boards (no key required)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `board_search` | Search ~285 OSHW reference board schematics by IC, tag, org, or free text. Cross-board consensus shows how ICs are typically used. |
| `board_get` | Get full board details — BOM, design rules, dimensions. Use `focus` param for pin-grouped IC neighborhoods (decoupling, bias, connections). |
### Design Rules (no key required)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `get_design_rules` | PCB design rules & best practices (41 curated reference files: power, protection, interfaces, MCUs, layout, EMC) |
### SamacSys (no key required)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `cse_search` | Search for ECAD models, datasheets, and footprint availability |
| `cse_get_kicad` | Download KiCad symbols and footprints for any part |
## search vs stock_check
Use **`jlc_search`** (default) for:
- Parametric filtering ("Vgs(th) < 2V", "voltage >= 25V")
- Smart query parsing ("10k 0603 1%" auto-detects value, package, tolerance)
- Most searches
Use **`jlc_stock_check`** only when you need:
- Real-time stock verification before ordering
- Out-of-stock or low-stock parts (stock < 10)
- Full 1.5M catalog (search indexes 575K+ with stock >= 10)
## Library Types
| Type | Assembly Fee | Description |
|------|-------------|-------------|
| `basic` | None | Common parts in JLCPCB's standard library |
| `preferred` | None | Recommended parts with good availability |
| `extended` | $3/unique part | Less common parts |
| `no_fee` | None | Filter shortcut: searches basic + preferred combined |
## Subcategory Aliases
Natural language names that map to JLCPCB subcategories (220+ aliases supported):
| Category | Aliases |
|----------|---------|
| Capacitors | `mlcc`, `ceramic capacitor`, `electrolytic`, `tantalum`, `supercap` |
| Resistors | `resistor`, `chip resistor`, `current sense resistor` |
| Inductors | `inductor`, `ferrite bead`, `ferrite` |
| Diodes | `schottky`, `zener`, `tvs`, `esd diode`, `rectifier` |
| MOSFETs | `mosfet`, `n-channel mosfet`, `p-channel mosfet`, `nmos`, `pmos` |
| Regulators | `ldo`, `buck`, `boost`, `dc-dc` |
| Crystals | `crystal`, `oscillator`, `tcxo` |
| Connectors | `usb-c`, `pin header`, `jst`, `terminal block`, `qwiic` |
| LEDs | `led`, `rgb led`, `ws2812`, `neopixel` |
| MCUs | `mcu`, `microcontroller` |
## Attribute Aliases
Short names for parametric spec filters:
| Component | Attributes |
|-----------|-----------|
| MOSFETs | `Vgs(th)`, `Vds`, `Id`, `Rds(on)` |
| Diodes | `Vr`, `If`, `Vf` |
| BJTs | `Vceo`, `Ic` |
| Passives | `Capacitance`, `Resistance`, `Inductance`, `Voltage`, `Tolerance`, `Power` |
Use `jlc_search_help(subcategory=...)` to discover all filterable specs for any subcategory.
## Package Expansion
Package filters auto-expand to include variants:
- `"SOT-23"` → includes `SOT-23-3`, `SOT-23-3L`, `SOT-23(TO-236)`
- `"0603"` → includes `1608` (metric equivalent)
- Specific packages like `"QFN-24-EP(4x4)"` are NOT expanded
## find_alternatives
Finds verified-compatible alternatives using spec-aware rules:
1. Matches primary spec (resistance, capacitance, etc.)
2. Verifies `must_match` specs (dielectric, LED color, relay coil voltage)
3. Verifies `same_or_better` specs (higher voltage OK, lower tolerance OK)
4. Ranks by library type (basic/preferred saves $3), stock, EasyEDA availability
Supported: Resistors, capacitors, inductors, ferrite beads, MOSFETs, BJTs, diodes (all types), LEDs, optocouplers, crystals, oscillators, LDOs, DC-DC converters, voltage references, WiFi/BT/LoRa modules, switches, relays, connectors, and more (120+ subcategories).
## Example Queries
```
"Find logic-level MOSFETs with Vgs(th) < 2V and Id >= 5A"
"100nF 25V capacitors in 0402 or 0603"
"Find alternatives for C82899 in basic library"
"STM32 microcontrollers with 10000+ stock"
"Cross-reference TPS63020 on Mouser and compare with JLCPCB pricing"
"Get KiCad footprint for ESP32-S3-WROOM-1"
"What sensor should I use to measure CO2 on ESPHome?"
"Recommend an IMU sensor with I2C interface"
"Show me boards that use the MCP73831 charger"
"How is the RP2040 typically used? What decoupling and crystal do real boards use?"
"Get the ESP32-S3 neighborhood on the Adafruit Feather"
"What are the design rules for USB-C?"
"Show me LDO design best practices"
```
## API Details
- **Endpoint:** `https://pcbparts.dev/mcp`
- **Transport:** Streamable HTTP (stateless)
- **Health:** `https://pcbparts.dev/health`
- **Rate limit:** 100 requests/minute per IP
- **Auth:** None required
## Self-Hosting
```bash
git clone https://github.com/Averyy/pcbparts-mcp
cd pcbparts-mcp
uv venv && uv pip install -e .
.venv/bin/python -m pcbparts_mcp.server # http://localhost:8080/mcp
```
Or with Docker:
```bash
docker compose up -d # production (GHCR image)
docker compose -f docker-compose.local.yml up --build # local dev (builds from source)
```
### Environment Variables
| Variable | Default | Description |
|----------|---------|-------------|
| `HTTP_PORT` | `8080` | Server port |
| `RATE_LIMIT_REQUESTS` | `100` | Requests per minute per IP |
| `MCP_ALLOWED_HOSTS` | `pcbparts.dev` | Comma-separated Host headers accepted by the server (DNS-rebinding protection; localhost is always allowed) |
| `DISTRIBUTOR_DAILY_LIMIT` | `1000` | Daily API request quota per distributor (Mouser/DigiKey) |
| `MOUSER_API_KEY` | — | Mouser API key (optional, enables Mouser tools) |
| `DIGIKEY_CLIENT_ID` | — | DigiKey OAuth2 client ID (optional, enables DigiKey tools) |
| `DIGIKEY_CLIENT_SECRET` | — | DigiKey OAuth2 client secret |
## LLM-Readable Documentation
An [`llms.txt`](https://pcbparts.dev/llms.txt) file is available for LLMs and AI agents to quickly understand this service. See [llmstxt.org](https://llmstxt.org/) for the spec.
## Contributing
Issues and PRs welcome — see [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for development setup,
testing, and project conventions.
## License
MIT
## Links
- [pcbparts.dev](https://pcbparts.dev)
- [JLCPCB Parts Library](https://jlcpcb.com/parts)
- [MCP Protocol](https://modelcontextprotocol.io)
