README.md
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
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)
- Design rules: 41 curated PCB design reference files covering power, protection, interfaces, MCUs, layout, and EMC
- 12 MCP tools across 6 data sources
- No API key required for JLCPCB (Mouser/DigiKey optional)
Quick Start
Claude Code
claude mcp add -s user --transport http pcbparts https://pcbparts.dev/mcp
Optional — auto-approve all pcbparts tools in ~/.claude/settings.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:
{
"mcpServers": {
"pcbparts": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
}
}
}
Cursor
Add to ~/.cursor/mcp.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"pcbparts": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
}
}
}
VS Code
Add to .vscode/mcp.json:
{
"servers": {
"pcbparts": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
}
}
}
Copilot for Xcode
Add to Extensions config:
{
"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) |
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 res |
Tools 12
jlc_searchPrimary search with smart query parsing and parametric spec filters for JLCPCB parts.jlc_stock_checkReal-time stock verification via live JLCPCB API.jlc_get_partFull details for a specific LCSC part code or MPN lookup.jlc_get_pinoutComponent pin information from EasyEDA symbols.jlc_find_alternativesFind spec-compatible alternative parts with verification.jlc_search_helpBrowse categories, subcategories, and filterable attributes.mouser_get_partCross-reference a specific MPN on Mouser.digikey_get_partCross-reference a specific MPN on DigiKey.sensor_recommendFind sensor ICs/modules by measurement need, protocol, or platform.get_design_rulesAccess PCB design rules and best practices reference files.cse_searchSearch for ECAD models, datasheets, and footprint availability.cse_get_kicadDownload KiCad symbols and footprints for any part.Environment Variables
MOUSER_API_KEYAPI key for accessing Mouser dataDIGIKEY_CLIENT_IDClient ID for accessing DigiKey dataDIGIKEY_CLIENT_SECRETClient secret for accessing DigiKey dataTry it
→Find a 10k ohm 0603 resistor with 1% tolerance on JLCPCB.
→Search for a MOSFET with Vgs(th) < 2V and Rds(on) < 10mΩ.
→Find alternatives for the part number LM358.
→Download the KiCad footprint for the part with MPN C12345.
→Recommend a temperature sensor that uses I2C protocol.