# 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.

- Endpoint: `https://pcbparts.dev/mcp`
- Transport: HTTP (Streamable HTTP)
- Auth: None required
- Rate limit: 100 requests/minute
- Health check: `https://pcbparts.dev/health`
- Source: https://github.com/Averyy/pcbparts-mcp

## Quick Start

Claude Code:

```bash
claude mcp add --transport http pcbparts https://pcbparts.dev/mcp
```

Claude Desktop / Cursor / VSCode MCP config:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pcbparts": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
    }
  }
}
```

## Available Tools

| 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 for most queries) |
| `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_get_part` | Cross-reference a specific MPN on Mouser (daily quota applies) |
| `digikey_get_part` | Cross-reference a specific MPN on DigiKey (daily quota applies) |
| `sensor_recommend` | Find sensor ICs/modules by measurement need, protocol, or platform (1,500+ sensors, 56 measure types) |
| `cse_search` | Search SamacSys for ECAD models and datasheets |
| `cse_get_kicad` | Download KiCad symbols and footprints |

## 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"
- "What sensor should I use to measure CO2 on ESPHome?"
- "Recommend an IMU sensor with I2C interface"

## 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: `docker compose up -d`