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mixelpixx/Konnect

A native KiCAD 10 plugin and single Rust binary that lets Claude and other MCP-compatible AI assistants design schematics and PCBs through 228 tools.

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What is it?

Konnect is an AI-assisted PCB design server for KiCAD 10. It runs as a single Rust binary and exposes its tools over the Model Context Protocol, so Claude or another MCP-capable LLM can place and wire schematic components, lay out and route PCB footprints, run ERC and DRC checks, and export manufacturing files such as Gerbers, drill files, BOMs, and pick-and-place data.

PCB edits go through KiCAD's official IPC API, so changes made in a running PCB editor appear in real time and integrate with KiCAD's undo and redo. Schematic files (.kicad_sch) are edited directly through a built-in S-expression engine with atomic writes. Tools are grouped into on-demand toolsets so the model loads only what it needs, and the server includes call logs and statistics for diagnosing failed tool calls.

The project also bundles reference circuit templates, JLCPCB part search, a live schematic viewer that refreshes as files change, and skills for Claude and Codex. It is licensed under AGPL-3.0 with commercial licenses available, and is described by its authors as beta.

Key features

  • 01Adds, wires, and edits schematic components through direct .kicad_sch editing with atomic writes.
  • 02Places, moves, rotates, and routes PCB footprints via KiCAD 10's IPC API with undo/redo support.
  • 03Runs ERC, DRC, connectivity, and design-review checks.
  • 04Exports Gerbers, drill files, BOMs, pick-and-place files, 3D models, and PDFs.
  • 05Searches a local JLCPCB parts catalog and offers reference circuit templates.
  • 06Loads tool groups on demand to limit the context cost for the LLM.

Use cases

  • Having an AI assistant draft a schematic from a written circuit description and then check it with ERC.
  • Routing and laying out a PCB with an MCP-capable assistant while KiCAD is open.
  • Generating a complete set of manufacturing files for a board order.
  • Choosing in-stock JLCPCB parts during schematic design.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download the KiCAD plugin package for your OS from Releases

  2. 2

    In KiCAD 10, open Plugin and Content Manager, click Install from File, select the zip, then restart KiCAD

  3. 3

    Build the server from source (requires protoc and cmake)

    cargo build --release -p konnect
  4. 4

    Run the one-time guidance installer for Claude (optional)

    konnect init

Things to know

  • Beta release; the README says it wants more real-world use and review.
  • KiCAD 10 is required; the IPC API is used for PCB editing.
  • The macOS standalone binaries are not yet code-signed and need the quarantine flag cleared on browser downloads.
  • Specctra autorouting needs a Java runtime for the local Freerouting engine.

Topics

#kicad#pcb-design#mcp-server#llm#rust#electronics#eda#schematic-capture#agent-skills#claude

FAQ

What is Konnect?
A native KiCAD 10 plugin and single Rust binary that lets Claude and other MCP-compatible AI assistants design schematics and PCBs through 228 tools. Konnect is an AI-assisted PCB design server for KiCAD 10. It runs as a single Rust binary and exposes its tools over the Model Context Protocol, so Claude or another MCP-capable LLM can place and wire schematic components, lay out and route PCB footprints, run ERC and DRC checks, and export manufacturing files such as Gerbers, drill files, BOMs, and pick-and-place data.
Is Konnect free to use? What license does it have?
Konnect is open source under the AGPL-3.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is Konnect still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to Konnect was on Oct 19, 2026.
What can I use Konnect for?
Having an AI assistant draft a schematic from a written circuit description and then check it with ERC. Routing and laying out a PCB with an MCP-capable assistant while KiCAD is open. Generating a complete set of manufacturing files for a board order. Choosing in-stock JLCPCB parts during schematic design.
How do I install Konnect?
Download the KiCAD plugin package for your OS from Releases In KiCAD 10, open Plugin and Content Manager, click Install from File, select the zip, then restart KiCAD Build the server from source (requires protoc and cmake): cargo build --release -p konnect Run the one-time guidance installer for Claude (optional): konnect init
Where can I get Konnect?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/mixelpixx/Konnect

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