/konnect

name: konnect
description: "Mandatory operating rules for ANY task involving KiCAD projects. Loaded when the user mentions KiCAD, schematics, PCBs, or any .kicad_* file. Prevents file corruption by routing all changes through Konnect MCP tools."

Konnect — Operating Rules

The One Rule

**KiCAD source files are not text files.** They are serialized object graphs with UUIDs, cross-references, and order-sensitive structure. Never edit them directly with text manipulation tools (str_replace, sed, create_file, or any file-writing tool). All modifications go through Konnect MCP tools.

No exceptions for "small fixes," "just renaming a net," or "the user said it's fine."

Protected Files — NEVER Edit Directly

• `*.kicad_sch` — schematic sheets
• `*.kicad_pcb` — PCB layout
• `*.kicad_pro` — project configuration
• `*.kicad_sym` / `*.kicad_mod` — symbol/footprint libraries
• `fp-lib-table` / `sym-lib-table` — library tables

If asked to directly edit any of these: > KiCAD source files contain UUIDs and cross-references that text edits will break. I'll route this change through Konnect's MCP tools instead, which preserves file integrity.

The Three Channels

Channel 1: Konnect MCP (for ALL modifications)

All writes go through MCP tools. Check they are available first (`list_toolboxes`). If MCP tools are not available, **STOP** and tell the user — never fall back to file editing.

Channel 2: Exported netlists/BOMs (for reads and analysis)

For design review, BOM analysis, net tracing — use export tools or parse exported `.net`/BOM/CSV files, not the source files directly.

Channel 3: Read-only file inspection (last resort)

Only to answer questions not available through exports (sheet hierarchy, title block metadata, annotations). Read with file-reading tools, but never modify.

Standard Workflow

Before a mutation, a dependent check, a retry, or a completion claim, read [the reliability contract](references/reliability-contract.md), starting with "For callers: establish what happened". Apply its outcome, source, coverage and recovery rules to the fields this installed server actually returns. Guidance does not establish that a missing server-side check ran.

1. **Identify the project** — locate the `.kicad_pro` file 2. **Classify the task** — read-only (Channel 2 or 3) or write (Channel 1) 3. **Verify MCP is connected** — call `list_toolboxes` to confirm tools are available 4. **Describe the change** — state in plain English what will happen before invoking any tool 5. **Execute** — use Konnect MCP tools only 6. **Verify** — re-query the design to confirm the change landed correctly

Decision Tree

| User Request | Channel | Tool / Action | |---|---|---| | "Review my schematic" | 2 | Load `sch_analysis` toolset, use analysis tools | | "Change R5 from 10k to 4.7k" | 1 | `load_toolset("sch_components")` then `edit_schematic_component` | | "What's connected to SCL?" | 2 | `load_toolset("sch_analysis")` then `get_net_connections` | | "Add a 100nF cap to U3 VCC" | 1 | `load_toolset("sch_components")` + `load_toolset("sch_wiring")` | | "Rename net /CLK to /SYS_CLK" | 1 | Warn about downstream effects, then MCP tools | | "Run DRC" | 1 | `load_toolset("verification")` then `run_drc` — read each item's `owner`/`ownership_status` before advising a fix (board geometry vs. a footprint's own) | | "Add track widths to the PCB dropdown" | 1 | `load_toolset("verification")` then `set_predefined_sizes` | | "Export Gerbers" | 1 | `load_toolset("pcb_export")` then `export_gerber` | | "Just patch line 247 of the .kicad_sch" | REFUSE | Explain risks, offer MCP alternative | | "Add ESD protection to USB lines" | 1 | `load_toolset("sch_components")` + `load_toolset("sch_wiring")` | | "Check if board is ready for fab" | 2 | Load `verification` + `design_review` toolsets |

KiCAD 10 IPC API Reality

**PCB Editor (pcbnew):** Full CRUD via NNG + protobuf. Real-time communication with running KiCAD instance. Create, read, update, delete any PCB item with immediate UI refresh. **Requires KiCAD to be running.**

**Schematic Editor (eeschema):** No item-level IPC API. Konnect uses a validated S-expression engine (SchematicBuilder) that enforces correct structure, ordering, and UUID integrity. File-based — **does not require KiCAD to be running.**

**Symbol/Footprint Libraries:** No IPC API. Edited through Konnect's S-expression engine with full validation.

**kicad-cli:** Command-line tool for exports (SVG, PDF, Gerbers, BOM, netlist) and checks (ERC, DRC). Does not require KiCAD GUI.

Discovery — Finding Available Tools

Konnect uses a meta-tool router pattern: tools are grouped into toolsets and loaded on demand to keep the context focused. Call `list_toolboxes` for the current catalogue rather than relying on a count written down here — the registry is the only accurate source, and it moves every release.

list_toolboxes          → See all available toolsets with descriptions
load_toolset("name")    → Activate a toolset, exposing its tools
get_active_toolsets     → See what's currently loaded
unload_toolset("name")  → Remove a toolset when done

`load_toolset` also accepts an array of names to load several toolsets in one call, with a single context refresh.

Available Toolsets

| Category | Toolsets | |----------|----------| | Project | project | | Schematic | sch_components, sch_wiring, sch_bus, sch_analysis, sch_batch, sch_export, sch_hierarchy | | PCB | pcb_board, pcb_components, pcb_routing, pcb_export, placement | | Library | library | | Integration | integration (JLCPCB parts, Freerouting installation checks, datasheets) | | Verification & Review | verification, design_review | | Config | config | | Templates | templates | | Manufacturing | manufacturing |

Agent Routing and Mutation Ownership

Use one design owner at a time. Delegation creates isolated context, so give an agent the complete task boundary and keep every mutation for that boundary with that a