mixelpixx/Konnect

What it solves

Konnect enables AI assistants (like Claude) to directly design and manage printed circuit boards (PCBs) and schematics in KiCAD 10. It eliminates the need for users to manually translate AI-generated descriptions into manual edits by providing a direct, programmatic interface for the AI to manipulate the design files and the live PCB editor.

How it works

Konnect is a native KiCAD plugin written in Rust that implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It acts as a bridge between an AI client and KiCAD through several mechanisms:

• PCB Editing: Uses the official KiCAD 10 IPC API (protobuf over NNG) for real-time, undo-aware edits to the active board.
• Schematic Editing: Employs a custom S-expression engine to perform atomic writes directly to .kicad_sch files.
• Tool Management: To save context window tokens, it uses a router that loads a starter kit of tools and allows the AI to pull in specific toolsets on demand.
• External Integration: Uses kicad-cli for exports and design checks (ERC/DRC) and integrates with Freerouting for PCB routing.
• Visualization: Includes a standalone schematic viewer that auto-refreshes as the AI makes changes.

Who it’s for

Electronic engineers, hobbyists, and hardware designers using KiCAD 10 who want to leverage LLMs to automate repetitive layout tasks, perform design audits, or rapidly prototype circuits.

Highlights

• Extensive Toolset: 221 tools across 20 toolsets covering schematic capture, PCB layout, routing, and manufacturing exports.
• High Performance: A single static Rust binary that replaces complex multi-language dependency chains.
• Production Ready: Direct integration with KiCAD's IPC API for real-time edits and undo/redo support.
• Integrated Research: Compatible with Nimrod for real-time parts availability and datasheet research.
• Design Validation: Built-in tools for ERC, DRC, and BOM health checks.