Low Risk

read_datasheet

Read from a component's datasheet. Two modes: Section mode (default): Returns a named section. Start with section='summary' to get an overview and a list of available_sections. Then request specific sections by name. Section names are dynamic — any heading in the actual datasheet works (e.g. 'reg...

Risk signalsAccepts freeform code/query input (query)

Part of the Sheetsdata Mcp server.

read_datasheet is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call read_datasheet to retrieve information from Sheetsdata Mcp without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though read_datasheet only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "read_datasheet": {}
  }
}

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access read_datasheet gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

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Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so read_datasheet only ever does what you allow.

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the read_datasheet tool do? +

Read from a component's datasheet. Two modes: Section mode (default): Returns a named section. Start with section='summary' to get an overview and a list of available_sections. Then request specific sections by name. Section names are dynamic — any heading in the actual datasheet works (e.g. 'register_map', 'i2c_interface', 'power_management'). If a section name isn't found, automatically falls back to search mode. Search mode: Semantic search within the part's datasheet. Best for targeted questions (register bit fields, I2C config, specific specs). Use when you need to find specific information rather than a whole section. First call for a new part triggers extraction (30s-2min). Subsequent calls are cached. Datasheet vs Reference Manual: Manufacturer datasheets cover high-level specs, pinout, absolute maximum ratings, and package info. For microcontrollers (STM32, nRF52, RP2040), register-level programming details (I2C CR1/CR2, DMA config, interrupt bits) are in a separate Reference Manual, not the datasheet. The summary's available_sections will show what's actually present. The part_number must be a specific manufacturer part number (e.g. 'TPS54302', 'STM32F446RCT6') or LCSC number (e.g. 'C2837938'). Do NOT pass bare component values ('100nF', '10K'), descriptions, or reference designators. DATASHEET STATUS VALUES: - 'ready' — extracted and indexed; call read_datasheet, search_datasheets, or analyze_image. - 'extracting' / 'in_progress' / 'queued' / 'pending' — extraction running or scheduled. Poll check_extraction_status every 5-10s until 'ready' or 'failed'. Typical time: 30s-2min. - 'not_extracted' — known part but datasheet hasn't been fetched yet. Trigger it via prefetch_datasheets (cheapest) or by calling read_datasheet (auto-triggers on first read). - 'no_source' — we couldn't find a public datasheet URL for this MPN. First, retry prefetch_datasheets in 10-30s (the URL resolver re-runs and often finds a source on the second pass). If still 'no_source', the agent can upload the PDF manually via request_datasheet_upload + confirm_datasheet_upload (see those tools). Org-uploaded datasheets are private to the org. - 'unsupported' — PDF exists but can't be extracted (scanned image-only, encrypted, or corrupted). Upload a clean text-based PDF via request_datasheet_upload to override. - 'failed' / 'error' — extraction errored. The response includes the error reason. Retry via prefetch_datasheets or escalate to support. - 'rejected' — input wasn't a real MPN (bare value like '100nF', description, or reference designator). Fix the input and re-call. - 'deduplicated' — another part in the family already has this datasheet; same content is returned under the primary MPN.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Sheetsdata Mcp MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on read_datasheet? +

Register the Sheetsdata MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for read_datasheet: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Sheetsdata Mcp. Nothing to install.

What risk level is read_datasheet? +

read_datasheet is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit read_datasheet? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the read_datasheet rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block read_datasheet completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for read_datasheet. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides read_datasheet? +

read_datasheet is provided by the Sheetsdata MCP server (@sheetsdata/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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