add_via

Add a via to the PCB

SERVERKiCAD-MCP-Server SOURCEmixelpixx/kicad-mcp-server

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/mixelpixx-kicad-mcp-server/add-via.md

WHAT IT DOES

What add_via does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents use add_via to create or update resources in KiCAD-MCP-Server, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your KiCAD-MCP-Server environment.

RISK

Why add_via is rated Medium

This tool creates and adds new data (a via) to a PCB design reversibly. Vias can be edited, moved, or removed in PCB design software, making this a Write operation rather than Destructive. The blast radius is medium because incorrect via placement could degrade signal integrity or create electrical faults, but the design remains recoverable and modifiable.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_via' and description 'Add a via to the PCB' indicate creation of a new circuit board element. A via is a physical component that creates electrical connections between PCB layers.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs add_via safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and KiCAD-MCP-Server, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For add_via, this is the rule to start with:

add_via Rate-limited

add_via stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "add_via": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_via_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect KiCAD-MCP-Server, apply this rule, and every add_via call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about add_via

What does the add_via tool do? +

Add a via to the PCB. It is categorised as a Write tool in the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_via? +

Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_via: 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 KiCAD-MCP-Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_via? +

add_via is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit add_via? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_via 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 add_via completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_via. 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 add_via? +

add_via is provided by the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server (mixelpixx/kicad-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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