generate_netlist

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

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/mixelpixx-kicad-mcp-server/generate-netlist.md

WHAT IT DOES

What generate_netlist does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents call generate_netlist to retrieve information from KiCAD-MCP-Server without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why generate_netlist is rated Low

The tool only reads and returns schematic data as structured JSON. It explicitly states it does not write any file and is intended for inspection/verification purposes only.

From the tool's definition 'Return a structured JSON netlist from the schematic', 'Does not write any file', 'Use this to inspect or verify connectivity'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs generate_netlist 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 generate_netlist, this is the rule to start with:

generate_netlist Allowed

generate_netlist is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "generate_netlist": {}
  }
}

ALLOW ONLY 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 generate_netlist call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about generate_netlist

What does the generate_netlist tool do? +

Return a structured JSON netlist from the schematic — component list (reference, value, footprint) and net list (net name with all connected component/pin pairs). Use this to inspect or verify connectivity within the conversation. Does not write any file. To export a netlist file in Spice, KiCad XML, Cadstar, or OrcadPCB2 format, use export_netlist instead. It is categorised as a Read tool in the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on generate_netlist? +

Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for generate_netlist: 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 generate_netlist? +

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

Can I rate-limit generate_netlist? +

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

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

generate_netlist 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.

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