replace_component

Replace an existing PCB component with a different component type, optionally changing footprint and value.

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/replace-component.md

WHAT IT DOES

What replace_component does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents use replace_component 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 replace_component is rated Medium

This tool modifies PCB design data (component properties and footprint assignments) but does not irreversibly destroy data or design. The changes can be undone via undo/redo functionality typical in CAD software like KiCAD. While high severity due to potential impacts on circuit functionality if misused, it remains a Write operation rather than Destructive, as the original design state can be recovered.

From the tool's definition The tool 'replace_component' modifies existing PCB components by changing component type, footprint, and value. This is a reversible modification operation on the PCB design.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

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

replace_component Rate-limited

replace_component 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": {
    "replace_component": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "replace_component_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 replace_component call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about replace_component

What does the replace_component tool do? +

Replace an existing PCB component with a different component type, optionally changing footprint and value. 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 replace_component? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit replace_component? +

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

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

replace_component 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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