replace_schematic_component
Replace a placed component
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What replace_schematic_component does on KiCAD-MCP-Server
AI agents use replace_schematic_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.
Why replace_schematic_component is rated Medium
This tool modifies schematic design by swapping one component for another, altering the circuit design reversibly. It does not create permanent losses (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), move money (Financial), or merely read data (Read). It falls squarely into Write category as a reversible data modification operation.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'replace_schematic_component' and description 'Replace a placed component' indicate modification of existing schematic design data. The action is reversible—the previous component can be restored via undo or re-replacement.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs replace_schematic_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_schematic_component, this is the rule to start with:
replace_schematic_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.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect KiCAD-MCP-Server, apply this rule, and every replace_schematic_component call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about replace_schematic_component
Replace a placed component. 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.
Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for replace_schematic_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.
replace_schematic_component is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the replace_schematic_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for replace_schematic_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.
replace_schematic_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.
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