route_trace

Route a trace between two points or pads

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/route-trace.md

WHAT IT DOES

What route_trace does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents use route_trace 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 route_trace is rated Medium

The tool creates new electrical traces (connections) in a KiCAD PCB design, which is a data modification that can be undone/edited. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data permanently, or move money. While it affects the final PCB output, the operation itself is reversible within the design tool.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'route_trace' and description 'Route a trace between two points or pads' indicates creating/modifying electrical connections on a PCB design. This is a reversible modification operation similar to write operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

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

route_trace Rate-limited

route_trace 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": {
    "route_trace": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "route_trace_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 route_trace call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about route_trace

What does the route_trace tool do? +

Route a trace between two points or pads. 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 route_trace? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit route_trace? +

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

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

route_trace 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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