| name | find-part |
| description | Searches for electronic parts by MPN, description, or specification using the pcbparts MCP (live JLCPCB stock, pricing, KiCad symbols) with a fallback to the skidl-part-search CLI. Applies sourcing rules: JLCPCB tier priority, stock thresholds, lifecycle checks, and single-source flags. Use when selecting parts for a BOM, verifying a specific MPN, sourcing an IC or passive, or when the user asks to find, search, check, or confirm a component. |
Find Part
When to use
- Selecting components for a new circuit BOM
- Verifying stock, pricing, or lifecycle of a candidate MPN
- Retrieving a KiCad symbol/footprint for a specific part
- Invoked via
/skidl-ee:find-part or called by agents (part-sourcer, orchestrator)
Procedure
Step 1 — Preferred: pcbparts MCP (live JLCPCB data)
For any query (MPN or description, e.g. "3.3V LDO 500mA SOT-23-5"):
| Task | Tool |
|---|
| Description search | mcp__pcbparts__jlc_search |
| Exact LCSC# / MPN | mcp__pcbparts__jlc_get_part |
| Stock check | mcp__pcbparts__jlc_stock_check |
| Cross-ref (DigiKey) | mcp__pcbparts__digikey_get_part |
| Cross-ref (Mouser) | mcp__pcbparts__mouser_get_part |
| KiCad symbol + footprint | mcp__pcbparts__cse_get_kicad |
If pcbparts MCP is not connected, warn before continuing:
echo "⚠️ pcbparts MCP not connected. Install: claude mcp add --transport http pcbparts https://pcbparts.dev/mcp"
Step 2 — Fallback: SKiDL local library search
Use when pcbparts MCP is unavailable or a local KiCad symbol check is needed:
skidl-part-search "<query>"
skidl-part-search --limit 20 "<query>"
skidl-part-search 'opamp (low-noise|dip-8)'
skidl-part-search --interactive
Sourcing Rules (always apply)
JLCPCB tier priority:
- Basic — use whenever possible
- Preferred — strongly preferred for production
- Extended — only if no alternative (adds manual placement surcharge)
Mandatory checks (flag anything that fails):
- Stock > 100 units (warn if < 500)
- Correct voltage, current, and package ratings
- Not EOL / NRND
- Single-source → flag explicitly
Package preference for passives: 0402 > 0603 > 0805 > 1206
Decision heuristics:
- Jellybean passives → cheapest Basic part meeting spec
- Critical ICs (MCU, regulator, ADC) → Preferred tier + second-source check
- Regulated/automotive designs → AEC-Q100/Q200 when required
Output
For each part found, produce one row in this format:
MPN | LCSC# | Stock | Unit Price | Package | JLCPCB Tier | KiCad Footprint | Notes
Validation
- Do not use a part without confirming stock > 100 units
- Do not leave the KiCad footprint field blank before handing the part to skidl-coder
- Single-source and Extended-tier parts must have a
Notes entry explaining the risk
