find-part

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>"          # all terms must match
skidl-part-search --limit 20 "<query>"
skidl-part-search 'opamp (low-noise|dip-8)'  # OR within terms
skidl-part-search --interactive      # browse with pin details

Sourcing Rules (always apply)

JLCPCB tier priority:

1. Basic — use whenever possible
2. Preferred — strongly preferred for production
3. 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