feat: Add complete JLCPCB API integration with dual-mode support

Implements full JLCPCB parts catalog integration alongside existing local library search, giving users two complementary approaches for component selection: 1. Local Symbol Libraries (PR #25) - Search JLCPCB libraries installed via KiCad PCM - Pre-configured symbols with footprints - Works offline, no API needed 2. JLCPCB API Integration (NEW) - Complete 100k+ parts catalog access - Real-time pricing and stock information - Basic/Extended library type identification - Cost optimization and alternative suggestions - Package-to-footprint mapping New Features: - download_jlcpcb_database: Download complete parts catalog to local SQLite DB - search_jlcpcb_parts: Parametric search with pricing, stock, library type filters - get_jlcpcb_part: Detailed part info with price breaks and footprint suggestions - get_jlcpcb_database_stats: Database statistics and status - suggest_jlcpcb_alternatives: Find cheaper/available alternatives Implementation: - Python API client (commands/jlcpcb.py) - JLCPCB API authentication and data fetching - Parts database manager (commands/jlcpcb_parts.py) - SQLite storage and search - TypeScript MCP tools (tools/jlcpcb-api.ts) - User-facing tool definitions - Comprehensive documentation (docs/JLCPCB_USAGE_GUIDE.md) Database Features: - ~100k parts with descriptions, pricing, stock levels - Full-text search on descriptions and part numbers - Parametric filtering (category, package, manufacturer, library type) - Package-to-footprint mapping for KiCad - Intelligent alternative suggestions Setup Requirements: - JLCPCB_API_KEY and JLCPCB_API_SECRET environment variables - One-time database download (~5-10 minutes, 42MB) - requests library (already in requirements.txt) Benefits: - Cost optimization (identify Basic parts = free assembly) - Real-time stock checking - Complete catalog access - Works offline after initial download - Complements local library search 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code) Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
2025-12-31 11:04:08 -05:00
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+# JLCPCB Integration Guide
+
+The KiCAD MCP Server provides **two complementary approaches** for working with JLCPCB parts:
+
+1. **Local Symbol Libraries** - Search JLCPCB libraries installed via KiCad PCM
+2. **JLCPCB API Integration** - Access the complete 100k+ parts catalog with real-time pricing
+
+Both approaches can be used together to give you maximum flexibility.
+
+---
+
+## Approach 1: Local Symbol Libraries (Recommended for Getting Started)
+
+### What It Does
+- Searches symbol libraries you've installed via KiCad's Plugin and Content Manager (PCM)
+- Works with community JLCPCB libraries like `JLCPCB-KiCad-Library`
+- No API credentials needed
+- Works offline
+- Symbols already have LCSC IDs and footprints configured
+
+### Setup
+
+1. **Install JLCPCB Libraries via KiCad PCM:**
+   - Open KiCad → Tools → Plugin and Content Manager
+   - Search for "JLCPCB" or "JLC"
+   - Install libraries like:
+     - `JLCPCB-KiCad-Library` (community maintained)
+     - `EDA_MCP` (contains common JLCPCB parts)
+     - Any other JLCPCB-compatible libraries
+
+2. **Verify Installation:**
+   The libraries should appear in KiCad's symbol library table.
+
+### Usage Examples
+
+#### Search for Components
+```
+search_symbols({
+  query: "ESP32",
+  library: "JLCPCB"  // Filter to JLCPCB libraries only
+})
+```
+
+Returns:
+```
+Found 12 symbols matching "ESP32":
+
+PCM_JLCPCB-MCUs:ESP32-C3 | LCSC: C2934196 | ESP32-C3 RISC-V WiFi/BLE SoC
+PCM_JLCPCB-MCUs:ESP32-S2 | LCSC: C701342 | ESP32-S2 WiFi SoC
+...
+```
+
+#### Search by LCSC ID
+```
+search_symbols({
+  query: "C2934196"  // Direct LCSC ID search
+})
+```
+
+#### Get Symbol Details
+```
+get_symbol_info({
+  symbol: "PCM_JLCPCB-MCUs:ESP32-C3"
+})
+```
+
+Returns:
+```
+Symbol: PCM_JLCPCB-MCUs:ESP32-C3
+Description: ESP32-C3 RISC-V WiFi/BLE SoC
+LCSC: C2934196
+Manufacturer: Espressif
+MPN: ESP32-C3-WROOM-02
+Footprint: Package_DFN_QFN:QFN-32-1EP_5x5mm_P0.5mm
+Class: Extended
+```
+
+### Advantages
+- ✅ No API credentials required
+- ✅ Works offline after library installation
+- ✅ Symbols pre-configured with correct footprints
+- ✅ Community-maintained and curated
+- ✅ Instant availability
+
+### Limitations
+- ❌ Only parts in installed libraries (typically 1k-10k parts)
+- ❌ No real-time pricing or stock information
+- ❌ Requires manual library updates via PCM
+
+---
+
+## Approach 2: JLCPCB API Integration (For Complete Catalog Access)
+
+### What It Does
+- Downloads the **complete JLCPCB parts catalog** (~100k+ parts)
+- Provides **real-time pricing and stock information**
+- Automatic **Basic vs Extended** library type identification (Basic = free assembly)
+- Smart suggestions for cheaper/in-stock alternatives
+- Package-to-footprint mapping for KiCad
+
+### Setup
+
+#### 1. Get JLCPCB API Credentials
+
+Visit [JLCPCB](https://jlcpcb.com/) and get your API credentials:
+1. Log in to your JLCPCB account
+2. Go to: **Account → API Management**
+3. Click "Create API Key"
+4. Save your `appKey` and `appSecret`
+
+#### 2. Configure Environment Variables
+
+Add to your shell profile (`~/.bashrc`, `~/.zshrc`, or `~/.profile`):
+
+```bash
+export JLCPCB_API_KEY="your_app_key_here"
+export JLCPCB_API_SECRET="your_app_secret_here"
+```
+
+Or create a `.env` file in the project root:
+
+```
+JLCPCB_API_KEY=your_app_key_here
+JLCPCB_API_SECRET=your_app_secret_here
+```
+
+#### 3. Download the Parts Database
+
+**One-time setup** (takes 5-10 minutes):
+
+```
+download_jlcpcb_database({ force: false })
+```
+
+This downloads ~100k parts from JLCPCB and creates a local SQLite database (`data/jlcpcb_parts.db`).
+
+**Output:**
+```
+✓ Successfully downloaded JLCPCB parts database
+
+Total parts: 108,523
+Basic parts: 2,856 (free assembly)
+Extended parts: 105,667 ($3 setup fee each)
+Database size: 42.3 MB
+Database path: /home/user/KiCAD-MCP-Server/data/jlcpcb_parts.db
+```
+
+### Usage Examples
+
+#### Search for Parts with Specifications
+
+```
+search_jlcpcb_parts({
+  query: "10k resistor",
+  package: "0603",
+  library_type: "Basic"  // Only free-assembly parts
+})
+```
+
+**Returns:**
+```
+Found 15 JLCPCB parts:
+
+C25804: RC0603FR-0710KL - 10kΩ ±1% 0.1W [Basic] - $0.002/ea (15000 in stock)
+C58972: 0603WAF1002T5E - 10kΩ ±1% 0.1W [Basic] - $0.001/ea (50000 in stock)
+C25744: RC0603FR-0710KP - 10kΩ ±1% 0.1W [Basic] - $0.002/ea (12000 in stock)
+...
+
+💡 Basic parts have free assembly. Extended parts charge $3 setup fee per unique part.
+```
+
+#### Get Part Details with Pricing
+
+```
+get_jlcpcb_part({
+  lcsc_number: "C58972"
+})
+```
+
+**Returns:**
+```
+LCSC: C58972
+MFR Part: 0603WAF1002T5E
+Manufacturer: UNI-ROYAL
+Category: Resistors / Chip Resistor - Surface Mount
+Package: 0603
+Description: 10kΩ ±1% 0.1W Thick Film Resistors
+Library Type: Basic (Free assembly!)
+Stock: 50000
+
+Price Breaks:
+  1+: $0.0010/ea
+  10+: $0.0009/ea
+  100+: $0.0008/ea
+  1000+: $0.0007/ea
+
+Suggested KiCAD Footprints:
+  - Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric
+  - Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric
+  - LED_SMD:LED_0603_1608Metric
+```
+
+#### Find Cheaper Alternatives
+
+```
+suggest_jlcpcb_alternatives({
+  lcsc_number: "C25804",
+  limit: 5
+})
+```
+
+**Returns:**
+```
+Alternative parts for C25804:
+
+1. C58972: 0603WAF1002T5E [Basic] - $0.001/ea (50% cheaper)
+   10kΩ ±1% 0.1W Thick Film Resistors
+   Stock: 50000
+
+2. C22790: 0603WAF1002T - [Basic] - $0.0011/ea (45% cheaper)
+   10kΩ ±1% 0.1W Thick Film Resistors
+   Stock: 35000
+...
+```
+
+#### Search by Category and Package
+
+```
+search_jlcpcb_parts({
+  category: "Microcontrollers",
+  package: "QFN-32",
+  manufacturer: "STM",
+  in_stock: true,
+  limit: 10
+})
+```
+
+#### Get Database Statistics
+
+```
+get_jlcpcb_database_stats({})
+```
+
+**Returns:**
+```
+JLCPCB Database Statistics:
+
+Total parts: 108,523
+Basic parts: 2,856 (free assembly)
+Extended parts: 105,667 ($3 setup fee each)
+In stock: 95,432
+Database path: /home/user/KiCAD-MCP-Server/data/jlcpcb_parts.db
+```
+
+### Advantages
+- ✅ Complete JLCPCB catalog (100k+ parts)
+- ✅ Real-time pricing and stock data
+- ✅ Automatic Basic/Extended identification
+- ✅ Cost optimization suggestions
+- ✅ Works offline after initial download
+- ✅ Fast parametric search
+
+### Limitations
+- ❌ Requires API credentials
+- ❌ Initial download takes 5-10 minutes
+- ❌ Database needs periodic updates for latest parts
+- ❌ Footprint mapping may need manual verification
+
+---
+
+## Best Practices: Using Both Approaches Together
+
+### Workflow 1: Design with Known Components
+
+**Use Local Libraries:**
+```
+1. search_symbols({ query: "STM32F103", library: "JLCPCB" })
+2. Select component from installed library
+3. Component already has correct symbol + footprint + LCSC ID
+```
+
+**Why:** Faster, symbols are pre-configured and tested.
+
+### Workflow 2: Find Optimal Part for Cost
+
+**Use JLCPCB API:**
+```
+1. search_jlcpcb_parts({
+     query: "10k resistor",
+     package: "0603",
+     library_type: "Basic"
+   })
+2. Select cheapest Basic part
+3. Use suggested footprint from API
+```
+
+**Why:** Ensures lowest cost and maximum stock availability.
+
+### Workflow 3: Explore Unknown Parts
+
+**Start with API, verify with Libraries:**
+```
+1. search_jlcpcb_parts({ query: "ESP32", limit: 20 })
+2. Find interesting part (e.g., C2934196)
+3. search_symbols({ query: "C2934196" })
+4. If found in library → use library symbol
+5. If not found → use API footprint suggestion
+```
+
+**Why:** Combines discovery power of API with quality of curated libraries.
+
+---
+
+## Cost Optimization Tips
+
+### 1. Prefer Basic Parts
+
+```
+search_jlcpcb_parts({
+  query: "resistor 10k",
+  library_type: "Basic"  // Free assembly!
+})
+```
+
+**Why:** Basic parts have **$0 assembly fee**. Extended parts charge **$3 per unique part**.
+
+### 2. Use Alternatives Tool
+
+```
+suggest_jlcpcb_alternatives({ lcsc_number: "C12345" })
+```
+
+**Why:** Find cheaper, more available, or Basic alternatives automatically.
+
+### 3. Check Stock Levels
+
+Always filter `in_stock: true` to avoid ordering parts that are out of stock:
+
+```
+search_jlcpcb_parts({
+  query: "capacitor",
+  in_stock: true  // Only show available parts
+})
+```
+
+### 4. Calculate BOM Cost
+
+For each part in your design:
+1. Use `get_jlcpcb_part()` to get price breaks
+2. Sum up total cost based on order quantity
+3. Check library_type count (each unique Extended part = $3 fee)
+
+---
+
+## Updating the Database
+
+The JLCPCB parts database should be updated periodically to get latest parts and pricing.
+
+### Manual Update
+
+```
+download_jlcpcb_database({ force: true })
+```
+
+This re-downloads the entire catalog and replaces the existing database.
+
+### Automatic Updates (Future)
+
+Future versions will support incremental updates that only fetch new/changed parts.
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "JLCPCB API credentials not configured"
+
+**Solution:** Set environment variables:
+```bash
+export JLCPCB_API_KEY="your_key"
+export JLCPCB_API_SECRET="your_secret"
+```
+
+### "Database not found or empty"
+
+**Solution:** Run:
+```
+download_jlcpcb_database({ force: false })
+```
+
+### "No symbols found" (Local Libraries)
+
+**Solution:**
+1. Install JLCPCB libraries via KiCad PCM
+2. Verify library is enabled in KiCad symbol library table
+3. Restart KiCad MCP server
+
+### "Authentication failed"
+
+**Solution:**
+1. Verify your API credentials are correct
+2. Check JLCPCB account has API access enabled
+3. Try regenerating API key/secret in JLCPCB dashboard
+
+---
+
+## API vs Libraries: Quick Reference
+
+| Feature | Local Libraries | JLCPCB API |
+|---------|----------------|------------|
+| **Parts Count** | 1k-10k (installed) | 100k+ (complete catalog) |
+| **Setup** | Install via PCM | API credentials + download |
+| **Offline Use** | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (after download) |
+| **Pricing** | ❌ No | ✅ Real-time |
+| **Stock Info** | ❌ No | ✅ Real-time |
+| **Footprints** | ✅ Pre-configured | ⚠️ Auto-suggested |
+| **Updates** | Manual via PCM | Re-download database |
+| **Speed** | ⚡ Instant | ⚡ Fast (local DB) |
+| **Cost Optimization** | ❌ Manual | ✅ Automatic |
+
+---
+
+## Example Workflows
+
+### Complete Design Flow
+
+```
+# 1. Find main MCU from local library (curated)
+search_symbols({ query: "ESP32", library: "JLCPCB" })
+→ Use: PCM_JLCPCB-MCUs:ESP32-C3
+
+# 2. Find passives optimized for cost (API)
+search_jlcpcb_parts({
+  query: "capacitor 10uF",
+  package: "0805",
+  library_type: "Basic"
+})
+→ Use: C15850 ($0.004, Basic, 80k stock)
+
+# 3. Verify connector in library
+search_symbols({ query: "USB-C" })
+→ Use library symbol if available
+
+# 4. Export BOM with LCSC numbers
+# All components now have LCSC IDs for JLCPCB assembly!
+```
+
+---
+
+## Resources
+
+- [JLCPCB API Documentation](https://jlcpcb.com/help/article/JLCPCB-API)
+- [JLCPCB Parts Library](https://jlcpcb.com/parts)
+- [KiCad Plugin and Content Manager](https://www.kicad.org/help/pcm/)
+- [JLCPCB-KiCad-Library (GitHub)](https://github.com/pejot/JLC2KiCad_lib)
+
+---
+
+## Summary
+
+**Use Local Libraries when:**
+- Starting a new design with common components
+- You want pre-configured, tested symbols
+- Working offline
+- Components are in installed libraries
+
+**Use JLCPCB API when:**
+- Optimizing cost (find cheapest Basic parts)
+- Checking real-time stock availability
+- Exploring parts outside installed libraries
+- Need complete catalog access
+
+**Best approach:** Use both! Start with local libraries for known components, then use API for cost optimization and finding alternatives.