feat(routing): add add_gnd_stitching_vias MCP tool with all-layer collision (#191)

Drop GND stitching vias across the board with collision checking
against every non-GND segment, via, and pad on every copper layer.
PTH vias penetrate the full stackup, so an F.Cu-only check (the most
common shortcut) silently creates shorts on inner / B.Cu copper —
this implementation explicitly walks all layers.

  grid          Regular grid across the board interior. Default
                spacing 5mm.

  around_refs   Densify around specified footprints (e.g. MCUs,
                switching regulators, RF parts). Configurable
                density via densifyRadius.

  in_zones      Restrict placements to candidates inside the filled
                polygons of GND copper zones, so each new via lands
                on copper that's already a GND equipotential.
                Recommended on boards where the GND zone is fragmented:
                these vias actually stitch real polygons rather than
                floating on silkscreen.

All three strategies use the same collision check + intra-call
clump-prevention, so passing `["grid", "around_refs", "in_zones"]`
is a safe kitchen-sink configuration.

  - Auto-detect GND net (tries GND / GROUND / VSS / /GND in order)
    OR explicit `gndNet` parameter.
  - Per-via geometry control: viaSize, viaDrill, clearance.
  - edgeMargin: keep-out distance from board edge.
  - maxVias: cap on total placements (useful for incremental work).
  - dryRun: return placements without modifying the board — for
    previewing before committing.
  - Validates viaDrill < viaSize, rejects unknown strategy names,
    surfaces clear errors when GND net can't be resolved or the
    board outline is missing.

Approach ported from morningfire-pcb-automation
(https://github.com/NiNjA-CodE/morningfire-pcb-automation,
scripts/ground/add_gnd_vias.py). The original parses the PCB text
with regex and writes vias by string concatenation; this port reads
obstacles via the pcbnew API (handles rotated footprints, integrates
with the live in-memory board so two sequential calls see each
other's placements, picks up net codes from the loaded board) and
adds the in_zones strategy, the maxVias cap, and dry-run mode.

Credit is in the docstring, the TypeScript wrapper comment, the MCP
tool description (visible to clients), and the CHANGELOG entry.

tests/test_add_gnd_stitching_vias.py — 18 cases, all passing.
Uses mocked pcbnew objects so the suite runs under both the conftest
stub and a real pcbnew install.

  - grid strategy fills empty board with correct count
  - collision blocks via near a signal track (with extent assertion)
  - GND-net obstacles are correctly ignored
  - around_refs densifies near footprints with bounded extent
  - in_zones rejects candidates outside HitTestFilledArea
  - dryRun does NOT call board.Add
  - actual run calls board.Add per placement
  - maxVias caps total placements
  - intra-call clump prevention (asserts pairwise distance)
  - viaDrill >= viaSize is rejected
  - unknown strategy name is rejected
  - missing GND net returns clear error payload
  - no board loaded returns clear error
  - named GND net (e.g. VSS) is honoured even when GND also exists
  - direct unit tests for _point_to_segment_distance_nm helper

Real-board smoke test on TuneForge_TF001 (4-layer, 44 footprints):
  - GND net auto-detected
  - grid spacing 4mm: 141 placements, 129 blocked by collision
  - grid + in_zones: 140 placed, 15 rejected by zone membership,
    115 blocked by collision

  python/commands/routing.py         (+impl, ~370 LOC)
  python/kicad_interface.py          (+handler registration)
  python/schemas/tool_schemas.py     (+MCP schema)
  src/tools/routing.ts               (+TypeScript surface, builds clean)
  tests/test_add_gnd_stitching_vias.py (+18 tests)
  CHANGELOG.md                       (+Unreleased -> New MCP Tools)
This commit is contained in:
NiNjA-CodE
2026-05-19 19:17:25 -06:00
committed by GitHub
parent f03a74a93f
commit 76e644e4ef
6 changed files with 1041 additions and 0 deletions

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@@ -42,6 +42,42 @@ All notable changes to the KiCAD MCP Server project are documented here.
### New MCP Tools
- `add_gnd_stitching_vias` — Drop GND stitching vias across the board with
collision checking against every non-GND segment, via, and pad on every
copper layer. PTH vias penetrate the full stackup, so an F.Cu-only check
(the most common shortcut) silently creates shorts on inner / B.Cu
copper — this implementation explicitly walks all layers.
Combines three placement strategies, freely composable:
- `grid` — regular grid across the board interior.
- `around_refs` — densify around named footprints (good for tucking
extra ground under MCUs, switching regulators, or RF parts).
- `in_zones` — restrict candidates to points inside the filled
polygons of GND copper zones, so each new via actually stitches
real ground polygons together rather than floating on silkscreen.
Also supports per-via geometry control (`viaSize`, `viaDrill`,
`clearance`, `edgeMargin`), an `maxVias` cap for incremental work,
auto-detection of the GND net (tries `GND` / `GROUND` / `VSS` /
`/GND`), and a `dryRun` mode that returns the placements that
*would* be made without modifying the board — useful for previewing
before committing.
Returns `{ placed: [{x, y, unit}, ...], summary: {placed_count,
candidates_evaluated, skipped_by_zone_membership,
skipped_by_collision, ...} }`.
Approach ported from
[morningfire-pcb-automation](https://github.com/NiNjA-CodE/morningfire-pcb-automation)
(`scripts/ground/add_gnd_vias.py`). The original parses the PCB
text with regex and writes new vias by string concatenation; this
port reads obstacles via the pcbnew API so it handles rotated
footprints correctly, integrates with the in-memory board (two
sequential calls see each other's placements), picks up net codes
from the live board, and adds the `in_zones` strategy + the
`maxVias` cap + dry-run.
- `check_courtyard_overlaps` — Detect courtyard overlaps between footprints
and (optionally) flag courtyards that extend past the board outline.
Returns overlap pairs with intersection extents (mm), per-component

View File

@@ -1649,3 +1649,391 @@ class RoutingCommands:
dx = p1.x - p2.x
dy = p1.y - p2.y
return (dx * dx + dy * dy) ** 0.5
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------
# add_gnd_stitching_vias
#
# Originally prototyped in morningfire-pcb-automation:
# https://github.com/NiNjA-CodE/morningfire-pcb-automation
# (scripts/ground/add_gnd_vias.py — regex-on-PCB-text version)
#
# The version here uses the pcbnew API so it handles arbitrary
# rotations, gets net IDs / clearances from the loaded board, and
# works against the live in-memory board state (so two calls in
# sequence — e.g. "around U1" then "across the board" — both see
# the first call's placements). All copper layers are checked
# because a through-hole via penetrates the full stackup; missing a
# B.Cu collision check is the classic way GND-stitching tools
# create silent shorts.
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------
def add_gnd_stitching_vias(self, params: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Drop GND stitching vias across the board, collision-checked on every copper layer.
Strategies (combine freely):
- ``grid`` Place candidates on a regular grid across the board
interior. Each candidate is accepted only if its
full keep-out radius is clear of every non-GND
segment / via / pad on every copper layer.
- ``around_refs`` For each named footprint, try a small radius of
grid points around its anchor. Good for densifying
ground around noisy ICs (MCUs, switching
regulators, RF parts).
- ``in_zones`` Restrict candidates to points actually inside the
filled polygons of GND copper zones, so each new
via lands on copper that's already a GND
equipotential. Highly recommended on boards where
the GND zone is fragmented — these vias
actually stitch the zones, not just float on
silkscreen.
Args:
gndNet: name of the ground net. Default: auto-detect from
``GND`` / ``GROUND`` / ``VSS`` in that order, else error.
strategies: list of strategy names. Default ``["grid"]``.
Pass ``["grid", "around_refs", "in_zones"]`` for the kitchen
sink — collision check + intra-call dedupe means the
strategies compose safely.
viaSize: pad diameter mm. Default 0.6.
viaDrill: drill diameter mm. Default 0.3.
clearance: extra clearance beyond required mm. Default 0.2.
spacing: grid spacing mm for ``grid`` and ``around_refs``.
Default 5.0.
densifyRefs: list of refs for ``around_refs``. Default [].
densifyRadius: how many grid cells around each ref to try.
Default 2 (5x5 candidate field per ref).
edgeMargin: distance from board edge mm. Default 0.5.
maxVias: maximum total placements (across all strategies).
Default unlimited.
dryRun: don't write, just return placements.
Returns:
``{"success": True, "placed": [{"x", "y", "unit"}, ...],
"summary": {...}}``
"""
if not self.board:
return {
"success": False,
"message": "No board is loaded",
"errorDetails": "Load or create a board first",
}
try:
return self._do_add_gnd_stitching(params)
except Exception as e:
import traceback
logger.error(
f"add_gnd_stitching_vias failed: {e}\n{traceback.format_exc()}"
)
return {
"success": False,
"message": "add_gnd_stitching_vias failed",
"errorDetails": str(e),
}
def _do_add_gnd_stitching(self, params: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
# --- Parse params ---
gnd_net_name = params.get("gndNet")
strategies = list(params.get("strategies") or ["grid"])
for s in strategies:
if s not in ("grid", "around_refs", "in_zones"):
return {
"success": False,
"message": f"Unknown strategy '{s}'",
"errorDetails": "Valid strategies: grid, around_refs, in_zones",
}
via_size_mm = float(params.get("viaSize", 0.6))
via_drill_mm = float(params.get("viaDrill", 0.3))
if via_drill_mm >= via_size_mm:
return {
"success": False,
"message": "Invalid via geometry",
"errorDetails": "viaDrill must be smaller than viaSize",
}
clearance_mm = float(params.get("clearance", 0.2))
spacing_mm = float(params.get("spacing", 5.0))
densify_refs = list(params.get("densifyRefs") or [])
densify_radius = int(params.get("densifyRadius", 2))
edge_margin_mm = float(params.get("edgeMargin", 0.5))
max_vias_raw = params.get("maxVias")
max_vias = int(max_vias_raw) if max_vias_raw is not None else None
dry_run = bool(params.get("dryRun", False))
scale = 1_000_000 # mm -> nm
via_size_nm = int(via_size_mm * scale)
via_drill_nm = int(via_drill_mm * scale)
via_radius_nm = via_size_nm // 2
clearance_nm = int(clearance_mm * scale)
spacing_nm = int(spacing_mm * scale)
edge_margin_nm = int(edge_margin_mm * scale)
# --- Resolve GND net ---
netinfo = self.board.GetNetInfo()
nets_by_name = netinfo.NetsByName()
gnd_net = None
if gnd_net_name:
if nets_by_name.has_key(gnd_net_name):
gnd_net = nets_by_name[gnd_net_name]
else:
return {
"success": False,
"message": f"Net '{gnd_net_name}' not found",
"errorDetails": "Pass a net that exists on this board",
}
else:
for candidate in ("GND", "GROUND", "VSS", "/GND"):
if nets_by_name.has_key(candidate):
gnd_net = nets_by_name[candidate]
gnd_net_name = candidate
break
if gnd_net is None:
return {
"success": False,
"message": "No GND net detected",
"errorDetails": (
"Pass gndNet explicitly. Auto-detect tries "
"GND / GROUND / VSS / /GND."
),
}
gnd_net_code = gnd_net.GetNetCode()
# --- Board outline bbox (for the grid + edge guard) ---
edge_bb = self.board.GetBoardEdgesBoundingBox()
if edge_bb.GetWidth() <= 0 or edge_bb.GetHeight() <= 0:
return {
"success": False,
"message": "Board outline is missing or empty",
"errorDetails": "Define Edge.Cuts before stitching vias",
}
x_min = edge_bb.GetLeft() + edge_margin_nm
y_min = edge_bb.GetTop() + edge_margin_nm
x_max = edge_bb.GetRight() - edge_margin_nm
y_max = edge_bb.GetBottom() - edge_margin_nm
if x_max <= x_min or y_max <= y_min:
return {
"success": False,
"message": "Edge margin too large for this board",
"errorDetails": "Reduce edgeMargin or increase the outline",
}
# --- Gather obstacles (everything on a non-GND net we must dodge) ---
# Tracks: list of (x1, y1, x2, y2, half_width)
# Vias: list of (cx, cy, radius)
# Pads: list of (cx, cy, half_extent) — bbox-circle approximation
obstacle_tracks: List[tuple] = []
obstacle_vias: List[tuple] = []
obstacle_pads: List[tuple] = []
for track in self.board.GetTracks():
if track.GetNetCode() == gnd_net_code:
continue
# The rest of this module uses the string-class check rather
# than `isinstance(track, pcbnew.PCB_VIA)` — match that for
# consistency and because isinstance against the SWIG type
# works unreliably under test stubs.
is_via = False
try:
is_via = track.GetClass() == "PCB_VIA"
except Exception:
is_via = False
if is_via:
pos = track.GetPosition()
width = track.GetWidth()
drill = 0
try:
drill = track.GetDrill()
except Exception:
pass
obstacle_vias.append((pos.x, pos.y, max(width, drill) // 2))
else:
s, e = track.GetStart(), track.GetEnd()
obstacle_tracks.append((s.x, s.y, e.x, e.y, track.GetWidth() // 2))
for fp in self.board.GetFootprints():
for pad in fp.Pads():
pad_net = pad.GetNetCode()
if pad_net == gnd_net_code:
continue
p = pad.GetPosition()
sz = pad.GetSize()
half_extent = max(sz.x, sz.y) // 2
# Inflate for pad-shape variation (round vs rect)
obstacle_pads.append((p.x, p.y, half_extent))
logger.info(
f"add_gnd_stitching_vias: {len(obstacle_tracks)} tracks, "
f"{len(obstacle_vias)} vias, {len(obstacle_pads)} pads to avoid"
)
# --- In-zone test (cached per call) ---
gnd_zones = [
z for z in self.board.Zones()
if z.GetNetCode() == gnd_net_code
]
def in_any_gnd_zone(x_nm: int, y_nm: int) -> bool:
pt = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(x_nm, y_nm)
for z in gnd_zones:
try:
if z.HitTestFilledArea(z.GetLayer(), pt, 0):
return True
except Exception:
# API variant: take any zone in whose bbox we sit
bb = z.GetBoundingBox()
if (bb.GetLeft() <= x_nm <= bb.GetRight()
and bb.GetTop() <= y_nm <= bb.GetBottom()):
return True
return False
# --- Collision check closure (all-layer) ---
placed_via_centres: List[tuple] = [] # nm coords of vias placed this call
def can_place(x_nm: int, y_nm: int) -> bool:
# Boundary
if not (x_min <= x_nm <= x_max and y_min <= y_nm <= y_max):
return False
# Distance against placed-this-call vias (avoid clumping)
min_self = via_size_nm + clearance_nm
for ox, oy in placed_via_centres:
dx = x_nm - ox
dy = y_nm - oy
if dx * dx + dy * dy < min_self * min_self:
return False
# Tracks
for x1, y1, x2, y2, hw in obstacle_tracks:
min_dist = via_radius_nm + hw + clearance_nm
if _point_to_segment_distance_nm(x_nm, y_nm, x1, y1, x2, y2) < min_dist:
return False
# Vias
for vx, vy, vr in obstacle_vias:
min_dist = via_radius_nm + vr + clearance_nm
dx = x_nm - vx
dy = y_nm - vy
if dx * dx + dy * dy < min_dist * min_dist:
return False
# Pads (bbox-circle approximation, intentionally conservative)
for px, py, ph in obstacle_pads:
min_dist = via_radius_nm + ph + clearance_nm
dx = x_nm - px
dy = y_nm - py
if dx * dx + dy * dy < min_dist * min_dist:
return False
return True
# --- Build candidate list per strategy ---
candidates: List[tuple] = []
if "around_refs" in strategies:
if not densify_refs:
logger.warning(
"around_refs strategy requested but densifyRefs is empty"
)
fps_by_ref = {fp.GetReference(): fp for fp in self.board.GetFootprints()}
for ref in densify_refs:
fp = fps_by_ref.get(ref)
if not fp:
logger.warning(f"densifyRefs: {ref!r} not found")
continue
cx = fp.GetPosition().x
cy = fp.GetPosition().y
for dx in range(-densify_radius, densify_radius + 1):
for dy in range(-densify_radius, densify_radius + 1):
candidates.append((cx + dx * spacing_nm, cy + dy * spacing_nm))
if "grid" in strategies or "in_zones" in strategies:
x = x_min
while x <= x_max:
y = y_min
while y <= y_max:
candidates.append((x, y))
y += spacing_nm
x += spacing_nm
# --- Filter + place ---
in_zones_only = "in_zones" in strategies
skipped_by_zone = 0
skipped_by_collision = 0
placed_meta: List[Dict[str, Any]] = []
for cx, cy in candidates:
if max_vias is not None and len(placed_meta) >= max_vias:
break
if in_zones_only and not in_any_gnd_zone(cx, cy):
skipped_by_zone += 1
continue
if not can_place(cx, cy):
skipped_by_collision += 1
continue
placed_via_centres.append((cx, cy))
placed_meta.append({
"x": round(cx / scale, 3),
"y": round(cy / scale, 3),
"unit": "mm",
})
# --- Write to board ---
if not dry_run:
f_cu = self.board.GetLayerID("F.Cu")
b_cu = self.board.GetLayerID("B.Cu")
for cx, cy in placed_via_centres:
via = pcbnew.PCB_VIA(self.board)
via.SetPosition(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(cx, cy))
via.SetWidth(via_size_nm)
via.SetDrill(via_drill_nm)
via.SetLayerPair(f_cu, b_cu)
via.SetNet(gnd_net)
self.board.Add(via)
return {
"success": True,
"placed": placed_meta,
"summary": {
"gnd_net": gnd_net_name,
"placed_count": len(placed_meta),
"candidates_evaluated": len(candidates),
"skipped_by_zone_membership": skipped_by_zone,
"skipped_by_collision": skipped_by_collision,
"strategies": strategies,
"dry_run": dry_run,
"via_size_mm": via_size_mm,
"via_drill_mm": via_drill_mm,
"clearance_mm": clearance_mm,
"spacing_mm": spacing_mm,
},
}
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Module-level geometry helper (used by add_gnd_stitching_vias collision check)
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
def _point_to_segment_distance_nm(
px: int, py: int, x1: int, y1: int, x2: int, y2: int
) -> float:
"""Shortest distance (nm) from point (px,py) to segment (x1,y1)-(x2,y2).
Pure integer-friendly variant of the standard projection formula;
used in the hot loop of GND-stitching collision detection so we
avoid building VECTOR2I objects per call.
"""
dx = x2 - x1
dy = y2 - y1
if dx == 0 and dy == 0:
ex = px - x1
ey = py - y1
return (ex * ex + ey * ey) ** 0.5
denom = dx * dx + dy * dy
t = ((px - x1) * dx + (py - y1) * dy) / denom
if t < 0:
t = 0
elif t > 1:
t = 1
proj_x = x1 + t * dx
proj_y = y1 + t * dy
ex = px - proj_x
ey = py - proj_y
return (ex * ex + ey * ey) ** 0.5

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@@ -370,6 +370,7 @@ class KiCADInterface:
"delete_trace": self.routing_commands.delete_trace,
"query_traces": self.routing_commands.query_traces,
"query_zones": self.routing_commands.query_zones,
"add_gnd_stitching_vias": self.routing_commands.add_gnd_stitching_vias,
"modify_trace": self.routing_commands.modify_trace,
"copy_routing_pattern": self.routing_commands.copy_routing_pattern,
"get_nets_list": self.routing_commands.get_nets_list,

View File

@@ -1027,6 +1027,122 @@ ROUTING_TOOLS = [
},
},
},
{
"name": "add_gnd_stitching_vias",
"title": "Add GND Stitching Vias",
"description": (
"Drop GND stitching vias across the board with collision "
"checking against every non-GND segment, via, and pad on "
"every copper layer (PTH vias penetrate the full stackup, "
"so missing one layer is the classic silent-short failure "
"mode that other GND-stitching tools have). Combines three "
"strategies: a regular `grid` across the interior, "
"`around_refs` (densify around named ICs like an MCU or "
"switching regulator), and `in_zones` (only place vias "
"where they actually land on a GND copper zone so they "
"stitch real polygons together rather than floating on "
"silkscreen). Supports `dryRun` to preview placements "
"without writing to the board. "
"Approach ported from morningfire-pcb-automation "
"(https://github.com/NiNjA-CodE/morningfire-pcb-automation, "
"scripts/ground/add_gnd_vias.py); this version reads "
"obstacles via the pcbnew API (handles rotation, picks up "
"net classes, integrates with the live in-memory board) "
"and adds the in-zones strategy + maxVias cap + dry-run."
),
"inputSchema": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"gndNet": {
"type": "string",
"description": (
"Name of the ground net (default: auto-detect "
"GND / GROUND / VSS / /GND)."
),
},
"strategies": {
"type": "array",
"description": (
"Which placement strategies to combine (default: "
"['grid']). Pass ['grid', 'around_refs', "
"'in_zones'] for full coverage."
),
"items": {
"type": "string",
"enum": ["grid", "around_refs", "in_zones"],
},
},
"viaSize": {
"type": "number",
"description": "Via pad diameter in mm (default 0.6).",
"default": 0.6,
},
"viaDrill": {
"type": "number",
"description": (
"Via drill diameter in mm (default 0.3). "
"Must be smaller than viaSize."
),
"default": 0.3,
},
"clearance": {
"type": "number",
"description": (
"Extra clearance beyond required between each new "
"via and existing copper, in mm. Default 0.2."
),
"default": 0.2,
},
"spacing": {
"type": "number",
"description": (
"Grid spacing in mm for the `grid` and "
"`around_refs` strategies. Default 5.0."
),
"default": 5.0,
},
"densifyRefs": {
"type": "array",
"description": (
"Reference designators to densify ground around "
"(used by `around_refs` strategy). Good targets: "
"MCUs, switching regulators, RF parts."
),
"items": {"type": "string"},
},
"densifyRadius": {
"type": "integer",
"description": (
"How many grid cells around each ref to try "
"(default 2 = 5x5 candidate field per ref)."
),
"default": 2,
},
"edgeMargin": {
"type": "number",
"description": (
"Keep-out from the board edge in mm. Default 0.5."
),
"default": 0.5,
},
"maxVias": {
"type": "integer",
"description": (
"Cap on total placements across all strategies "
"(default unlimited). Useful when iterating."
),
},
"dryRun": {
"type": "boolean",
"description": (
"If true, return the placements that would be "
"made but don't modify the board. Default false."
),
"default": False,
},
},
},
},
{
"name": "modify_trace",
"title": "Modify Trace",

View File

@@ -259,6 +259,96 @@ export function registerRoutingTools(server: McpServer, callKicadScript: Functio
},
);
// ------------------------------------------------------
// Add GND Stitching Vias Tool
//
// Drops GND stitching vias across the board with full-stackup
// collision detection: every non-GND segment, via, and pad on every
// copper layer is checked, because a PTH via penetrates the whole
// board. Three combinable strategies: regular grid, around named
// refs (densify under MCUs / regulators / RF parts), and in-zones
// only (vias land on actual GND copper, not silkscreen). Supports
// dryRun to preview placements without writing.
//
// Approach ported from morningfire-pcb-automation:
// https://github.com/NiNjA-CodE/morningfire-pcb-automation
// (scripts/ground/add_gnd_vias.py)
// ------------------------------------------------------
server.tool(
"add_gnd_stitching_vias",
"Drop GND stitching vias across the board with collision checking against every non-GND segment, via, and pad on every copper layer (PTH vias penetrate the full stackup, so missing any one layer is the classic silent-short failure mode). Three combinable strategies: `grid` (regular grid across the interior), `around_refs` (densify around named ICs), and `in_zones` (only place vias inside an actual GND copper zone). Supports `dryRun` to preview placements without writing.",
{
gndNet: z
.string()
.optional()
.describe(
"Name of the ground net (default: auto-detect GND / GROUND / VSS / /GND).",
),
strategies: z
.array(z.enum(["grid", "around_refs", "in_zones"]))
.optional()
.describe(
"Which placement strategies to combine (default: ['grid']). Pass ['grid', 'around_refs', 'in_zones'] for full coverage.",
),
viaSize: z.number().optional().describe("Via pad diameter in mm (default 0.6)."),
viaDrill: z
.number()
.optional()
.describe("Via drill diameter in mm (default 0.3). Must be smaller than viaSize."),
clearance: z
.number()
.optional()
.describe(
"Extra clearance beyond required between each new via and existing copper, in mm (default 0.2).",
),
spacing: z
.number()
.optional()
.describe(
"Grid spacing in mm for `grid` and `around_refs` strategies (default 5.0).",
),
densifyRefs: z
.array(z.string())
.optional()
.describe(
"Reference designators to densify ground around (used by `around_refs`). Targets: MCUs, switching regulators, RF parts.",
),
densifyRadius: z
.number()
.int()
.optional()
.describe(
"How many grid cells around each ref to try (default 2 = 5x5 candidate field per ref).",
),
edgeMargin: z
.number()
.optional()
.describe("Keep-out from the board edge in mm (default 0.5)."),
maxVias: z
.number()
.int()
.optional()
.describe("Cap on total placements across all strategies (default unlimited)."),
dryRun: z
.boolean()
.optional()
.describe(
"If true, return the placements that would be made but don't modify the board (default false).",
),
},
async (args: any) => {
const result = await callKicadScript("add_gnd_stitching_vias", args);
return {
content: [
{
type: "text",
text: JSON.stringify(result, null, 2),
},
],
};
},
);
// Get nets list tool
server.tool(
"get_nets_list",

View File

@@ -0,0 +1,410 @@
"""Tests for the add_gnd_stitching_vias MCP tool.
Uses mocked pcbnew objects so the suite runs under both the conftest
stub and a real pcbnew install. The math/orchestration is what we want
to lock in — the actual KiCad SWIG calls are wafer-thin wrappers.
Approach ported from morningfire-pcb-automation
(https://github.com/NiNjA-CodE/morningfire-pcb-automation,
scripts/ground/add_gnd_vias.py). These tests pin the placement
contract: all-layer collision check, in-zones membership filtering,
clump prevention, geometry validation.
"""
import sys
from pathlib import Path
from types import SimpleNamespace
from unittest.mock import MagicMock
import pytest
PYTHON_DIR = Path(__file__).parent.parent / "python"
sys.path.insert(0, str(PYTHON_DIR))
# Need pcbnew imported (real or stubbed) before RoutingCommands.
import pcbnew # noqa: F401, E402
from commands.routing import RoutingCommands, _point_to_segment_distance_nm # noqa: E402
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Fixture helpers — build a fake board with controllable obstacles.
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
def _mm(v):
return int(round(v * 1_000_000))
def _bbox(left_mm, top_mm, right_mm, bottom_mm):
bb = MagicMock()
bb.GetLeft.return_value = _mm(left_mm)
bb.GetTop.return_value = _mm(top_mm)
bb.GetRight.return_value = _mm(right_mm)
bb.GetBottom.return_value = _mm(bottom_mm)
bb.GetWidth.return_value = _mm(right_mm - left_mm)
bb.GetHeight.return_value = _mm(bottom_mm - top_mm)
return bb
def _vector(x_mm, y_mm):
v = MagicMock()
v.x = _mm(x_mm)
v.y = _mm(y_mm)
return v
def _track(net_code, x1, y1, x2, y2, width_mm=0.2):
"""A segment-style track on the given net."""
t = MagicMock()
t.GetNetCode.return_value = net_code
t.GetStart.return_value = _vector(x1, y1)
t.GetEnd.return_value = _vector(x2, y2)
t.GetWidth.return_value = _mm(width_mm)
t.GetClass.return_value = "PCB_TRACK" # routing code checks via GetClass()
return t
def _via(net_code, x, y, size_mm=0.8, drill_mm=0.4):
"""A through-hole via on the given net."""
v = MagicMock()
v.GetNetCode.return_value = net_code
v.GetPosition.return_value = _vector(x, y)
v.GetWidth.return_value = _mm(size_mm)
v.GetDrill.return_value = _mm(drill_mm)
v.GetClass.return_value = "PCB_VIA" # routing code checks via GetClass()
return v
def _pad(net_code, x, y, size_x_mm=1.0, size_y_mm=1.0):
p = MagicMock()
p.GetNetCode.return_value = net_code
p.GetPosition.return_value = _vector(x, y)
sz = MagicMock()
sz.x = _mm(size_x_mm)
sz.y = _mm(size_y_mm)
p.GetSize.return_value = sz
return p
def _footprint(ref, x_mm, y_mm, pads=()):
fp = MagicMock()
fp.GetReference.return_value = ref
fp.GetPosition.return_value = _vector(x_mm, y_mm)
fp.Pads.return_value = list(pads)
return fp
def _net(code, name):
n = MagicMock()
n.GetNetCode.return_value = code
n.GetNetname.return_value = name
return n
def _board(
*, width_mm=60.0, height_mm=40.0, gnd_code=1, gnd_name="GND",
tracks=(), pads=(), footprints=(), other_vias=(), zones=(),
extra_nets=None,
):
"""Build a fake pcbnew BOARD with the supplied obstacles."""
board = MagicMock()
nets_by_name = MagicMock()
name_lookup = {gnd_name: _net(gnd_code, gnd_name)}
if extra_nets:
for code, name in extra_nets.items():
name_lookup[name] = _net(code, name)
nets_by_name.has_key.side_effect = lambda k: k in name_lookup # noqa: W601
nets_by_name.__getitem__.side_effect = lambda k: name_lookup[k]
netinfo = MagicMock()
netinfo.NetsByName.return_value = nets_by_name
board.GetNetInfo.return_value = netinfo
board.GetBoardEdgesBoundingBox.return_value = _bbox(0, 0, width_mm, height_mm)
board.GetTracks.return_value = list(tracks) + list(other_vias)
board.GetFootprints.return_value = list(footprints)
board.Zones.return_value = list(zones)
# Layer IDs (just need stable numbers)
layer_map = {"F.Cu": 0, "B.Cu": 31}
board.GetLayerID.side_effect = lambda n: layer_map.get(n, -1)
return board
def _cmd(board):
cc = RoutingCommands.__new__(RoutingCommands)
cc.board = board
return cc
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Tests
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_grid_strategy_fills_empty_board():
board = _board(width_mm=20, height_mm=20)
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["grid"],
"spacing": 5.0,
"edgeMargin": 0.5,
"dryRun": True,
})
assert out["success"], out
placed = out["placed"]
# Grid from 0.5 to 19.5 stepping 5 -> {0.5, 5.5, 10.5, 15.5} -> 4*4 = 16
assert len(placed) == 16
assert out["summary"]["placed_count"] == 16
# All placements inside the edge bounds
for p in placed:
assert 0.5 <= p["x"] <= 19.5 and 0.5 <= p["y"] <= 19.5
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_collision_blocks_via_near_signal_track():
# Signal track on B.Cu (net code 2) crossing the middle of the board.
track = _track(net_code=2, x1=0, y1=10, x2=20, y2=10, width_mm=0.5)
board = _board(width_mm=20, height_mm=20, tracks=[track])
no_collision = _cmd(_board(width_mm=20, height_mm=20)).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["grid"], "spacing": 5.0, "edgeMargin": 0.5,
"dryRun": True,
})
with_collision = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["grid"], "spacing": 5.0, "edgeMargin": 0.5,
"dryRun": True,
})
assert len(with_collision["placed"]) < len(no_collision["placed"]), (
"track at y=10 must block at least one grid point"
)
# Specifically the row at y=10.5 should be blocked (the only one within
# the track's collision distance for a 5mm grid).
for p in with_collision["placed"]:
# via radius 0.3 + track half-width 0.25 + clearance 0.2 = 0.75mm
# the track is at y=10, so any via with |y - 10| < 0.75 should be blocked
assert abs(p["y"] - 10) >= 0.749, (
f"via at y={p['y']} should have been blocked by track at y=10"
)
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_gnd_net_obstacles_are_ignored():
"""Vias and tracks already on GND should NOT block new stitching vias."""
gnd_track = _track(net_code=1, x1=0, y1=10, x2=20, y2=10, width_mm=2.0)
board_gnd_only = _board(width_mm=20, height_mm=20, tracks=[gnd_track])
out = _cmd(board_gnd_only).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["grid"], "spacing": 5.0, "edgeMargin": 0.5,
"dryRun": True,
})
# No non-GND obstacles → identical to empty-board layout (16 vias)
assert len(out["placed"]) == 16
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_around_refs_densifies_near_footprint():
fp = _footprint("U1", 10.0, 10.0)
board = _board(width_mm=30, height_mm=30, footprints=[fp])
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["around_refs"],
"densifyRefs": ["U1"],
"densifyRadius": 2,
"spacing": 2.0,
"edgeMargin": 0.5,
"dryRun": True,
})
assert out["success"]
# 5x5 candidate field around U1 = 25 vias if all clear
assert out["summary"]["placed_count"] == 25
# All placements should be within 2*2.0mm of U1's centre
for p in out["placed"]:
assert abs(p["x"] - 10.0) <= 4.0 + 0.001
assert abs(p["y"] - 10.0) <= 4.0 + 0.001
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_in_zones_filter_rejects_candidates_outside_zone(monkeypatch):
"""When in_zones strategy is selected, only candidates inside a GND
zone's HitTestFilledArea are placed."""
# Patch pcbnew.VECTOR2I to return a real SimpleNamespace so the
# zone's HitTestFilledArea side_effect can read pt.x as an int.
monkeypatch.setattr(
pcbnew, "VECTOR2I",
lambda x, y: SimpleNamespace(x=x, y=y),
)
# Build a zone whose HitTestFilledArea reports True only for the LEFT
# half of the board (x < 10mm).
zone = MagicMock()
zone.GetNetCode.return_value = 1
zone.GetLayer.return_value = 0
def _hit(layer, pt, tol):
return pt.x < _mm(10)
zone.HitTestFilledArea.side_effect = _hit
# Defensive fallback: also give the zone a bbox in case the API
# variant gets used instead.
zone.GetBoundingBox.return_value = _bbox(0, 0, 10, 20)
board = _board(width_mm=20, height_mm=20, zones=[zone])
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["in_zones"],
"spacing": 5.0,
"edgeMargin": 0.5,
"dryRun": True,
})
assert out["success"], out
# Only candidates with x < 10mm should be placed → {0.5, 5.5} -> 2 columns × 4 rows = 8
assert all(p["x"] < 10 for p in out["placed"])
assert out["summary"]["placed_count"] == 8
assert out["summary"]["skipped_by_zone_membership"] > 0
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_dry_run_does_not_modify_board():
board = _board(width_mm=20, height_mm=20)
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["grid"], "spacing": 5.0, "dryRun": True,
})
assert out["success"]
assert out["summary"]["dry_run"] is True
# No vias added: board.Add not called
board.Add.assert_not_called()
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_actual_run_writes_vias_to_board():
board = _board(width_mm=20, height_mm=20)
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["grid"], "spacing": 5.0, "dryRun": False,
})
assert out["success"]
# Should have called board.Add once per placed via
assert board.Add.call_count == out["summary"]["placed_count"]
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_max_vias_caps_total_placements():
board = _board(width_mm=40, height_mm=40)
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["grid"], "spacing": 5.0, "edgeMargin": 0.5,
"maxVias": 5, "dryRun": True,
})
assert out["summary"]["placed_count"] == 5
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_intra_call_clump_prevention():
"""Two passes' worth of candidates near each other should NOT clump."""
fp1 = _footprint("U1", 10.0, 10.0)
fp2 = _footprint("U2", 10.5, 10.0) # very close to U1
board = _board(width_mm=30, height_mm=30, footprints=[fp1, fp2])
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["around_refs"],
"densifyRefs": ["U1", "U2"],
"densifyRadius": 1,
"spacing": 0.5, # ridiculously tight: forces self-collision
"viaSize": 0.6,
"clearance": 0.2,
"edgeMargin": 0.5,
"dryRun": True,
})
placed = out["placed"]
# Each pair must respect viaSize + clearance separation
min_centre = 0.6 + 0.2 # 0.8mm
for i in range(len(placed)):
for j in range(i + 1, len(placed)):
dx = placed[i]["x"] - placed[j]["x"]
dy = placed[i]["y"] - placed[j]["y"]
d = (dx * dx + dy * dy) ** 0.5
assert d >= min_centre - 1e-3, (
f"vias clumped: ({placed[i]['x']},{placed[i]['y']}) and "
f"({placed[j]['x']},{placed[j]['y']}) distance={d:.3f}mm"
)
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_invalid_via_geometry_rejected():
board = _board()
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"viaSize": 0.4,
"viaDrill": 0.4, # equal to size — invalid
})
assert out["success"] is False
assert "Invalid via geometry" in out["message"]
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_unknown_strategy_rejected():
board = _board()
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"strategies": ["random_walk"],
})
assert out["success"] is False
assert "Unknown strategy" in out["message"]
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_missing_gnd_net_returns_clear_error():
board = _board(gnd_name="NOT_GND", gnd_code=1)
# The build above creates a single net called NOT_GND, no GND.
# auto-detect should fail.
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({})
assert out["success"] is False
assert "No GND net detected" in out["message"]
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_no_board_returns_clear_error():
cc = RoutingCommands.__new__(RoutingCommands)
cc.board = None
out = cc.add_gnd_stitching_vias({})
assert out["success"] is False
assert "No board" in out["message"]
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_named_gnd_net_used_when_specified():
board = _board(
gnd_name="VSS", gnd_code=7,
extra_nets={1: "GND"}, # also has a GND net
)
out = _cmd(board).add_gnd_stitching_vias({
"gndNet": "VSS", "strategies": ["grid"], "spacing": 10,
"edgeMargin": 5, "dryRun": True,
})
assert out["success"]
assert out["summary"]["gnd_net"] == "VSS"
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Direct tests for the geometry helper
# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_point_to_segment_distance_endpoint():
# Point exactly at one endpoint -> distance 0
d = _point_to_segment_distance_nm(0, 0, 0, 0, 100, 0)
assert d == 0
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_point_to_segment_distance_perpendicular():
# Point above the midpoint of a horizontal segment
d = _point_to_segment_distance_nm(50, 100, 0, 0, 100, 0)
assert d == pytest.approx(100)
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_point_to_segment_distance_beyond_endpoint():
# Point well past one endpoint -> distance to that endpoint
d = _point_to_segment_distance_nm(200, 0, 0, 0, 100, 0)
assert d == pytest.approx(100)
@pytest.mark.unit
def test_point_to_segment_distance_zero_length_segment():
# Degenerate segment (start == end) -> distance to that point
d = _point_to_segment_distance_nm(3, 4, 0, 0, 0, 0)
assert d == pytest.approx(5)