Universal Netlist, an MCP server tool by Intelligentelectron, empowers AI agents to understand and analyze electrical schematics. Built with TypeScript, it supports design files from Cadence, Altium, and KiCad. This free tool can be deployed as a standalone binary, requiring no Node.js, or as an npm package for Node.js 20+ environments. It operates locally, processing design data in memory, ensuring privacy by not transmitting sensitive information to external services. The server connects with AI clients like Claude Desktop and OpenAI Codex to enable advanced design review capabilities.

What does Universal Netlist connect to?

Universal Netlist functions as an MCP server, establishing connections with various AI agents to enable their interaction with electrical schematics. It integrates with AI clients such as Claude Desktop, Claude Code, and OpenAI Codex, providing a bridge between design data and AI analysis. The server communicates using transport protocols that support HTTP requests, allowing AI agents to send queries and receive analytical results. It processes design files directly from Cadence, Altium, and KiCad, making it a central hub for AI-driven design analysis within these ecosystems.

Core features and tools

The server exposes several callable tools for schematic analysis. These include list_designs to view available projects, run_erc for electrical rule checks, list_components to inventory parts, and search_nets to locate connections. Users can also employ query_component for detailed part information, query_xnet_by_net_name, and query_xnet_by_pin_name to inspect specific elements or connections within a design. While export_cadence_netlist is mentioned as deprecated, the tool's strength lies in its current querying and analysis capabilities.

Who is it for?

Universal Netlist is designed for electronics engineering professionals who work with Cadence, Altium, and KiCad design environments. It also serves AI agents that require the ability to interpret and analyze electrical schematics. The tool allows engineers to use AI for design reviews and to query EDA netlists through natural language conversations, enhancing design verification processes. Its local operation ensures that sensitive design data remains on the user's machine, addressing privacy concerns. Skip this if you do not work with Cadence, Altium, or KiCad design files.

How to get started

No credentials are required for Universal Netlist itself, as authentication is handled by the AI client's security model. The server supports connections through HTTP requests.

Use cases

• Enabling AI agents to perform powerful design reviews through natural conversations.
• Allowing AI agents to understand and analyze electrical schematics.
• Querying EDA netlists and tracing circuit connectivity.

Universal Netlist offers a valuable bridge between electrical design files and AI analysis, operating locally for privacy. Its compatibility with major EDA tools and popular AI clients makes it a practical solution for modern engineering workflows. The tool's query capabilities empower AI agents to assist with design understanding and verification.