Terms of service

Open-source software

The BenchPod MCP server, the Python SDK and the Claude and Codex plugins are open source. Their license (Apache-2.0, see each repository) governs how you use them. These terms add to it only when that software uses the service.

Your account

Keep your sign-in and API keys secret. You are responsible for what happens under your account and your API keys, and for the members you add to your organization.

Real hardware and AI agents

The service and the MCP server control real hardware: they switch power, flash firmware, drive voltages and emulate devices. A mistaken command can damage the board under test or what it is connected to. You are responsible for the setup and for every action taken with your account, including actions an AI agent takes through the MCP server. Review what an agent is about to do, especially tools marked destructive.

BenchPod hardware we provide

When we send you a BenchPod sample or evaluation board free of charge, it stays our property and is on loan to you for an indefinite period. You do not need to return it. If you no longer use it, you can send it back with a prepaid return label we provide on request. Please do not sell it or give it to someone else without asking us.

• It is a development tool for engineering evaluation in a lab, not a finished product. Do not use it in production equipment or where a failure could injure people or damage property.
• It is a bare board. Handle it with ESD precautions, power it within its rated limits, and keep the voltages you connect within the limits in the documentation. You are responsible for the power, wiring and devices you connect to it.
• It has not been authorized under FCC rules or equivalent rules elsewhere, may cause or be affected by radio interference, and is provided for evaluation only, not for resale.
• You are responsible for any import duties and taxes in your country and for following export laws if you move it across borders.
• We publish firmware updates for the BenchPod. Installing one may also update the board's other components, and may change how the board behaves.

A free board comes without a hardware warranty. If it arrives broken or stops working, tell us at hello@embeddedci.com and we will try to help.

Acceptable use

Do not use the service to:

• break the law or infringe anyone's rights,
• access devices, accounts or data you are not allowed to,
• disrupt the service or probe it for weaknesses without our written permission,
• resell access without an agreement with us.

Your content

You own the firmware, captures, recordings, board files and other data you put in the service or on a BenchPod. You give us permission to store and process it only to provide the service to you. Our privacy policy explains how we handle it.

Availability and changes

We work to keep the service running but do not promise it will be uninterrupted. We may change or discontinue features. We may suspend an account that breaks these terms.

No warranty

The service, the software and the hardware are provided "as is", without warranties of any kind, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. Results such as EMI estimates and trace length checks are engineering aids, not certification.

Limitation of liability

To the extent the law allows, we are not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including damaged hardware, lost data or lost profits. Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid us in the 12 months before the claim, or $100 if you paid nothing.

Law, changes and contact

These terms are governed by the laws of Texas, USA. We may update them and will change the date at the top; using the service after a change means you accept it. Questions go to hello@embeddedci.com.