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Hi, I’m Ildar, founder of PiEEG. I want to share with you the story behind MicroBCI—a low-cost, open-source brain-computer interface shield I created for the STM32 ecosystem.
Ever since I first heard about brain-computer interfaces, I have been fascinated by the idea of connecting biology with electronics. The thought that we can record brain activity, process it, and use it to control devices felt like science fiction—but I knew it was real, and I wanted to understand it.
When I started experimenting with EEG, I quickly realized two problems
- EEG hardware is expensive. Most devices were built for laboratories and out of reach for students, makers, and indie developers.
- The learning curve was steep. The software was often closed-source, complicated, or locked to specific platforms.
That’s when I decided to build something better: a practical, affordable EEG toolkit for anyone who wants to explore biosignals.
Why STM32?I’ve worked with many microcontrollers, but STM32 stood out. It’s powerful, affordable, and supported by a huge community of developers and resources. Having an STM32 NUCLEO board is like having a passport into a whole ecosystem of embedded development.
So I asked myself: what if I combined anEEG recording with STM32?That was the spark for MicroBCI.
The goal was simple: make a shield that could capture bio-signals (EEG, EMG, ECG) and plug directly into an STM32 NUCLEO board.
Here’s what I built:
8 input channels to connect wet or dry electrodes
- 8 input channels to connect wet or dry electrodes
- Data transfer via SPI at 250 SPS
- Programmable gain (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24)
- Python SDK for reading and visualizing signals
- Compatibility with Raspberry Pi and STM32 boards
With MicroBCI, you don’t need specialized lab equipment. You just connect the electrodes, run a Python script, and start seeing your own brainwaves on the screen.
More Than Hardware: The Software EcosystemMicroBCI is not just a shield—it comes with a full open-source software framework to make it easy to use across platforms.
- Python SDK – for data acquisition, visualization, and signal processing (great for research and prototyping).
- Mobile SDK in Flutter – for building cross-platform apps (Android & iOS) that work with MicroBCI.
- STM32 Framework – for embedded programming and real-time biosignal processing directly on the microcontroller.
This combination of hardware and software means that anyone can start building EEG-powered applications, whether they’re researchers, hobbyists, or mobile developers.
The Mission Behind PiEEGWhen I founded PiEEG, my vision was clear:
Make neuroscience tools affordable and accessible.
I didn’t want EEG to remain something only scientists and well-funded labs could explore. Students, hobbyists, makers, even artists—everyone should be able to experiment with brain signals, meditation tracking, or brain-controlled robotics.
That’s why PiEEG builds low-cost, open-source EEG devices. MicroBCI is part of that mission: it lowers the barrier for entry into the world of brain-computer interfaces.
MicroBCI isn’t just a board—it’s a gateway into creativity and research. Here are just a few things you can build:
- Brain-controlled robots and drones
- Stress, focus, and meditation trackers
- EEG-powered gaming experiences
- Biofeedback tools for sports and performance
- Neuroscience education projects
It’s not a medical device, but it is a platform for experimentation, learning, and fun.
Details how it works can be found in this video
What’s NextThis is just the beginning. My dream is to see more makers, researchers, and students get involved with EEG and BCI technology. With more people experimenting, sharing, and building, we can accelerate innovation in this exciting field.
If you’d like to try MicroBCI, check it out at the GitHub And if you do build something with it, I’d love to hear your story!
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