This Neuron-Themed PCB Mimics the Function of Real Neurons

It can be very difficult to teach the function of the nervous system, especially when you get down to individual neurons — they are, after all, quite small. For that reason, educators often utilize animations and diagrams that attempt to create a visualization of inter-neuron communication. But many people grasp subjects better when they can take a hands-on approach to learning, which is why Sebastian Billaudelle created an educational and interactive neuron PCB called Lu.i.

The Lu.i PCB doesn't just look like a neuron, it also acts like a neuron. The idea is that an educator could have several Lu.i boards for students to experiment with. When connected together, the Lu.i neurons work like the real thing and communicate signals. The paths of those signals show up as blinking LEDs on the surface of the PCBs, creating a visualization that is intuitive and easy to understand.

The cool part is that those LEDs do more than just blink to indicate a connection between one neuron and another. The way they blink reflects the logic of the communicated signal. To electrical engineers, this will look very familiar. That's because the neurons can do things like mimic logic gates. The standard neuron follows the "leaky integrate-and-fire" (LIF) model, but there are other possibilities.

Because the boards are analog, they can correctly perform their functions without relying on digital approximations. Miniature potentiometers on the Lu.i boards let users tweak the values to see how they affect the transmission and output of signals. The math and electrical engineering involved is complex, but users won't need a degree to see the results.

Lu.i boards are not currently available for purchase, but this is an open source project and anyone can make their own PCBs or order PCBs from a fabrication house. They will require soldering SMD (surface-mount device) components, so this isn't a project for those new to PCB assembly.