The video below shows how to build artificial synapses on breadboards using LEDs as an optocoupler.
Most biological neurons have thousands of connections to other synapses and each connection forms a synapse. When building artificial neurons artificial synapses are likely needed to connect to other neurons.
Each synapse consists of an inverter, an optocoupler made with two LEDs, an output buffer, a diode, and a variable resistor. If the synapse is inhibitory, a discharge transistor also needs to be added.
Each synapse either adds or removes charge from the postsynaptic neuron. For these synapses to be functionally equivalent to biological sells a proportional number of states needs to be transferred compared to the same biological network. The video above describes this in much more detail.
Cody started the Global Science Network with the idea people should be focusing more time, energy, and resources on useful projects. He has a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Cody has worked for the US federal government, a university, a large corporation, small businesses, and for himself. He has done human brain computer interface research and is currently working towards creating non-biological human consciousness.