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.
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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.