TDCS

Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation

Introduction

tDCS is a method of passing a (very) small direct current through the brain to elicit changes in neuronal plasticity. The current passes from the positive anode electrode through the scalp, cranial vault and parts of the brain into the negative electrode (cathode).

Effects

Hackers are primarily interested in tDCS because (in some configurations) it seems to increase learning rates. Other possible uses for DIY tDCS include:

• Relief of some types of neuropathic pain by repeated anodal stimulation of the Motor Cortex
• Management of some types of Depression with anodal stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC)

Current Status

Several designs for easily-built open source TDCS have been produced under the name OpenTDCS. None are currently ready for wide-spread use, but are available for reference and experimentation. The recommended version for testing is v4 (below), prototype PCBs have returned from fab and await assembly at the November 8th 2012 Meatup.

Devices

Version 1

Links:

• Bill of Materials
• gEDA Schematic and PCB Layout
• Original Announcement Article

The v1 model was a modification of the GoFlow Schematic. It differs in that it has a potentiameter to adjust the current limiter instead of a 4-way switch. The power is supplied via a barrel connector, but the device should never be powered from a wall socket when connected also to a human being

Advantages:

• Low cost
• Few parts

Disadvantages:

• Primitive.
• Cannot provide 2mA without modification.
• No Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection
• No fail-safe if the LM334Z current limiting IC were to fail.

Version 2

• gEDA Schematic
• Original Announcement Article

The v2 was a testing platform for a microcontroller controlled tDCS stimulator. USB power was not a good fit due to power supply isolation issues. No prototypes were built, the design is flawed and not recommended for any use.

Version 3

Links:

• Bill of Materials
• gEDA Schematic and PCB Layout
• Original Announcement Article

The v3 was designed to test the floating capacitor switching supply concept used in the v2. It was abandoned when the isolation issues in v2 became apparent. The design will probably work safely if the USB power is provided by a laptop running on battery power, but construction or use of the v3 design is not recommended

Version 4

Links:

• Bill of Materials
• gEDA Schematic and PCB Layout

The v4 is designed to drive higher impedance electrodes in addition to the usual sponge+saline electrodes by using the LT1026 charge pump controller to produce +18V to -18V split source from a 9V battery. It uses the LM334Z IC for fine current limiting control and a JFET as a gross 5mA limiter in case of LM334Z failure. ESD protection comes from two varistors.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive / Simple
• 2-3mA available via 9V battery with reasonable electrode configurations.

Disadvantages:

• Limited visual feedback to user (on/off only)
• Current needs to be calibrated with external ammeter