Brian (software)

Brian is an open source Python package for developing simulations of networks of spiking neurons.

Brian
Developer(s)Romain Brette, Dan Goodman, Marcel Stimberg
Stable release
2.3 / January 6, 2020 (2020-01-06)
Repository
Written inPython
Operating systemCross-platform
TypeNeural network software
LicenseCeCILL
Websitehttp://www.briansimulator.org

Details

Brian is aimed at researchers developing models based on networks of spiking neurons. The general design is aimed at maximising flexibility, simplicity and users' development time.[1] Users specify neuron models by giving their differential equations in standard mathematical form as strings, create groups of neurons and connect them via synapses. This is in contrast to the approach taken by many neural simulators in which users select from a predefined set of neuron models.

Brian is written in Python. Computationally, it is based around the concept of code generation: users specify the model in Python but behind the scenes Brian generates, compiles and runs code in one of several languages (including Python, Cython and C++). In addition there is a "standalone" mode in which Brian generates an entire C++ source code tree with no dependency on Brian, allowing models to be run on platforms where Python is not available.

Example

The following code defines, runs and plots a randomly connected network of leaky integrate and fire neurons with exponential inhibitory and excitatory currents.

Sample raster plot from randomly connected network of integrate and fire neurons with exponential inhibitory and excitatory currents.
from brian2 import *

eqs = """
dv/dt  = (ge+gi-(v+49*mV))/(20*ms) : volt
dge/dt = -ge/(5*ms)                : volt
dgi/dt = -gi/(10*ms)               : volt
"""
P = NeuronGroup(4000, eqs, threshold="v>-50*mV", reset="v=-60*mV")
P.v = -60 * mV
Pe = P[:3200]
Pi = P[3200:]
Ce = Synapses(Pe, P, on_pre="ge+=1.62*mV")
Ce.connect(p=0.02)
Ci = Synapses(Pi, P, on_pre="gi-=9*mV")
Ci.connect(p=0.02)
M = SpikeMonitor(P)
run(1 * second)
plot(M.t / ms, M.i, ".")
show()

Comparison to other simulators

Brian is primarily, although not solely, aimed at single compartment neuron models. Simulators focused on multi-compartmental models include Neuron, GENESIS, and its derivatives.

The focus of Brian is on flexibility and ease of use, and only supports simulations running on a single machine. The NEST simulator includes facilities for distributing simulations across a cluster.[2]

Footnotes
  1. Goodman and Brette 2009
  2. "NEST Initiative".
gollark: I think just jiasheng.
gollark: Access level 3, which is now gone since the server has some different weirder permission management scheme.
gollark: https://discord.com/channels/424394851170385921/424397590214344704/744633798238666813
gollark: It may have been fixed now, but several hours ago you *could* leak some information out of there via pls faketext.
gollark: I assume it's the moderator one.

References
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