There are various hardware implementations of ​Conway''s Game of Life One of the most appealing is ​this one This has the cool feature that many can be connected together to make a larger "world" The 4x4 size is too small to be very interesting by itself, and the starting pattern cant be controlled.

I propose a new implementation with the following features:

• 8x8 multiplexed or "Charlieplexed" LED array
• Expansion capability like Dropout/Adafruit? version
• On-line editing of starting pattern with optical download similar to the very clever

scheme described ​here

• Arduino-compatible boot loader if possible (or USBAspLoader)
• All through-hole construction

Hopefully the cost can be kept low ($20 per board as a target).

Tentative BOM is ​here BOM cost @ 25 = $8.32.

PCB Layout

Size options:

• 4.8 in sq (0.6 LED pitch)
• 3.2 in sq (0.4 LED pitch)
• 2.4 in sq (0.3 LED pitch)

If uC goes on same side as LEDs i.e. Dropout version, pitch is 0.7 inch. Can maybe do 0.6 inch pitch, thus 4.8 inch on side for square boards which can tile edge-edge. A 3.2 inch square with LEDs on 0.4 inch pitch is also do-able with the uC on the back.

Pricing for 15-20 pcs

• oshpark.com_OSH_Park?

at $10/board more or less.

• ExpressPCB, PCBExpress and Advanced are not in contention

Pricing for 50-60 pcs

'PCBExpress pricing (E2 - 2L w/ SS+SM)

• 14 in max, so 4x4 up is best.
• For 65-168 in^{2, 8 pcs are $669, 10 pcs are $715.}
• This comes out to $21/boards @ 32 or $18/board @ 48.

'Advanced Circuits pricing

• Seems that they can do 3*4.8 = 14.4 so price 3x2 up (14.4x9.6 in)
• 10 pcs is $61.22 or $10.20 per board @ 60.
• 5 pcs is $110.59 or '$18.43 @ 30.

• Also 19.2x14.4 or 4x3=12 up.
• $25 @ 24, $18.25 @ 36, $14.20 @ 48