Conway's Game of Life, in real life

The author built a physical version of Conway's Game of Life using a 17×17 matrix of NKK JB15LPF-JF switches with integrated LEDs, controlled by a Microchip AVR128DA64 microcontroller on a custom PCB. The display uses multiplexed row/column driving with MOSFETs to handle 150 mA per LED, while switch input is sensed by reusing row select lines with pull-up resistors. A 10 kΩ potentiometer provides analog speed control for the simulation.