The tongue display unit (TDU) for electrotactile spatiotemporal pattern presentation

The Tongue Display Unit (TDU) is a 144-channel programmable pulse generator that delivers dc-balanced voltage pulses suitable for electrotactile (electrocutaneous) stimulation of the anterior-dorsal tongue, through a matrix of surface electrodes. This article reviews the theory of operation and a design overview of the TDU, as well as selected applications. These include sensory substitution, tactile information display and neurorehabilitation via induced neuroplasticity.