NeuroML 2 Import Guide

Import neuron models from NeuroML 2 XML files into SC-NeuroCore.

Supported Cell Types

NeuroML 2 Tag	SC-NeuroCore Model	Notes
<iafCell>	StochasticLIFNeuron	Conductance-based, converted to tau-based
<iafRefCell>	StochasticLIFNeuron	With refractory period
<iafTauCell>	StochasticLIFNeuron	Direct tau mapping
<iafTauRefCell>	StochasticLIFNeuron	tau + refractory
<izhikevichCell>	SCIzhikevichNeuron	2003 dimensionless model
<izhikevich2007Cell>	Izhikevich2007Neuron	Exact biophysical NeuroML units
<adExIaFCell>	AdExNeuron	Brette & Gerstner 2005

Usage

Python

from sc_neurocore.adapters.neuroml import import_neuroml, create_neuron

# Import all cells from a NeuroML file
cells = import_neuroml("my_network.nml")

for cell in cells:
    print(f"{cell.cell_id}: {cell.cell_type}")
    neuron = create_neuron(cell)
    spike = neuron.step(10.0)

Parameter Conversion

LIF (iafCell -> StochasticLIFNeuron)

NeuroML specifies LIF with conductance and capacitance: - C (pF), leakConductance (nS), leakReversal (mV)

SC-NeuroCore uses time constant: - tau_mem = C / leakConductance (ms) - Voltages normalised relative to leak reversal

Izhikevich 2007

NeuroML <izhikevich2007Cell> uses physical units and is imported as Izhikevich2007Neuron without conversion to the dimensionless 2003 model:

• C in pF, k in nS/mV, voltages in mV
• a in 1/ms, b in nS, d and runtime input current in pA
• RK4 integration is selected by default for imported cells

AdEx

Direct parameter mapping. Units match (pF, nS, mV, ms).

Limitations

• HH neurons (<cell> with <biophysicalProperties>) not yet supported. These require parsing ion channel definitions separately.
• Network topology (populations, projections) not imported. Use import_neuroml() for cell types only.
• Multi-compartment morphologies not supported.

Reference

NeuroML 2 specification: https://docs.neuroml.org/Userdocs/Schemas/Cells.html