1. An apparatus for processing data in a neural network having a stored sample transfer function, comprising: a receiver configured to receive at least one input value representing information to be processed by the network; a threshold processor configured to determine threshold values indicating boundaries for application of the sample transfer function for a node, the threshold processor comprising: a mapper configured to receive a value representing a specific transfer function for the node and map the received value to identify threshold values for the specific transfer function; a generator configured to generate an intermediate value from the input value for the node; and an output processor configured to determine an output value for the node based on the threshold values and the intermediate value in accordance with the sample transfer function.