1. A neural network comprising: a plurality of synaptic weighting elements having a respective programmable conductance; a neuron stage coupled to said synaptic weighting elements, each of said synaptic weighting elements having a respective synaptic input connection supplied with a respective input signal, said neuron stage having a conductance measuring means for generating an output signal on the basis of the total conductance of said synaptic weighting elements; and a decoupling stage between said synaptic weighting elements and said neuron stage.