A neural circuit device modeled on vital cells includes a plurality of first signal lines to which signals to be computed are transferred, a plurality of amplifiers serving as the bodies of the vital cells, a plurality of second signal lines arranged to intersect with the first signal lines in correspondence to the respective amplifiers, and a plurality of coupling elements provided in crossings between the first and second signal lines. Each of the coupling elements is adapted to couple an associated first signal line with an associated second signal line in a specific degree of coupling, and includes a first capacitive element storing information of the degree of coupling in the form of charges, and a circuit which converts a signal potential of the associated first signal line along the coupling degree information stored in the first capacitive element to transfer the converted potential to the associated second signal line without feeding current between an operation power source or a ground potential and the associated second signal line. This conversion/transfer circuit includes a circuit which causes potential change on the second signal line through charge pumping function or charging function. The amplifiers as the neuron bodies include a capacitive coupling element at their inputs.
Semiconductor neural circuit device having capacitive coupling and operating method thereof