A neural network computer (20) includes a weighting network (21) coupled to a plurality of phase-locked loop circuits (25.sub.1-25N). The weighting network (21) has a plurality of weighting circuits (C.sub.11, . . . , C.sub.NN) having output terminals connected to a plurality of adder circuits (31.sub.1-31.sub.N). A single weighting element (C.sub.kj) typically has a plurality of output terminals coupled to a corresponding adder circuit (31.sub.k). Each adder circuit (31.sub.k) is coupled to a corresponding bandpass filter circuit (31.sub.k) which is in turn coupled to a corresponding phase-locked loop circuit (25.sub.k). The weighting elements (C.sub.1,1, . . . , C.sub.N,N) are programmed with connection strengths, wherein the connection strengths have phase-encoded weights. The phase relationships are used to recognize an incoming pattern.