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This paper describes an overall policy for the design of nanoelectronic systems, showing how specific properties of quantum devices can be exploited instead of being counteracted, by introducing unconventional design approaches. Single‐electron tunnelling (SET) circuit ideas, as components for neural networks, are described in more detail. It is argued that the orthodox theory of single‐electron devices is not appropriate for circuit design and simulation, and needs reconsideration. An overview of SET circuit designs for neural nodes is given. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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SUMMARYA circuit theory for metallic single-electron tunnelling (SET) junctions is presented. In detail circuits with a single SET junction in arbitrary environments are described. Based on the conservation of energy in the circuits-a fundamental circuit theorem-equivalent circuit elements are proposed and possible physical justifications are presented. The resulting model represents the tunnel event by an impulse current source, the junction by a charged capacitor, and the tunnelling condition as a discrete process based on local circuit parameters-and may include a tunnelling time. Simple examples illustrate Coulomb blockade, Coulomb oscillations, and continuous direct tunnelling.