Summary: A digital neural network architecture is presented which is based on three-dimensional massively parallel opto-electronic circuits. A suitable optical interconnect system and the structure of the required electronic circuits is specified. For this system general formulas for the performance of such a neural network architecture are determined. A parameter study using current technological limitations and timing values from electronic implementation is carried out. Based on this analysis it is shown that this novel type of neuro-architecture that is using 3D massively parallel opto-electronic circuits shows performance rates of up to one magnitude higher than systems using digital neurochips based on fully electronic implementation.