Word search in content addressable memory

• Main Authors: PODAIMA JASON EDWARD, GUPTA SANJAY, AVRAMESCU RADU, GIBSON RANDALL
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.09.2011
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; INFORMATION STORAGE; PHYSICS; STATIC STORES

A content addressable memory (CAM) is provided that can perform wide word searches. At least one CAM memory core having a plurality of bit pattern entry rows is included in the CAM. In addition, search logic is included that, is capable searching particular rows during each cycle. The search logic is also capable of allowing match line results of unsearched rows to remain unchanged during a cycle. The CAM further includes a serial AND array in communication with the bit pattern entry rows, wherein the serial AND array is capable of computing a match result for wide word entries that span multiple bit pattern entry rows. In one aspect, a match line enable signal is provided to the serial AND array, which facilitates computation of the match result.