Patent ID: 6252789
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: G06F,G11C

Abstract:
A content addressable memory (CAM) system for storing a data word chain having a sequence of one or more data words, the CAM system comprising:a plurality of rows of CAM cells each for storing a data word in a data word chain;a plurality of match lines each coupled to a corresponding row of CAM cells; anda plurality of width expansion logic circuits each having a match line input coupled to a match line of a corresponding row of CAM cells, a match line output, a match carry output, a match carry input, and a plurality of control inputs for receiving a plurality of control signals, wherein the match carry output of one of the width expansion logic circuits is coupled to the match carry input of another one of the width expansion logic circuits, and wherein the control signals are for determining the operation of the width expansion logic circuits and for indicating when a first data word, a continuing data word, and a last data word of the data word chain are provided for comparison with the data word of each of the rows of CAM cells, wherein the continuing data word is a data word between the first and last data word in the data word chain.