Patent ID: 6553453
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A variable width content addressable memory (CAM) device, comprising:a plurality of CAM blocks for storing a plurality of data of variable widths, each data having one or more data portions of one or more predetermined widths, each CAM block being configured to store a predetermined width portion of said data such that each data is stored in one or more of said CAM blocks, said CAM blocks receiving search data having a specified number of search data portions with each search data portion having said one or more predetermined widths, wherein each CAM block receives a search data portion of said search data for searching said search data in said CAM blocks; and a plurality of dual mode first encoders for concatenating said specified number of said CAM blocks to generate one or more search results, a set of said dual mode first encoders being configured to concatenate said specified number of CAM blocks to match the width of said search data, wherein the remaining dual mode first encoders generate said one or more search results when said concatenated CAM blocks contain data that matches said search data.