Patent ID: 6708250
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A content addressable memory (CAM) for generating intermediate search results in a search on a stored data word sequence, the CAM comprising:(a) a plurality of rows of CAM cells each for storing a data word in said data ward sequence; (b) a plurality of match lines each coupled to a corresponding row of CAM cells, each match line having a predetermined priority and for generating a corresponding match line signal; (c) a priority encoder coupled to said match lines for generating a match address in response to a match line signal; and (d) a plurality of logic circuits, each coupled between corresponding match lines and said priority encoder for selectively coupling its corresponding match line signal or a match line signal from a lower priority match line to said priority encoder in response to an instruction signal, said instruction signal for instructing the CAM to generate a match address output on a new search or on a continuation of a previous search, such that portions of the data word sequence occurring at any intermediate location within the data word sequence provides match results in response to input search data which are equivalent to portions of the stored data word sequence.