Patent ID: 6320777
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A dynamic content addressable memory cell for storing and accessing ternary data, comprising:a) a first storage device for storing a first data bit;b) a second storage device for storing a second data bit having a value independent of the first data bit;c) first and second bit lines connected to the first and second storage devices, respectively, for independently writing the first and second data bits to the first and second data storage devices; andd) comparing means having first and second pull-down circuits connected to the first and second storage devices and to second and first search lines, respectively, the second and first search lines being distinct from the first and second bit lines, the first and second pull-down circuits connected between a match line and a discharge line, the comparing means for comparing second and first search bits carried on the second and first search lines to first and second data bits stored in the first and second storage devices, respectively, the comparing means coupling the match line to the discharge line if a mismatch occurs between the first and second search bits and the respective first and second data bits, and when the first and second data bits have complementary values.