Patent ID: 6493790
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: G06F,G11C

Abstract:
A translation-lookaside buffer, comprising:a content-addressable memory (CAM) cell to generate a CAM current signal with a first transistor configuration having a plurality of transistors of a predetermined size and connection, wherein said CAM cell includes a memory portion and a comparator portion; a reference current circuit to generate a reference current signal with a second transistor configuration substantially similar to said first transistor configuration, with the exception of the size and connection of selected transistors, the second transistor configuration including a dummy memory portion and a dummy comparator portion, wherein the reference current circuit is distinct from any CAM cell in the translation-lookaside buffer and the reference current signal generated by the reference current circuit tracks the CAM current signal generated by the CAM cell with respect to changes in power supply voltage; and a match sense amplifier to selectively generate a match signal in response to said CAM current signal and said reference current signal.