Patent ID: 6400592
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A method of operating a content addressable memory (CAM) having CAM cells that employ P-channel transistors to communicate comparison results to match lines, the method comprising the steps of:discharging a match line input to VSS, thereby causing intermediate nodes on a match line to discharge to a voltage level just above VSS during normal operation, the intermediate nodes lying between CAM cells having P-channel transistors connected in series on the match line; transitioning comparison inputs to the CAM cells, the transitioning step being for initiation of a comparison operation, and the transitioning occurring at substantially the same time for each of the comparison inputs; charging the match line input to VDD during the comparison operation; and utilizing a Miller effect to stop a signal flow from passing through one of the CAM cells when that one of the CAM cells identifies a mismatch for the comparison operation.