Patent ID: 7782646
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: operating a content addressable memory array, the content addressable memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged to store a collection of bits of information as stored words, each memory cell including a memory element electrically coupled to an access transistor in series circuit, the memory element configured to store binary data as one of at least two complementary resistances; using the access transistors to control current flow between lines of bits and a match line; indicating a search match for a stored word if a collective current passing through the memory cells for each stored word is within a predetermined value range; receiving a search word for search through the content addressable memory array; biasing the access transistor of each memory cell of each stored word such that the effective resistance of the access transistor is the complementary resistance of a corresponding bit of the search word; measuring total resistance of the memory cells for the stored words; and indicating a search match for each stored word if the total resistance is within a predetermined value range.