Patent ID: 8441828

Claim:
A content addressable memory which compares search data inputted from outside and data stored in advance, comprising: a plurality of match lines disposed so as to extend in a first direction; a plurality of search lines disposed so as to extend in a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells respectively disposed at points where the match lines and the search lines intersect; a plurality of search line drivers which are disposed every corresponding search line and drive the search lines according to the search data; and a search control circuit which transmits the search data to the search line drivers through a control signal wiring extending in the first direction, wherein the search control circuit is disposed at one end in the first direction, of the memory cell array, wherein the control signal wiring has: first and second wiring portions which extend from the one end in the first direction, of the memory cell array to the other end thereof and are disposed side by side in the second direction; and a return wiring portion disposed at the other end thereof, wherein both ends of the first wiring portion are respectively coupled to the search control circuit and the return wiring portion, and wherein both ends of the second wiring portion are respectively coupled to the search control circuit and the return wiring portion.