Patent ID: 7257670

Claim:
A content addressable memory (CAM) device comprising: a match priority encoder for determining the highest priority CAM device having a match in a CAM system within which said CAM device is configured to operate, said match priority encoder configured to receive match information regarding at least one other CAM device in said CAM system from an external priority device, said match priority encoder also configured to receive said match information from said at least one other CAM device, said match priority encoder also configured to receive a global identification signal identifying a CAM device in said CAM system having a highest priority match; and a second stage priority encoder for determining whether said CAM device is the CAM device having a highest priority match, said second stage priority encoder switchably coupled to a first stage priority encoder for receiving said match information, said second stage priority encoder also switchably coupled to said external priority device for receiving said match information; wherein said second stage priority encoder configured to determine whether said CAM device is the CAM device having a highest priority match based on whether said global identification signal is substantially equivalent to the global identification of said CAM device.