Abstract: Variable width Content Addressable Memory (CAM) devices for searching data of variable widths, are disclosed. The CAM device includes a plurality of CAM blocks and a plurality of dual-mode first encoders. The plurality of CAM blocks is configured to store a plurality of data of variable widths with each data having one or more data portions of one or more predetermined widths. Each CAM block is configured to store a predetermined width portion of the data such that each data is stored in one or more CAM blocks. The CAM blocks receive a search data having a specified number of search data portions with each search data portion having one or more predetermined widths. Each CAM block receives a search data portion of the search data for searching the search data in the CAM blocks. The plurality of dual mode first encoders is configured for concatenating the specified number of the CAM blocks to generate one or more search results.

Abstract: Binary and ternary content addressable memory (CAM) cells are disclosed, which permit the construction of high-performance, large-capacity CAM arrays. The CAM cells have a reduced match line power dissipation, and a reduced compare line loading that is data independent, and full swing comparator output. Match line power dissipation is limited by means of a NAND chain match line. Loading on compare lines is limited by connecting compare lines to the gate terminals of the CAM cell comparator. Local precharge devices at the output of the comparator provide full swing compare logic levels for faster matching. The same precharge devices also serve as an active reset for the comparator. Comparator circuits for ternary CAM cells further employ disable means, which makes the comparison operation conditional on the value stored in the mask memory element. The use of disable means allows the mask and data to be stored separately in a non-encoded form.