Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) device including a CAM array and a priority index table. The CAM array has a plurality of rows of CAM cells, each row including a plurality of row segments and being adapted to store a data word that spans a selectable number of the row segments. The priority index table is coupled to the plurality of rows of CAM cells and is adapted to store a plurality of priority numbers, each priority number being indicative of a priority of a corresponding data word stored in the CAM array.

Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) device comprising a plurality of CAM blocks and a block control circuit. The plurality of CAM blocks each includes an array of CAM cells to store data words and an array of priority number storage circuits to store priority numbers. Each priority number indicates a priority of a respective one of the data words relative to others of the data words. The block control circuit has an input to receive a class code and circuitry to output a plurality of select signals to the plurality of CAM blocks. Each select signal selectively disables a respective one of the plurality of CAM blocks from participating in a compare operation according to the class code.

Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) device including a CAM array and a priority index table. The CAM array has a plurality of rows of CAM cells, each row including a plurality of row segments and being adapted to store a data word that spans a selectable number of the row segments. The priority index table is coupled to the plurality of rows of CAM cells and is adapted to store a plurality of priority numbers, each priority number being indicative of a priority of a corresponding data word stored in the CAM array.

Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) that includes a CAM array and a write circuit. The write circuit is coupled the CAM array and has a coding circuit to convert a first value into a second value, and a select circuit to select either the first value or the second value to be stored in the CAM array.

Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) device including a CAM array and a priority index table. The CAM array has a plurality of rows of CAM cells, each row including a plurality of row segments and being adapted to store a data word that spans a selectable number of the row segments. The priority index table is coupled to the plurality of rows of CAM cells and is adapted to store a plurality of priority numbers, each priority number being indicative of a priority of a corresponding data word stored in the CAM array.

Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) device comprising a plurality of CAM blocks and a block control circuit. The plurality of CAM blocks each includes an array of CAM cells to store data words and an array of priority number storage circuits to store priority numbers. Each priority number indicates a priority of a respective one of the data words relative to others of the data words. The block control circuit has an input to receive a class code and circuitry to output a plurality of select signals to the plurality of CAM blocks. Each select signal selectively disables a respective one of the plurality of CAM blocks from participating in a compare operation according to the class code.

Abstract: Rows of a CAM array are partitioned into a plurality of row segments, with each row segment having a corresponding match line segment. A first match line segment is pre-charged to enable detection of match conditions in the associated first row segment. Subsequent match line segments are then selectively charged in response to the match conditions in the preceding row segments. In one embodiment, rows of a CAM array are partitioned into first and second row segments. A first match line segment is pre-charged to enable detection of match conditions within the associated first row segment. If there is a match condition in the first row segment, a second match line segment is charged to enable detection of match conditions in the associated second row segment. If there is a match condition in the second row segment, a match condition is indicated for the row. If there is not a match condition in the second row segment, a mismatch condition is indicated for the row.