Abstract: A system for a pipeline cascaded content addressable memory CAM system for sequentially processing input data includes an input register, a CAM core, cascade logic and an output register. As the memory association functions produce matches in the CAM core, the cascade logic in parallel composites data associated with each matching CAM core. Each cascade processes a separate data input simultaneously then passes on the cumulative results to the next stage.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method of storing ternary data that includes the steps of (1) initializing a conversion register by storing binary-to-ternary mask data in a conversion register; (2) storing ternary data in a content addressable memory (CAM) by inputting a single bit binary data to the conversion register, and converting the binary data into two bits of ternary data using the conversion register; and (3) simultaneously storing the two bits of ternary data in first and second memory cells. For subsequent searching, the method further includes the steps of searching for a match of input search binary data to the stored contents of the CAM; providing a match valid output responsive to the input search binary bits matching any of the stored contents; and generating an address corresponding to a location in the CAM where the match is found.