Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bitcell data stored in a content addressable memory (CAM) includes controlling a first compare line of a first column of an array of bitcells to a first logic state while controlling a second compare line of the first column as well as first and second compare lines of each of the other columns of the array to a second logic state during a second mode of operation, in order to provide the bitcell data stored in at least one bitcell of the first column to a respective match line. The method also includes reading the bitcell data on the respective match line.