Content addressable memory architecture

Abstract

A Content Addressable Memory array includes a plurality of coupled sub-blocks arranged in rows and columns. Search data received by a first sub-block in a first column of the CAM is propagated to each sub-block in the row to the last sub-block in the last column of the CAM. The search result for the CAM is selected based on the propagated search results for each row of sub-blocks and output on a side of the array opposite from the side receiving the search data.

1 . A Content Addressable Memory comprising: 
 a plurality of data inputs for receiving data;    an array of content addressable sub-blocks, each sub-block in a first column of the array coupled to the plurality of data inputs, data received by a sub-block in a row in the first column of the array being propagated across the array to each subsequent sub-block in the row of the array; and    a plurality of outputs located on a side of the array opposite to the data inputs for forwarding results of an operation in rows of sub-blocks in the array.    
   
   
       2 - 39 . (canceled)