Associative memory cells configured to selectively produce binary or ternary content-addressable memory lookup results
US7349230B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C15/04
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Associative memory bit cells are disclosed for selectively producing binary or ternary content-addressable memory lookup results. Associative memory bit cells are grouped together to act as n binary content-addressable memory cells (CAM) bits or m ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) bits, with n>m>0. Based on the programming of the associative memory bit cells and the selective application of search values (based on whether they are acting as CAM or TCAM bit cells), the appropriate determination is made as to whether or not to signal a hit or a miss based on the current input search values. These associative memory bit cells can also be combined to provide error protection for either of their operating modes. Error protection can be used to enable a correct result when e bit errors occur in the stored values in the associative memory bit cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.