Content addressable memory with base-three numeral system

摘要

A CAM cell is disclosed that can be selectively configured to store either base-2 data words or base-3 data words. When configured to store base-3 data words, the quaternary CAM cell compares 3 comparand bits representative of a base-3 comparand value with the base-3 data value stored in the CAM cell. Storing base-3 data words in such CAM cells increases the data storage density of associated CAM arrays.

主权项

1. A content addressable memory (CAM) device including a CAM array having a plurality of quaternary CAM cells each configured to store a base-3 data value having one of four possible states represented by first and second data bits, wherein a respective CAM cell comprises:
first and second memory cells for storing the first and second data bits, respectively; and a compare circuit, coupled to the first and second memory cells and to a match line, to selectively discharge the match line in response to a compare operation between a base-3 comparand value and the base-3 data value; wherein the CAM array is configured to selectively store a trit of a base-3 data word or a bit of a binary data word within each CAM cell of the CAM array.