Content-addressable memory

摘要

The invention relates to a content-addressable memory. An object of the invention is to make the content-addressable memory adaptable to various apparatuses and systems having different configurations without substantially altering the basic configuration thereof. The content-addressable memory includes a storage section having a plurality of storage areas for storing respective plural pieces of information; an ancillary storage section having a plurality of ancillary storage areas that correspond to the plurality of storage areas and store priority ranks that are assigned to the respective plurality of storage areas; and a controlling section for outputting, when at least one of the storage areas stores therein information matching with an externally supplied word, pointers of all or part of the at least one of the storage areas in descending order of priority ranks that are stored in ancillary storage areas corresponding to the at least one of storage areas.