CONTENT ADDRESSABLE MEMORY DEVICE OF VARIABLE WIDTH FOR RETRIEVING DATA OF VARIABLE WIDTH

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a CAM device of variable width for retrieving data of variable width. SOLUTION: A CAM device is provided with plural CAM blocks and plural first encoders. The CAM blocks receive retrieving data including retrieving data parts of specific numbers having the prescribed width in which each retrieving data part are one or more. Each CAM block receives one retrieving data part in the retrieving data for retrieving data in the CAM block. Plural dual mode first encoder are constituted so that retrieved result of one or more are generated by connecting CAM blocks of specific numbers. A dual mode first encoder of one set connects CAM blocks of specific numbers, and makes it coincide with width of retrieving data. When the connected CAM blocks include data being coincident with retrieving data, residual dual mode first encoder generates retrieved result of one or more.