Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for matching a string with multiple lookups using a single associative memory, such as, but not limited to binary and ternary content-addressable memories (CAMs). In one implementation, an information string is partitioned into multiple segments. A first lookup operation is performed on the associative memory using the first segment to produce a first associative memory result, which is used as input to a memory lookup operation to produce a first result. The first result can be programmed to have any desired value or length. This first result along with a second segment of the information string is then used as input to the same associative memory to produce a second associative memory result, which is typically used as input to a memory lookup operation to produce a second result. This process can be repeated for an arbitrary or predetermined number of times.

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First Claim