Importance

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Abstract

A CAM array including volatile or non-volatile ternary CAM cells that discharge their associated match line through a special discharge line (e.g., a low match line), instead of through the bit line, is disclosed. Each ternary CAM cell includes a pair of storage elements that are used to store a data bit value, a comparison element that is used to compare the stored value with an applied data value, and a discharge element that is coupled between the discharge line and the match line. During operation, when the applied data value matches the stored value, the discharge element de-couples the discharge line from the match line (i.e., a high voltage on the match line remains high). Conversely, when the applied data value does not match the stored value, the discharge elements couple the discharge line to the match line, thereby discharging the match line to the discharge line. By discharging the match line to the discharge line instead of the bit lines of the CAM array, the size of the CAM array is not limited by the length bit lines. Because the voltage on the match line is sensed to determine the match/no-match condition of a CAM cell, the match line does not need to be completely discharged.

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First Claim