Content Addressable Memory Timing Control for Faster Read Write Compare
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The time required for write, read, and compare operations in content addressable memories (CAM) needs to be optimized, and existing design rules for SRAM memory cells and page buffers can be adopted to improve the layout efficiency and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A content addressable memory system with a timing control circuit, address line control circuit, and processing and output circuit is implemented, which includes a timing generation circuit, address counting circuit, word line decoding circuit, and processing circuits to optimize operation modes and reduce operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the CAM uses traditional SRAM memory cell design, then the layout efficiency and resource utilization are limited, but the operation time for write, read, and compare can be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the memory cell design by using transmission gate-based structures instead of traditional SRAM cells, and employs differential signaling schemes. These parameter changes enable simultaneous optimization of operation time and layout efficiency, as the new structure allows for faster write, read, and compare operations while maintaining compact layout that adheres to existing design rules.
2Loss of time
If the CAM adopts complex control circuits to reduce operation time, then the device complexity increases, but the resource utilization can be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into unified control circuits. The timing control circuit generates multiple control signals (first control signal, second control signal, third control signal) that coordinate write, read, and compare operations across multiple memory banks. This merging approach reduces overall device complexity while achieving reduced operation time through coordinated parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuits are designed with multi-functionality to handle different operation modes (write, read, compare) and different memory bank configurations. The same timing control circuit structure can manage operations across first memory banks, second memory banks, and third memory banks, reducing the need for separate dedicated control logic for each function and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the CAM uses multiple memory banks with different configurations, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CAM into multiple independently configurable memory banks (first memory banks, second memory banks, third memory banks), each capable of operating in different modes. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different application requirements by configuring specific banks for specific operations while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design. Each bank can be independently controlled and optimized.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application proposes a content addressable memory including: memory cells coupled with each word line and a bit line bus; a timing control circuit configured to determine an operation mode including read, write, and compare modes and generate a control signal for a corresponding operation mode according to a received bus command; an address line control circuit configured to activate a corresponding word line and the bit line bus based on the control signal; and a processing and output circuit configured to read out data stored in the memory cells from the bit line bus in the read mode, write data to be written from the bit line bus to the memory cells in the write mode, and compare data to be compared inputted from the bit line bus with data already stored in the memory cells and output a compare result in the compare mode.