Integrated TCAM Search Engine on Hardware Processing Die
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hardware devices face inefficiencies in data search processes due to the use of external content addressable memory (CAM) chips, which increase latency, power consumption, and board real estate, while also being expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) search engine and array directly on the same die as the hardware processing device, minimizing power consumption and latency by enabling single-cycle searches within a compact and low-power interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If external CAM chips are used for data search, then search capability is provided, but latency increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CAM search engine and TCAM array directly onto the same semiconductor die as the hardware processing device, eliminating the need for external CAM chips. This integration reduces the physical distance between search and processing components, thereby reducing latency while maintaining fast search capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the search functionality into a dedicated TCAM array and search engine module that is tightly coupled to the processing device. This segmentation allows the search operation to be performed in a single clock cycle independently, improving search speed without adding external chip latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external CAM chips are used for data search, then search functionality is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CAM search engine and TCAM array into an integrated unit on the same die, reducing the number of external components and interconnections. This integration reduces overall power consumption by eliminating redundant power supplies and reducing I/O power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated TCAM array and search engine serve the processing device directly without requiring external control logic or additional support circuits. The self-contained design reduces parasitic power consumption and eliminates the need for external power management components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external CAM chips are used for data search, then search capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (processing, search, and memory) into a single integrated device, reducing the total number of external components and interconnections. This simplification reduces system complexity while maintaining full search capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external CAM chips are used for data search, then search functionality is provided, but board real estate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the search functionality onto the same semiconductor die as the processing device, eliminating the need for separate external CAM chips. This integration dramatically reduces the board space required, as the search components occupy only a fraction of the area compared to discrete external chips.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit die having hardware processing elements with a configurable embedded search engine for a content addressable memory is disclosed. The circuit die includes an area having hardware processor circuits. A search engine is coupled to the circuit die via an interconnection. The search engine receives requests for data content. A content addressable memory is coupled to the search engine. The content addressable memory is searchable by the search engine in response to a search request from the hardware processor circuit for data content.