Ranged Content-Addressable Memory Parallel Search Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems face inefficiencies in data retrieval and management, particularly in content-driven searches, as they perform serial searches for each bit-pattern, which can be slow and resource-intensive, especially when handling a range of bit patterns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ranged content-addressable memory (RCAM) system, where each memory element stores two values defining a range, allowing for parallel content-driven searches, enabling rapid identification of memory elements containing a search value within those ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional memory systems perform serial searches for each bit-pattern, then resource consumption is reduced, but search speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search space by dividing bit patterns into multiple fields (first field, second field, third field) and organizing memory elements to store range definitions for each field. This allows the search to be broken down into manageable segments that can be processed in parallel, resolving the contradiction by enabling fast parallel search without overwhelming system resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the search problem by storing not just single bit patterns but ranges of bit patterns in memory elements. Each memory element stores a first value representing a most significant bit pattern and a second value representing a least significant bit pattern, creating a dimensional expansion that enables parallel range-based searching.
2Speed
If parallel searches are performed across all memory elements, then search speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the memory structure serve different functions: some memory elements store range definitions (first and second values), while others store actual data. The control logic is distributed across memory elements rather than centralized, allowing parallel operation without requiring complex centralized control, thus improving search speed while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing memory elements to store range definitions (most significant bit pattern and least significant bit pattern) before the search operation. This pre-structuring allows the search to proceed in parallel without requiring complex runtime decision-making, resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If memory elements store two values defining a range, then search capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing memory elements that can serve multiple functions: they can store range definitions (first and second values) for search operations, and they can also store actual data. This multi-functionality allows the same memory structure to handle both the complexity of range-based searching and standard data storage, improving search capability while simplifying manufacturing by avoiding specialized components.
4Productivity
If rapid parallel searching is implemented, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by performing parallel searches only on the necessary fields (first, second, and third fields) rather than examining all possible bit patterns. The search is limited to the specific range defined by stored values, allowing rapid parallel searching to improve productivity without unnecessarily consuming energy on exhaustive searches of the entire memory space.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device comprises a block of ranged content-addressable memory (RCAM) including multiple RCAM memory elements, wherein each RCAM memory element is accessed by content that includes two values; a search register configured to store a search value; and logic circuitry coupled to the multiple content-addressable memory elements and the search register. The logic circuitry is configured to: compare the search value of the search register to the two values of each of the multiple RCAM memory elements in parallel; and identify an RCAM memory element according to the comparison.