Single CAM Architecture for Dual Content Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Splitting a large content addressable memory (CAM) into multiple smaller CAMs increases power consumption and area, while combining multiple CAMs into a single larger CAM can reduce these costs by sharing periphery circuitry and optimizing layout.
Innovation Solution
Combining multiple smaller CAMs into a single larger CAM with multiple match outputs per memory row, allowing shared periphery circuitry such as address decoders and registers, and optimizing the layout to reduce metal congestion and parasitic capacitance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large CAM is split into multiple smaller CAMs, then performance is improved, but area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple smaller CAMs into a single larger CAM structure where multiple match outputs per memory row are generated within one unified CAM. This merging approach allows sharing of periphery circuitry including address decoders and registers, thereby reducing the total area occupied while maintaining the performance benefits of multiple CAM operations.
2Productivity
If a large CAM is split into multiple smaller CAMs, then performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple CAM functions into a single larger CAM, enabling shared periphery circuitry such as address decoders and registers. This sharing reduces the total power consumption compared to having separate CAMs, as the same circuitry serves multiple match outputs within the unified structure.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple smaller CAMs are combined into a single larger CAM, then area and power are reduced, but circuitry sharing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory rows into multiple portions, with each portion having its own match output. This segmentation allows the periphery circuitry to be shared efficiently across multiple match outputs while maintaining clear organizational boundaries. The address decoder and registers are designed to handle multiple segments, reducing complexity compared to fully independent CAM structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a content addressable memory (CAM). The content addressable memory array includes a memory array and a data match module. The memory array includes multiple memory rows. Each memory row is configured to store a first data word and a second data word. The data match module includes a first match circuitry configured to compare a first match word to the first data word of a memory row, and to generate a first match output based on the comparison between the first match word and the first data word of the memory row. The data match module further includes a second match circuitry configured to compare a second match word to the second data word of the memory row, and to generate a second match output based on the comparison between the second match word and the second data word of the memory row.