Content addressable memory (CAM) arrays having memory cells therein with different susceptibilities to soft errors

摘要

A CAM array has at least one row therein containing a plurality of memory cells with different susceptibilities to soft errors. The memory cells having reduced susceptibilities to soft errors include those used in check bit cells and/or CAM cells containing valid bit data and/or force no-hit data. Additional memory cells may also be provided with somewhat greater susceptibilities to soft errors and somewhat more aggressive design rules (e.g., smaller layout area). These additional memory cells may include those used in ternary CAM cells (e.g., XY CAM cells) within the row.