Content addressable memory (CAM) device with entries having ternary match and range compare functions

摘要

A content addressable memory (CAM) (200) is disclosed that includes a value match mode, where a comparand value can be compared to a masked data value, and a range match mode where a comparand value can be compared to an upper range limit UR and a lower range limit LR. The CAM (200) may include a number of CAM cells (204-n to 204-0) that may each be connected to a compare section (109). A compare section (109) can include a first compare circuit (210) that may generate a match indication on a match line (212) and a second compare circuits (214-n to 214-0). A more significant second compare circuits (214-n) may provide upper and lower limit match results (UMn, LMn) to a less significant first compare circuit (210).