A content addressable memory (CAM) device having a plurality of CAM blocks and a block selection circuit. Each of the CAM blocks includes an array of CAM cells to store data words having a width determined according to a configuration value. The block selection circuit includes an input to receive a class code and circuitry to output a plurality of select signals to the plurality of CAM blocks. Each of the select signals selectively disables a respective one of the plurality of CAM blocks from participating in a compare operation according to whether the class code matches a class assignment of the CAM block.

Content addressable memory with configurable class-based storage partition

A memory device for performing logical operations on two or more input variables includes a match line and first and second memory cells. The first and second memory cells collectively include a first, second, third and fourth memory element. The first, second, third and fourth memory elements may have either a first value or a second value programmed therein and wherein the first, second, third and fourth memory elements are programmed to either the high or low resistive values based on a particular logic function to be performed.

Content addressable memory array programmed to perform logic operations

The present invention provides a surgical system for securing a suture against relative movement with respect to a body tissue. The surgical system includes a fastener and medical device for positioning and securing a fastener onto a suture. The fastener includes inner and outer members that can slide together and rotate. The suture extends through the inner and outer members so that rotation of the inner member causes it to wrap the suture around it. As the suture is wound around the inner member, the fastener is drawn toward a position against the body tissue. Further rotation of the inner member allows tension to be applied to the suture. The fastener may be bonded to the suture in order to further secure the suture against relative movement with respect to the body tissue.

Device and method for securing body tissue

A content addressable memory (CAM) device including a CAM array and a priority index table. The CAM array has a plurality of rows of CAM cells, each row including a plurality of row segments and being adapted to store a data word that spans a selectable number of the row segments. The priority index table is coupled to the plurality of rows of CAM cells and is adapted to store a plurality of priority numbers, each priority number being indicative of a priority of a corresponding data word stored in the CAM array.

Content addressable memory with programmable word width and programmable priority

A method and apparatus for determining a longest prefix match in a content addressable memory (CAM) device is described. The CAM device includes a CAM array that may be arbitrarily loaded with CIDR addresses that are not prearranged prior to their entry into the CAM device. For one embodiment, the CAM array is a ternary CAM array that includes CAM cells storing CAM data, mask cells storing prefix mask data for the corresponding CAM cells, a CAM match line for indicating a match between a search key and the CAM data (as masked by the prefix mask data), prefix match lines, and prefix logic circuits for comparing the CAM match line with the prefix mask data. The prefix logic circuits determine the longest prefix among the CAM locations that match the search key, regardless of where the matching locations are logically located in the CAM array. The longest prefix is then compared against the prefix mask data stored in the mask cells to determine the location in the CAM array that stores the CIDR address corresponding to the longest prefix. The CAM index or address of the matching CIDR address may then be output from the CAM device. Additionally and/or alternatively, additional or associated data stored at the CAM index may be accessed. The additional or associated data may be, for example, routing information for the stored CIDR address.

Method and apparatus for determining a longest prefix match in a content addressable memory device

A data compressor generates codewords representative of the location and length of a string match between an input data stream and a CAM array vocabulary table. A data decompressor looks up the codewords for a string match in its vocabulary table. The CAM array is arranged in a serpentine configuration to reduce track layout. A column priority encoder reverses the priority of alternate rows to maintain the logical flow through the CAM array. The CAM array uses a flipflop with a common control circuit to transfer and refresh data through the flipflop.

CAM array and method of laying out the same

Flipflop and control circuit in a content addressable memory

A data compressor generates codewords representative of the location and length of a string match between an input data stream and a CAM array vocabulary table A data decompressor looks up the codewords for a string match in its vocabulary table The CAM array is arranged in a serpentine configuration to reduce track layout A column priority encoder reverses the priority of alternate rows to maintain the logical flow through the CAM array The CAM array uses a flipflop with a common control circuit to transfer data through the flipflop When the data compressor is reset, the CAM array may locate matches in the unused portion which are interpreted as the reset character A barrel shifter in the data compressor converts variable length codewords into fixed length for transmission A barrel shifter in the data decompressor converts fixed length codewords back into variable length for decoding into the vocabulary table

Circuit and method of bit-packing and bit-unpacking using a barrel shifter

A data compressor generates codewords representative of the location and length of a string match between an input data stream and a CAM array vocabulary table. A data decompressor looks up the codewords for a string match in its vocabulary table. The CAM array is arranged in a serpentine configuration to reduce track layout. A column priority encoder reverses the priority of alternate rows to maintain the logical flow through the CAM array. The CAM array uses a flipflop with a common control circuit to transfer data through the flipflop. When the data compressor is reset, the CAM array may locate matches in the unused portion which are interpreted as the reset character. A barrel shifter in the data compressor converts variable length codewords into fixed length for transmission. A barrel shifter in the data decompressor converts fixed length codewords back into variable length for decoding into the vocabulary table.

Circuit and method of resetting a data compressor/decompressor

A data compressor (14) generates codewords representative of the location and length of a string match between an input data stream and a CAM array vocabulary table (22). A data decompressor (16) looks up the codewords for a string match in its vocabulary table. The CAM array (50,52,54,56) is arranged in a serpentine configuration to reduce track layout. A column priority encoder (74) reverses the priority of alternate rows to maintain the logical flow through the CAM array. The CAM array uses a flipflop (122) with a common control circuit to transfer and refresh data through the flipflop.

Eugene B. Nusinov

Papers

CAM array and method of laying out the same

Flipflop and control circuit in a content addressable memory

Circuit and method of bit-packing and bit-unpacking using a barrel shifter

Circuit and method of resetting a data compressor/decompressor

Circuit and method of interconnecting content addressable memory