Description

Content-addressable memory (CAM) is the hardware for parallel lookup/search. The parallel search scheme promises a high-speed search operation but at the cost of high power consumption. Parallel NOR- and NAND-type matchline (ML) CAMs are suitable for high-search-speed and low-power-consumption applications, respectively. The NOR-type ML CAM requires high power, and therefore, the reduction of its power consumption is the subject of many reported designs.