Ternary content addressable memory and decision generation method for the same

Abstract

A TCAM comprises a plurality of first search lines, a plurality of second search lines, a plurality of memory cell strings and one or more current sensing units. The memory cell strings comprise a plurality of memory cells. The current sensing units are coupled to the memory cell strings. In a search operation, a determination that whether any of the data stored in the memory cell strings matches a data string to be searched is made according to whether the one or more current sensing units detect current from the memory cell strings, or according to the magnitude of the current flowing out from the memory cell strings detected by the one or more current sensing units. Each memory cell includes a first transistor, a second transistor and an inverter. The first search line is coupled to the second search line by the inverter.