Low-Power Priority Encoder and Multiple Match Detection Circuit for Ternary Content Addressable Memory

Abstract

Multiple match detection (MMD) circuits and priority encoders (PEs) are employed in ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) chips to detect multiple matches and to resolve the highest priority match. This paper presents novel PE and MMD circuits. Measurement results of the proposed circuits, fabricated in 0.18 mum CMOS technology, show significant (up to 70%) speed and energy improvements over the existing designs.