Content addressable memory having read/write capabilities that do not interrupt continuous search cycles

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A content addressable memory (CAM) is provided. The CAM includes a search port for performing search operations at each clock cycle and a maintenance port for writing and, reading data to address locations of the content addressable memory. An interlock signal is, also provided and is communicated from the search port to the maintenance port to establish, when writing and reading of data is to be performed to the content addressable memory so, that the search operations continue uninterrupted at each clock cycle. Preferably, the, interlock signal is communicated at an end of a search operation and at a beginning of a, search pre-charge operation. The maintenance port is configured to …