DefinePK

Abstract

A low power differential 10T TCAM with parallel Pai-Sigma matchlines is presented which consumes less compare power during search operation, compared to 6T-TCAM. It performs parallel comparison with stored data which reduces power consumption of matchlines of TCAM and also search time is reduced .The NAND and NOR type matchlines are combined to form the Pai-Sigma matchlines. If NAND (NOR) type TCAM cell is used then NAND (NOR) type matchline is used. NOR type TCAM has feature of high speed and high compare power. NAND type TCAM has low speed and low compare power. In Pai segment the NAND type cells are connected in parallel to form the NAND type matchline. In Sigma segment NOR type cells are connected in series to form the NOR type matchline. The matchline incurs the problem of short circuit current due to mismatch and match result of NAND and NOR matchlines. NAND type matchline exist the problem of charge sharing when the search result of the NAND line is mismatches. This proposed TCAM has less compare (search) power compared to the NAND/NOR type TCAM cell.