A CAM-based keyword match processor architecture

This paper demonstrates a keyword match processor capable of performing fast dictionary search with approximate match capability. Using a content addressable memory with processor element cells, the processor can process arbitrary sized keywords and match input text streams in a single clock cycle. We present an architecture that allows priority detection of multiple keyword matches on single input strings. The processor is capable of determining approximate match and providing distance information as well. A 64-word design has been developed using 19,000 transistors and it could be expanded to larger sizes easily. Using a modest 0.5 μm process, we are achieving cycle times of 10 ns and the design will scale to smaller feature sizes.