Searching memory for a search key

A method for producing output from a memory block, the method implemented using hardware within the memory block and the method comprising:

• performing an internal content addressable search, in response to a search operation, to determine whether a search key resides within the memory block, including:
• using a first index to access a pointer, a mode select and a function select from a first memory,
• receiving the pointer, the mode select and the function select and producing a second index, including the following:
• using the pointer to produce the second index when the mode select is a first value, and
• using a hash function to produce the second index when the mode select is a second value, the function select identifying a hash function to be used to produce the second index, and
• using the second index to access output from a second memory.

A memory block that in response to a search operation performs an internal content addressable search to determine whether a search key resides within the memory block, the memory block comprising:

• a first memory that receives a first index and based on a value of the first index outputs a pointer, a mode select and a function select;
• a index generator that receives the pointer, the mode select and the function select and produces a second index, wherein when the mode select is a first value, the index generator uses the pointer to produce the second index and when the mode select is a second value, the index generator uses a hash function to produce the second index, the function select identifying a hash function to be used to produce the second index;
• and
• a second memory that receives the second index and produces output based on a value of the second index.