Content addressable memory with programmable word width and programmable priority

A method of operation within a content addressable memory (CAM) device, the method comprising:

• storing a data word in a CAM array of the CAM device, the data word spanning a number of CAM cells within the CAM array in accordance with a first configuration value;
• and
• storing a priority number in a priority index table of the CAM device, the priority number indicating a priority of the data word relative to other data words stored in the CAM array.

A system comprising:

• a CAM device having a CAM array and a priority index table;
• and
• a processor coupled to output configuration information to the CAM device, the configuration information indicating a width of data words to be stored in the CAM array and a width of priority numbers to be stored in the priority index table.

A method of controlling a content addressable memory (CAM) device, the method comprising:

• outputting first configuration information to the CAM device, the first configuration information indicating a width of data words to be stored in a first CAM array within the CAM device and a width of priority numbers to be stored in a first priority table within the CAM device;
• outputting at least one write instruction to the CAM device to instruct the CAM device to store a data word within a data storage field of the first CAM array, the data storage field including a number of CAM cells according to the configuration information, and to instruct the CAM device to store a priority number within a priority number storage field of the first priority table, the priority number storage field including a number of priority storage cells in accordance with the configuration information.