Method and apparatus for selecting operating characteristics of a content addressable memory by using a compare mask

A content addressable memory (CAM) system comprising:

• a compare array that supports a plurality of selectable features;
• a dynamic compare bitline generator, coupled to the compare array, that combines mask data with input search data to form masked input search data, the mask data indicating at least one of the selectable features selected, the masked input search data being supplied to the compare array to specify a search in the compare array and to specify the at least one selectable feature to be applied during the search;
• and
• a data array, coupled to the compare array, that provides the result of the search in the compare array.