Content addressable memory structure

A content addressable memory comprising:

• a first array of memory cells;
• a second array of memory cells;
• a search logic circuit configured to prevent the discharge of the second array of memory cells when a search of the first array of memory cells finds certain data,
• wherein the search logic circuit comprises an extended search control circuit connected between the first array of memory cells and the second search driver, and
• wherein the extended search control circuit is configured to control whether the second array of memory cells is searched based on whether certain data is found in the first array of memory cells.

A method of searching a content addressable memory comprising the steps of:

• providing multiple memory cells in at least a first and second memory segment;
• searching the at least first memory segment for certain data;
• and
• stopping the search before searching the second memory segment if the certain data is found in the first memory segment;
• and
• continuing the search in the second memory segment if the certain data is not found in the first memory segment.

A method of searching a content addressable memory, comprising the steps of:

• dividing the content addressable memory into at least a first and second memory segment;
• searching the at least first memory segment before searching the at least second memory segment in a prescribed order for certain data;
• wherein if the certain data is found in the first memory segment, stopping the search;
• and,
• if the certain data is not found in the at least first memory segment continuing the search in the at least second memory segment.