Methods and apparatus providing high-speed content addressable memory (CAM) search-invalidates

A method of operation of a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) that comprises a CAM cell array including a plurality of CAM cells and valid bit circuitry, comprising:

• during a comparison phase of a search-invalidate operation, generating a match indicator that is indicative of a match for the CAM cell array in response to a digital word stored by the plurality of CAM cells in the CAM cell array matching an input digital word and a bit stored by a valid bit cell in the valid bit circuitry being representative of a valid state;
• and
• during an invalidate phase of the search-invalidate operation, performing an invalidate process of the search-invalidate operation in response to a phase-based clock signal.

A Content Addressable Memory (CAM) comprising:

• a means for generating a match indicator, the means for generating comprising a plurality of CAM cells and valid bit circuitry comprising a valid bit cell;
• and
• a means for performing an invalidate process of a search-invalidate operation in response to a phase-based clock signal.