Memory with integrated search engine
First Claim
1. A Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) chip comprising:
- at least one memory array;
a programmable search engine implemented on the DRAM chip; and
a programming interface to a CPU;
wherein the programmable search engine receives a search standard from the CPU on the programming interface, the search standard defining stored data to be found in the memory array, and accomplishes a search according to the standard.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A memory chip has an on-board search engine adapted to accept programming from a system CPU and to perform a search for a search object or pattern independently of further action by the CPU, wherein the CPU is free to perform other tasks while a search of memory banks composed of two or more such chips takes place. In some embodiments the memory chip has a dedicated bus connection for programming by the system CPU and for reporting the results of a search. In some embodiments as well the on-board search engine has a dedicated on-board bus for communication with column amplifiers and decoders of memory cell arrays on the chip. CPU and memory combinations are disclosed and methods for practicing the invention.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) chip comprising:
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at least one memory array; a programmable search engine implemented on the DRAM chip; and a programming interface to a CPU; wherein the programmable search engine receives a search standard from the CPU on the programming interface, the search standard defining stored data to be found in the memory array, and accomplishes a search according to the standard. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A combined CPU and memory system, comprising:
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a CPU; a plurality of DRAM chips, wherein two or more of the DRAM chips have an on-board programmable search engine; a conventional bus coupling the CPU and the two or more DRAM chips; and a programming interface coupling the search engines to the CPU; wherein the CPU programs the two or more search engines to perform substantially simultaneous searches on the associated DRAM chips independently of further action of the CPU after the programming is accomplished. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for performing a search by a system CPU in a bank of memory chips, comprising steps of:
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(a) implementing a programmable search engine on two or more of the memory chips in the bank of memory chips; (b) programming by the CPU of the two or more search engines to substantially simultaneously perform the search independently of further action by the CPU; and (c) receiving search results by the CPU.
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Specification