9-Mbit CAM hits silicon

The 9-Mbit SiberCAM Ultra-9M from SiberCore is a ternary CAM (content-addressable memory) that operates at 100 MHz and can perform 100 million searches/sec for OC-192 and OC-48 applications requiring multiple look-ups per packet (Picture). At 100 MHz, it supports 36-, 72-, and 144-bit searches; it performs 288-bit-wide searches at 50 million searches/sec. A block-select feature limits searches to only sections of the CAM and reduces power consumption. A single device can store 256k Layer 3 (Internet Protocol Version 4) addresses. You can cascade as many as 16 devices to support 4M addresses. You need not suspend the search path during table maintenance, which would degrade overall look-up performance. The Ultra-9M is pin-compatible with the Ultra-2M, and comes in both 40- and 27-mm BGA packages. The device is currently available for sampling, and prices start at $320 (10,000), depending on package type and clock speed. Volume production begins in the first quarter of 2002.

SiberCore, 1-613-271-8100, www.sibercore.com.