A 2 K-word dictionary search processor (DISP) LSI with an approximate word search capability

A 2 K-word dictionary search processor (DISP) LSI has been developed. The DISP LSI consists mainly of a 160-kb content addressable memory (CAM) to store keywords and a cellular automaton processor (CAP) to perform concurrent and approximate word searches against the stored keywords. This CAP performs distance calculation based on dynamic programming (DP), which is necessary in approximate word searches, through the use of an array of extremely simple processor elements. CAP hardware size is less than 1/10 of that of a conventional systolic array processor. The DISP LSI, which was fabricated using a 0.8- mu m, triple-layer-Al, CMOS fabrication technology, has a die size of 13.02*12.51 mm/sup 2/ and contains about 1.2-million transistors. It operates at a clock frequency of 33 MHz with a 5-V power supply, and it typically consumes 800 mW.<
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