Content-Addressable and Associative Memory Systems a Survey

Abstract

This review of content-addressable memory and associative computer systems represents an attempt to consolidate and report nontechnically the direction in which numerous independent research programs have progressed during the last ten years. The paper reflects the views of a myriad of researchers on subjects of organization (configuration concepts), hardware elements, logical operations, speed, cost, size, software implications, applications, advantages and disadvantages. In a report of this type it is important to quote directly and indirectly from the researchers themselves, so that the trends or directions of their concepts may converge into meaningful information. Acknowledgement is made to those quoted (see bibliography references) since they represent the meat of this survey. The bibliography, although voluminous, is not necessarily complete. A number of reference sources may have been overlooked inadvertently. It is hoped, however, that the information and the bibliography will serve as a base for those entering into research connected with this rapidly developing concept.