AMD offers a broad portfolio of algorithmic content addressable memory (CAM) IP for FPGAs suitable for use in network packet processing applications. This portfolio covers exact match (binary CAM IP) and partial match (ternary CAM IP) search. It supports small scale searchable tables using block RAM and UltraRAM on-chip SRAM memories and larger scale searchable tables using off-chip DRAM memories.
Algorithmic CAMs use techniques that store key-value pairs at precise memory locations, allowing searches to retrieve relevant entries with only a few memory reads. Continual algorithmic improvements are a cornerstone in elevating the overall search performance of Versal devices. The evolution of the AMD CAM IP portfolio demonstrates the ongoing commitment to push the boundaries of high-capacity search.
This white paper chronicles the remarkable advancements made in large-scale, DRAM-based algorithmic search using AMD Versal devices. These achievements are a result of the introduction of LPDDR5 memory technology, supported by Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2, Versal Prime Series Gen 2, and Versal Premium Series Gen 2 devices. They also result from continuous refinement of search algorithms designed for high-capacity tables stored in DRAM. To show this progress, the discussion focuses on two key search types: exact-match and longest prefix match (LPM).