A CAM device features matchlines which are coupled in series between a top
current source, a bottom current source, and ground. The top current
source is configured to supply a first current to the matchline and the
bottom current source, while the bottom current source is configured to
supply a second current to ground. The magnitude of the first current is
limited by the operation of the CAM cells coupled to the matchline, and
is duplicated by a current mirror architecture. The mirrored of the first
current, known as the sense current, is coupled to a measurement circuit
to measure the state of the matchline. This architecture features lower
power consumption and faster matchline evaluations.