SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption and variation of current consumption. SOLUTION: In a semiconductor memory device which includes a CAM part (4) which can hold entry data, which compares the entry data with input comparison data, and which can output the comparison result, the device is provided with a controller (10) for generating retrieving request for the CAM part. The controller includes a retrieving rate setting means which can set a retrieving rate of a level at which variation of current is suppressed. The retrieving rate setting means can set a retrieving rate of a level at which variation of current is suppressed, a current by retrieving operation can be made to flow always by performing such setting, variation of current can be suppressed. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT