Method and apparatus for controlling the timing of precharge in a content addressable memory system

A CAM system is disclosed in which compare data, for example an address translation request, is provided as input search data to a search line generator. The search line generator presents search line input data, through a buffer, to CAM and RAM array systems that include dynamically precharged and evaluated memory cells. Timing sequences in the CAM system are controlled by a series of individually triggered one shot pulse generators. The one shot pulse generators control the timing of CAM system activities, for example the precharge of CAM subsystems, so that these activities are staggered in time. This timing approach improves power consumption and evaluation time within the CAM system. By distributing precharging activities in time throughout the CAM cycle, current peaking during the CAM cycle is reduced. The CAM system latches results in an output latch that is controlled by a one shot pulse generator.