Why Do We Need Addressable Memory?

There is no such term as addressable memory. The correct technical term is called content-addressable memory, and the abbreviation by which the term is often known is CAM. CAM is defined as a special type of computer memory which is known for its versatility and is used is certain very high-speed search applications. It is also known as associative memory, associative storage or associative array.

A CAM is defined as the embodiment in terms of hardware of what is known in terms of software as an associative array. In case of a CAM, the user supplies a data word and the CAM searches its entire memory to see if that data word is stored anywhere in the memory bank of the CAM.

It is also used in semiconductor applications and in routers. There are many standards for content-addressable memories or CAM. Other examples of CAM applications are in CPU cache controllers, translation lookaside buffers, database engines, data compression hardware and artificial neural networks.