Patent attributes
A system includes a multi-port random-access memory (RAM) configured to store an instruction table. The instruction table specifies a regular expression for application to a data stream. The system includes a regular expression engine configured to process the data stream based on the instruction table. The regular expression engine includes a decoder circuit configured to determine validity of active states output from the RAM, a plurality of active states memories operating concurrently, wherein each active states memory is configured to initiate a read from a different port of the RAM using an address formed of an active state output from the active states memory and a portion of the data stream, and switching circuitry configured to route the active states to the plurality of active states memories according, at least in part, to a load balancing technique and validity of the active states.