A data compressor generates codewords representative of the location and length of a string match between an input data stream and a CAM array vocabulary table. A data decompressor looks up the codewords for a string match in its vocabulary table. The CAM array is arranged in a serpentine configuration to reduce track layout. A column priority encoder reverses the priority of alternate rows to maintain the logical flow through the CAM array. The CAM array uses a flipflop with a common control circuit to transfer data through the flipflop. When the data compressor is reset, the CAM array may locate matches in the unused portion which are interpreted as the reset character. A barrel shifter in the data compressor converts variable length codewords into fixed length for transmission. A barrel shifter in the data decompressor converts fixed length codewords back into variable length for decoding into the vocabulary table.