Coming complete with virtually all functions required for an IP camera design from raw image sensor data input to image signal processing to H.264 compression to secure encrypted transmission, these devices capture as many as 60 frames per second at full HD resolution of 1080p.
They also support H.264 High Profile encoding, while consuming less than 1.5 W of power.
Further, the ASC884xA and ASC885xA devices enable extremely clear video images through advanced ISP features such as very flexible spatial and temporal (2D/3D) noise reduction for excellent low-light performance – critical for security cameras operating under a wide range of lighting conditions – as well as programmable edge enhancement.
According to IMS Research, which is now part of IHS, 2014 will be the tipping point when sales of network video surveillance equipment worldwide overtake analog video surveillance equipment sales.
Lower BOM costs
The benefits of HD IP cameras are significant. In addition to being able to access real-time video from anywhere in the world securely over the Internet, they enable higher-quality surveillance, including recognition of faces, license plates and other identifying features. The improved security and picture quality require fewer cameras to be deployed, too.
At the same time, the market shift to HD video surveillance has opened up new technical challenges in image signal processing, as most high-resolution image sensors attract more noise and have lower light sensitivity.
Compression of data for transmission over the IP network has presented similar challenges, forcing camera makers to compromise either picture quality, bit rate or power efficiency.
“With our new Advanced series of video processors, HD IP camera makers and OEMs no longer have to settle for poor-quality pictures – or settle for power-hungry chips that run so hot they burn to the touch,” said Rick Dumont, global marketing director for IP camera products at NXP Semiconductors.
The total savings in bill of materials, power consumption, video storage, and cost of ownership are tremendous, too.
The feature-rich image processing pipeline has very flexible 3D noise reduction options, as well as edge enhancement and motion adaptive de-interlacing.
The ASC8852A also delivers the best video compression quality available today at a bit rate of less than 5 Mbit/sec under standard lighting conditions, and less than 1 Mbit/sec for extreme 3D noise reduction modes in low light conditions.
In addition to the ASC8852A flagship product for 1080p/60 performance, NXP is releasing a complete range of pin-compatible Advanced ICs down to1080p/30 (ASC8850A) and even 720p/30 (ASC8848A). The ASC8848A offers an H.264-encoded bit rate of less than 500 kbit/s at a power consumption level close to 0.5 W.
Evaluation samples of the ASC8848A, ASC8849A, ASC8850A, ASC8851A and ASC8852A will be available starting in the first quarter of 2013, with volume manufacturing scheduled to start in the 2nd quarter of 2013.