Processors in security products-DSP, ISP, SOC

In security products, the chip is at the core. The chips in the security are mainly front-end cameras, codec equipment, NVR, DVR, IPSAN for video storage, and various processors used by various back-end servers, similar to the CPU of a computer. In the security industry, it is generally called DSP or ISP, SOC, etc.

Classification

According to the different products used, we can divide the processors in security products into the following categories:

• For camera. The processors used in cameras are generally divided into two types, one is for image processing. For example, analog cameras, SDI digital cameras commonly used processors, called ISP. The other is used by network cameras and encoding equipment. The main function is to encode and compress analog and digital signals into network signals, called SOC or DSP. Generally this kind of processor also comes with ISP function.
• For NVR/DVR. The main function of the processor used by DVR/NVR is to encode and compress the video signal connected to the camera (regardless of whether the camera is analog or network), while supporting VGA/HDMI decoding output display, and accessing the hard disk for storage. It also supports audio, alarm input and output, network, intelligent analysis and other functions.
• For server. The processor used by the security server is the same as that used by our common professional servers. The core functions are calculation and calculation, information processing, program operation, etc.

Commonly used SoC for network cameras

Commonly used ISP for analog cameras

DVR/NVR commonly used DSP

Server processor

Development trend

1. Mainly from abroad, to occupy most of the domestic market. The early security processors were mainly made by foreign and Taiwanese manufacturers such as Ti and Ambarella, but now they are mainly made by domestic manufacturers, such as HiSilicon, Guoke, and Ingenic. Among them, HiSilicon should currently occupy 70% of the market share.
2. From standard definition to higher definition. At present, 3 million, 5 million, 8 million, and even 12 million network camera processing chips encoded by H.265 are entering the market more and more. Propelling the security from the early SD, HD, and Full HD to the era of 3 million, 5 million, and even higher definition.
3. More AI functions. The early intelligent analysis functions of security chips were relatively weak. Now the basic intelligent analysis functions are standard. Human shape detection, face recognition, people counting, license plate recognition and other functions have been built into the processor.
4. Comes with computing power. In addition to common AI functions, more high-end processors have built-in computing power, support deep learning, and can perform more intelligent algorithm-related operations.
5. Cloud and edge integration, decentralization. More and more front-end camera chips are equipped with AI functions and have their own computing power. Many early intelligent analyses that can only be carried out in the center can be completed on the camera side, reducing the pressure on the center, cloud-side integration, system data reliability, higher security, and stronger disaster tolerance.

The main parameters/performance of the processor

• Architecture. Main frequency, number of cores, GPU
• Coding ability. Maximum supported resolution, channel, encoding format
• Decoding ability.
• Image processing capability. ISP, flip, OSD, etc.
• Audio function
• Computing power
• Power consumption
• Manufacturing process, package size
• External interface. USB3.0, PCIe2.0, UFS, eMMC, etc.
• safety