Indian semicon special: Growth of embedded systems in surveillance space

AHMEDABAD, INDIA: A plethora of applications and convergence of the consumer, communication and computer peripherals has increased the appetite for the ASIC/SoC (system-on-chip) and embedded system designs.

Continuous innovations in wireless/cellular devices, automotive electronics and consumer electronic devices is fueling the semiconductor growth. The explosion of embedded devices is made possible mainly due to steady rapid growth of semiconductor chips –- each year, the semiconductor chips become faster, cheaper and less power hungry.

One of the hottest trends in embedded systems is the application of DSPs. Advancement in the DSPs are enabling their use in variety of digital multimedia and communication applications. High processing speeds, programmability, and real time performance make DSPs uniquely suited for video, audio and data applications. 

Variety of apps leveraging DSPs
A variety of applications are emerging to leverage the power of DSPs in products like video surveillance cameras and video servers. Video surveillance is one of the major verticals that is witnessing exponential growth. The threat to security globally is the major driver for the growth in the security surveillance market.

These video surveillance systems find applications in variety of subverticals like homeland security, police, malls and retail chains, banks, etc., and in critical infrastructure, such as dams, airports, expressways, and railway tracks.

DSP powered embedded system like intelligent IP cameras and video servers are replacing traditional passive solutions that no longer meet the growing demand for lower cost, intelligent systems. These systems are not only proactive, but can trigger real-time alerts/alarms and identify, track and classify objects. With the capability to process the video and recognize specific objects and motion, cameras can be programmed for active responses.

DSPs represent the premium end of the video processor market.  These DSPs are the key enablers of intelligent cameras or multi-channel IP video servers with the capability to intelligently manage multiple simultaneous video streams. Texas Instruments Inc.’s DaVinci technology targets series of processors.

Indian surveillance market
The surveillance market in India has matured over the years. Indian establishments, especially the retail stores and manufacturing facilities, have been the early adopters of surveillance products. However, due to the growing need for security, there is an increase in demand for video surveillance equipment across industries.

On a regional basis, the IP video surveillance market is seeing particularly strong growth in Asia Pacific and the Americas, which each represent over 30 percent of the market.

According to iSuppli, by the end of 2009, the worldwide IP surveillance camera market will grow larger than the conventional closed circuit TV (CCTV) camera segment. Meanwhile, the market for IP surveillance servers is likely to expand to US$1.3 billion in 2010.

Semiconductor technologies are enabling dramatic new features in IP video surveillance cameras and servers.  The market for such semiconductors will grow in parallel with rising sales of IP video equipment.

Video signal processor chips that support video capture, video encoding/processing and network interface functions are among the most differentiated and lucrative semiconductor opportunities in the video surveillance market. There is substantial variation in requirements for video signal processors, ranging from minimal needs at the low end, to high-performance multi-core DSPs at the high end.

Video surveillance market to fuel growth
Video surveillance market will fuel the growth for semiconductor and embedded companies. In the immediate future, we will see the increased deployment of embedded technologies in the video surveillance space. With the growing need to encounter threats and the need for customized solutions for specific verticals like banking, retail and transportation, etc., there will be more companies eyeing the security surveillance space.

Embedded system design will enable a multitude of features and possibilities. However, as we move to conceptualize these products they will get more complex, requiring intimate knowledge of both the hardware and software worlds.

The author is Head, Communication & Firmware Group, eInfochips, Ahmedabad, India.