Conexant launches video surveillance solution for smart home and security apps

NEWPORT BEACH, USA: Conexant Systems Inc., a leading supplier of innovative semiconductor solutions for imaging, audio, embedded-modem, and video applications, today unveiled a new video encoder for residential “smart home” and commercial security applications.

The low-power CX93510 encoder allows video streams to be captured and recorded simultaneously, and is targeted at products including motion sensors with low-cost passive infrared (PIR) technology, intercoms, baby monitors, and IP network cameras. The new solution can also be used with Conexant’s recently introduced CX2070X system-on-chip (SoC) solutions to enable video and audio capabilities in security systems and intercoms.

“Motion-triggered security alarms with visual verification capabilities dramatically reduce the incident of false alarms, which is driving demand for these products in residential and business applications,” said René Hartner, vice president of marketing for Conexant.

“Our new, highly integrated encoder enables manufacturers to cost-effectively integrate visual verification functionality into a wide range of video surveillance products. In addition, our video solution delivers industry-leading low-power consumption, which is critical for battery-powered wireless security systems.”

The CX93510 operates at 12 milliamperes (mA) in full power and 10 nanoamps (nA) in sleep mode, which maximizes battery life. This is an important feature to alarm companies, many of which are targeting two-to-five years of system operation before battery replacement is required.

In addition, low-power systems generate less heat, which is a key consideration for embedded applications such as intercoms installed in a wall and alarm systems located in areas with poor ventilation.

The new video encoder includes support for PIR technology, which is used in motion sensors to detect changes in temperature caused by infrared sources of energy such as a person entering a room. When this occurs, the motion sensor triggers the image-capture portion of the security system, which begins visually recording the event.

Additional features include industry-standard motion JPEG (MJPEG) compression and Conexant’s proprietary differential encoding technology, which is used to compress multiple image frames but only encode the difference between pre-determined reference frames.

This approach dramatically reduces the amount of bandwidth and time required to transmit video files. It also allows the CX93510 to be used in intercom applications and baby monitors that typically use more expensive H.264 video compression.

The CX93510 supports popular host interface options including serial peripheral interface (SPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and universal asynchronous receiver/transmit (UART), which maximizes design flexibility and allows product developers to use lower-cost microprocessors for certain applications.

An embedded random access memory buffer eliminates the need for external memory, which further reduces bill-of-material costs. In addition, a microphone input allows manufacturers to develop security products and baby monitors that can capture voice and background sounds, as well as color or black-and-white video streams.

Conexant also offers video encoders and media bridges for surveillance and security products with digital video recording capabilities.

The CX93510 is available in sample quantities now and volume quantities will be available in January 2010. The device is offered in a compact 6 mm x 6 mm 48-pin quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. Prices range from $4.00 to $5.00 each in production quantities depending on the feature-set. Evaluation kits are available now.