To simplify the design of video surveillance applications, Phoenix-based Avnet Electronics Marketing has released a development kit created by Analog Devices (ADI), Micron Technology and Avnet, based on ADI’s Blackfin processor and Micron’s CMOS image sensor.

The companies expect the kit to help engineers capitalise on the growing market for digital video surveillance systems, which are replacing CCTV systems.

Market researchers at iSuppli say the market for digital video surveillance cameras is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 88 per cent from 2004 to 2009 and is projected to surpass CCTV cameras in units by 2010, the companies pointed out.

The kit was designed to combine control and signal processing with CMOS image sensors to analyse digital video for motion detection, threat analysis, and alerting capability - creating "smart camera" applications.

Rafael Cruz, v-p of design services at Avnet noted in a statement, “We wanted to provide engineers with an integrated, cost-effective way to rapidly prototype their digital video applications, taking advantage of the latest innovations in processing and image sensing.”

The kit includes two parallel peripheral interfaces (PPI) units that support ITU-R 656 video data formats and dual Blackfin cores within a single chip, in a small form factor of two-inch by three-inch, and is a single card versus other three-board products.

Cruz also said that Avnet's field application engineers, who specialise in designing with embedded processors, are prepared to conduct onsite demonstrations of the hardware kit and associated software development tools. The complete kit is available for $499.

“Rapid development, a complete hardware and software solution, support from Avnet's factory trained and certified field application engineers, and a single board solution at a lower cost - our customers have the tools to develop a state-of-the-art digital video surveillance system,” said Paul Gallagher, director of new market development for Micron's imaging group.

“As the market for digital video surveillance cameras continues to grow, Micron's portfolio of CMOS imaging solutions provides the necessary image quality, functionality and price to meet manufacturers' design needs,” he added.