In January 2024, Firefly introduced the CT36L AI smart security cameras featuring the Rockchip RV1106G2 SoC with a 0.5 TOPS NPU and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. Recently, they launched two new AI cameras: the CQ38W-1126B and CQ38W-3576. These cameras retain the IP67-rated enclosure but boast more robust processors.
The new models do not support PoE but instead use a 12V DC input and include an RS485 interface. The CQ38W-1126B is powered by the Rockchip RV1126B, with a 3 TOPS NPU, capable of handling small multimodal AI models. The higher-end CQ38W-3576 uses an octa-core Rockchip RK3576 with a 6 TOPS NPU, ideal for more intensive AI tasks, such as YOLO and larger language models. Both cameras offer 3MP or 5MP sensors and are available in Commercial or Industrial (J-suffix) versions, while the 3576 series also provides an Automotive-grade (M-suffix) version.
Firefly CQ38W-1126B and CQ38W-3576 specifications:
SoC
CQ38W-1126B – Rockchip RV1126B or RV1126BJ (industrial-grade)
CPU: Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 up to 1.6 GHz
GPU: 2D Graphics Engine
VPU: H.265/H.264 decoding up to 3840×2160 @ 30fps
AI accelerator: Rockchip NPU up to 3 TOPS (INT8)
CQ38W-3576 – Rockchip RK3576/RK3576J/RK3576M
CPU: Octa-core with 4x Cortex-A72 at 2.2 GHz, 4x Cortex-A53 at 2.0 GHz (1.6GHz for Industrial and Automotive)
GPU: Arm Mali-G52 MC3 with Vulkan 1.2 support
NPU: 6 TOPS (INT8) with mixed operations support
VPU: Video decoding up to 8Kp30
Memory: 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4X (CQ38W-1126B only); 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4X (CQ38W-3576 only)
Storage: 8GB, 16GB, or 64GB eMMC (CQ38W-1126B only); 16GB to 256GB eMMC (CQ38W-3576 only)
Camera options: 3MP SONY SC3336 or 5MP SONY IMX335 sensors
Networking: 1x 10/100Mbps Ethernet
Power: 12V DC/2A
Dimensions: 69.72 x 69.72 x 174.21 mm
Weight: ~336 grams
Ingress Protection: IP67
Environment: -20°C to 50°C, 15%-90%RH
Software-wise, the CQ38W-1126B supports Debian 12 and Linux systems via Buildroot + Qt GUI, while the CQ38W-3576 is compatible with Ubuntu 22.04 and Debian 12. Both handle common AI model frameworks. The CQ38W-1126B can run models up to ~2B parameters with optimizations. The CQ38W-3576 is apt for deploying YOLO and larger models. The CQ38W-3576’s wiki is available, whereas the wiki for CQ38W-1126B isn’t yet published.
Furthermore, the cameras incorporate an “AI-ISP,” with the 1126B employing AI Remosaic technology for adaptive operations without using the main NPU’s resources. Oddly, the higher-spec RK3576 variant lacks stabilization features. It is likely derived from the Firefly CAM-3576 series SBC announced last December.
Other AI-enabled cameras include Seeed Studio’s Modbus Vision RS485 and more. The CQ38W-3576 AI camera is priced at $149.00 on the Firefly store. Pricing for the CQ38W-1126B remains undisclosed. Detailed information can be found on their respective product pages.
