Uniview Using Huawei Hisilicon Chips

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Ethan Ace
•Apr 24, 2019

Members have asked us if Uniview and their OEMs were exempted from the NDAA ban, since they were not specifically named.

However, we tore down three Uniview models, all of which use Hisilicon chips (Hi3516 variants, see images below). These chips are likely to be covered by the NDAA, going into effect in August 2019. A spokesperson for the Congressional committee which drafted the NDAA, told IPVM:

“If a company has an end item with Hisillicon chips that they sell to anyone, they will be unable to do business with the federal government.”

Note: These models represent a cross section of low/mid/high tier in their line. Others may be using other SoCs such as Ambarella, which is seen in many low cost models recently, but are also likely to be using Hisilicon as well.

Has anyone had customer questions on whether Uniview would be covered by the NDAA?

IPC3618SR3-DPF28:

IPC3234SR3-DVZ28:

IPC3614LR3-PF28:

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MD
Matthew Del Salto
•Apr 24, 2019
Hudson Security

Can we get a full list of manufacturers that still use hisilicon? What about Hanwha, DW, etc?

JH
John Honovich
•Apr 24, 2019
IPVM
In reply to Matthew Del Salto

Matthew, we discuss Axis and Hanwha usage in this report - Huawei Hisilicon Quietly Powering Tens of Millions of Western IoT Devices.

We don't have an overall manufacturer by manufacturer breakdown yet but once we get clarity about the NDAA implementation rules, if hisilicon is included, it will become a top priority.

(1)
MD
Matthew Del Salto
•Apr 24, 2019
Hudson Security
In reply to John Honovich

Thank you.

Maybe at this point it would be smarter to single out which cameras don't use Hisilicon 😓

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Steve Stowe
•Apr 25, 2019
In reply to John Honovich

I was told by my Hanwha rep that Hanwha is in the process of removing all HiSilicon chips from any of their cameras.

(1)
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Scott Smith
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified

Which Uniview is this?
These model numbers are not even on the current Uniview product lineup.

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Ethan Ace
•Aug 12, 2019
In reply to Scott Smith

All three of the models discussed here are still listed on Uniview's website as valid, not showing as discontinued, and listed as available for ordering from multiple distributors:

We also have an IPC3238ER3-DVZ which we'll open up to check.

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Scott Smith
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Ethan Ace

That's not the Uniview I'm aware of.
https://www.univiewtechnology.com/

 

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Scott Smith
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified

I'm looking at the inside of a brand new Uniview IPV-4K212M and I don't see any chips with Huawei Hisilicon on them.

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Ethan Ace
•Aug 12, 2019
In reply to Scott Smith

IPV-4K212M is a UniviewTec part number, which is a Uniview distributor/private labeler based in Texax. If they are using models without Hisilicon chips, it's still potentially interesting, though.

 

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Sean Nelson
•Aug 12, 2019
Nelly's Security
In reply to Ethan Ace

What an awesome OEM name. I would have never guessed thats a Uniview camera. How clever

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Scott Smith
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Ethan Ace

I have several models on my bench.
I'll continue to look.

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Scott Smith
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Scott Smith

I just took apart their entry level camera IPV436 None of those chips in there either.

JH
John Honovich
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVM
In reply to Scott Smith

What chips are those cameras using? Can you share a picture of the board(s)?

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Scott Smith
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to John Honovich

John I'll email you. I can't get pictures to post.

 

U
Undisclosed #1
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Scott Smith

can you post a picture?  curious what alternative they are using.

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Scott Smith
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Ethan Ace

I stand corrected. I was looking at the wrong side of the board.

JH
John Honovich
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVM
In reply to Scott Smith

Scott, thanks for sending those pictures to us and happy we got this sorted out.

It's likely that some Uniview cameras do not use Huawei Hisilicon chips but, like virtually all manufacturers, this is not publicly disclosed by the device manufacturer. We will be working on getting lists or more information on this. Thanks.

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Sean Nelson
•Aug 12, 2019
Nelly's Security

I think its already been discussed that merely having a Hisilicon chip in the camera doesnt mean the camera/product falls under the ban, if we go by the literal wording of the language in the NDAA.

Or did I miss something?

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Steve Stowe
•Aug 12, 2019
In reply to Sean Nelson

This IPVM article seems to indicate otherwise.

Claude Chafin, a spokesperson for the Congressional committee which drafted the NDAA, told IPVM:

“If a company has an end item with Hisillicon chips that they sell to anyone, they will be unable to do business with the federal government.”

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Sean Nelson
•Aug 12, 2019
Nelly's Security
In reply to Steve Stowe

Yeah but the consensus was that just because the guy who drafted the NDAA said that doesnt match what the actual NDAA says. Im no legal expert but I would have to assume the written language is more important than a verbal opinion.

JH
John Honovich
•Aug 12, 2019
IPVM
In reply to Sean Nelson

The ban rules released last week includes essential components of equipment, e.g. Hisilcon chips

https://ipvm.com/reports/far-ban

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Sean Nelson
•Aug 12, 2019
Nelly's Security
In reply to John Honovich

If thats the case, I think all Chinese manufacturers will be banned. And most Taiwan and several other manufacturers from other countries will be banned. Looks like Axis and Avigilon has the government installation segment cornered.

 

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