OmniVision Introduces One of the World’s Smallest Commercial Image Sensors

OmniVision Technologies Inc., a developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, has introduced the OV6948, one of the world’s smallest commercially available image sensors.

Initially developed for small-outer-diameter medical endoscopes and catheters, the OV6948 can be designed into a wide range of applications, including dental, veterinary, IoT, industrial, wearable and forensic devices. The OV6948 leverages OmniVision’s proven OmniBSI+ pixel technology to deliver best-in-class image quality and low-light performance in a package that measures just 0.575 mm by 0.575 mm.
 
Industry analysts expect the demand for minimally invasive medical procedures enabled by endoscopy to grow rapidly, driven by multiple socioeconomic factors such as increasing healthcare expenses, an aging population and the rise of the middle class in the developing world. Additionally, analysts suggest that growing concerns about cross-contamination caused by reusable endoscopes is driving the need for cost-effective, single-use endoscope- and catheter-based solutions.
 
“Ultra-small image sensors can offer distinct advantages to endoscopes used in minimally invasive procedures. For example, in an endoscope application, the OV6948 can either enable design of a very-small-outer-diameter scope or provide more space for working channels within a larger-diameter scope,” said Tehzeeb Gunja, senior product marketing and business development manager at OmniVision. “While the OV6948 was designed to bring exceptional imaging capabilities to the most compact and demanding medical applications, the sensor’s performance and small footprint make it a viable imaging solution for a much wider range of markets and applications.”
 
The high-resolution, minute-die-size OV6948 offers excellent image quality in terms of color fidelity, sharpness and low noise. Its low-light sensitivity requires minimal illumination, and its low power consumption results in less heat generated at the distal tip of the endoscope, reducing patient discomfort and thus permitting longer-duration procedures.
 
Additional features include:

• 1/36-inch optical format
• 200 by 200 pixel capture at 30 frames per second (FPS)
• High sensitivity: 1000 mV/lux-sec
• Analog data output with the ability to transmit up to four meters with minimal signal noise
• Minimum package size (four pads total) for easy integration 

OmniVision Technologies develops advanced digital imaging solutions. Its CMOS imaging technology enables superior image quality in many of today’s consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, notebooks, tablets and webcams, digital still and video cameras, security and surveillance, entertainment devices, automotive and medical imaging systems.