OmniVision Debuts its First Wafer-Level Camera Module for Medical Applications

OmniVision Technologies Inc., a developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, has unveiled the OVM6946, its first wafer-level camera module for medical applications. With a compact size of 1.05 mm by 1.05 mm, the 1/18-inch OVM6946 is well-suited for minimally-invasive endoscopes, according to the company. Built on OmniVision’s OmniBSI+ pixel architecture, the OVM6946 is the industry’s most cost-effective single-chip imaging solution for single-use endoscopes.
 
“Cross-contamination risks, downtime inefficiencies, and high costs associated with repairs, pre-procedure testing, and sterilization of reusable endoscopes are fueling market interests in disposable endoscopes,” said Aaron Chiang, director of marketing at OmniVision. “As a cost-effective and compact camera module with excellent image quality, we view the OVM6946 as an ideal solution for next-generation single-use endoscopes.”
 
OmniVision’s mature CameraCubeChip wafer-level module technology can help OEMs simplify and shorten their development cycles, OmniVision executives said. It can also help streamline their manufacturing processes because of minimal tuning needs and suitability for automated assembly. To meet the demand from this growing market, the OVM6946 was designed with high-volume production in mind.
 
The OVM6946 captures high quality 400 by 400 resolution video at 30 frames per second (FPS). The compact OVM6946 measures 1.05 mm by 1.05 mm with a z-height height of 2.27 mm, which enables a wide 120-degree field of view with an extended focusing range of 3 mm to infinity. The reduced pinout and analog output for transmission over long distances with minimal signal-to-noise reduction enables seamless integration into single-use endoscopes. The OVM6946 can be customized for a wide-range of endoscope applications, including medical, veterinarian, and industrial.
 
The OVM6946 is currently available for sampling, and is expected to enter volume production in the first quarter of 2017.
                                    
OmniVision Technologies‘ 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. The company is based in Santa Clara, Calif.