Key Points for Selecting CMOS Sensors in Endoscope Camera Modules
August 2, 2025
When selecting CMOS sensors for endoscope camera modules, multiple factors need to be focused on. Given that endoscopes need to penetrate into natural body cavities or small surgical incisions, their working environment imposes strict restrictions on device size. Therefore, the package size of CMOS sensors should be as compact as possible. For example, the SC1400ME from SmartSens adopts a compact CSP-OP package of only approximately 1.9mm × 2.5mm, which can well adapt to various types of endoscopes such as gastroscopes and laparoscopes. At the same time, resolution cannot be ignored. Aiming at the slender circular tube diameter and lens characteristics of medical endoscopes, the use of medical-specific square 1:1 resolution such as 1400*1400 can expand the field of view, providing doctors with a broader and clearer vision. In addition, imaging quality is crucial for diagnostic accuracy, and features such as high color reproduction, high sensitivity, and low noise are of great importance. For instance, the SC1400ME is built on an advanced technology platform and equipped with patented technologies, with a peak quantum efficiency of up to 70% and a read noise of only about 1.68e-, which can capture bright, clear, and clean images under low-light conditions inside the human body, avoiding problems such as color distortion and helping doctors accurately judge the condition. In terms of power consumption, a low-power design can reduce the heat generation at the top of the endoscope during operation, minimize the impact on image quality and internal organs of the human body, and ensure stable imaging. Finally, due to the diversity of medical endoscopes and their high degree of customization, data transmission requirements vary. CMOS sensors that support mainstream interfaces such as MIPI and LVDS can flexibly compatible with different main controllers, meet the data transmission needs of various endoscopes, and make customized applications more convenient.
