4K Ultra-HD Endoscope Debuts at MEDICA: Chinese Camera Module Manufacturers Meet Globalization Inflection Point

[Industry Insight] On December 1, Xishan Technology unveiled its 4K ultra-high-definition endoscope system at MEDICA International Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, drawing distributors and clinical experts from 43 countries. While seemingly a routine product showcase, this event marks a landmark moment for China’s endoscope supply chain—particularly upstream camera module manufacturers—in their global breakout. As "Chongqing-made" 4K imaging systems take the world stage, they reflect a qualitative industry transformation from "module supply" to "system standard export."

1. 4K Ultra-HD: The Technical Watershed for Camera Modules

The core competitiveness of Xishan Technology’s 4K system lies in the imaging resolving power of its ultra-HD camera module. Compared to traditional 1080P modules, 4K resolution (3840×2160) imposes three hard thresholds on the supply chain:

1. The balance between pixel density and optical limit: Integrating an 8 million pixel CMOS sensor within a 2.8mm probe diameter requires the pixel size to be reduced to below 1.4μm, which imposes nanometer-level tolerance requirements on the MTF (modulation transfer function) design of the optical lens. Leading domestic module manufacturers such as Haime Medical Technology have now achieved mass production of 1.5mm micro 4K modules. Their AA active alignment process controls the optical axis offset within ±3μm, ensuring that the edge image quality degradation is less than 15%.
   
   
2. Data Throughput vs. Real-Time Performance: Uncompressed 4K@30fps video streaming bandwidth reaches 3Gbps, far exceeding USB 2.0 limits. Xishan Technology adopts a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface + FPGA real-time encoding/decoding solution, requiring upstream module manufacturers to pre-integrate H.265 hard encoding on DSP boards—sending a clear incremental market signal to domestic FPGA players like Unisoc/T-Head.
   
   
3. Synchronized Illumination System Upgrades: With 4K’s 4× pixel count, per-pixel light intake drops by 75%. Module makers must collaborate downstream to develop multispectral LED + laser hybrid lighting and embed Adaptive Gain Control (AGC) algorithms, creating rigid technical synergy demands for medical lighting suppliers like Refond Optoelectronics.

2. Chinese Module Manufacturers’ Rising Voice in the Supply Chain

The focus of 43 countries’ clients at MEDICA wasn’t just Xishan Technology’s complete system, but the domestic module supply chain behind it. Data shows China’s endoscope camera module localization rate reached 63% in 2024, yet in the 4K ultra-HD segment, core module design standards were previously monopolized by Japanese and German giants like Olympus and Storz.

• Rigid Endoscope Modules: Haitai New Light’s 4K fluorescence endoscope modules have obtained FDA certification. Their dual-optical path fusion technology enables simultaneous white-light and near-infrared imaging, with module gross margins reaching 58%—far exceeding the 35% margin of traditional 1080P modules.
  
  
• Flexible Endoscope Modules: SonoScape’s self-developed EG-4K series gastroscope modules adopt aspheric plastic lenses + CMOS integrated packaging, controlling module costs under $120—just 40% of Japanese counterparts’ pricing.
  
  

Xishan Technology’s 4K system serves as a "system validation sample" carrying domestic modules. Approximately 60% of its MEDICA orders follow ODM models—overseas clients purchase complete systems but specify camera modules must be direct-supplied by Chinese OEMs. This signals a shift from technical substitution to brand premium for domestic modules.

3. Globalization Inflection Point: Restructuring Export Pathways

Behind the 43-country client lineup, Chinese module manufacturers’ overseas expansion has shifted paradigms from "product export" to "standard embedding":

Path 1: Export by Proxy, Binding to Equipment Brands

Complete system companies like Xishan Technology and Aohua Endoscopy gain CE/FDA certifications, automatically granting market access endorsement to their certified module supply chains. For instance, as Aohua AQ-300’s exclusive 4K module supplier, Jinhai Medical reported 210% YoY overseas sales growth in 2024, with 70% coming from Europe.

Path 2: Technology Licensing, Exporting Imaging Algorithms

Some module manufacturers license ISP (Image Signal Processing) algorithms to overseas second-tier brands. Huaxin Technology Research, for example, licensed its 4K vessel enhancement algorithm to a Turkish company, charging per-unit patent fees and boosting per-module profits by 3-5 percentage points.

Path 3: Global Production Capacity Layout

To circumvent geopolitical risks, Haitai New Light plans to establish a module packaging plant in Vietnam targeting the U.S. market, while SonoScape’s Egyptian factory will commence operations this year, serving the Middle East and Africa. During MEDICA, Egypt’s Ministry of Health signed an LOI with SonoScape for 4K endoscopy systems valued at over $20 million.

4. Persistent Challenges: Supply Chain Resilience Tests

1. High-End CMOS "Chokepoint": 4K ultra-HD modules’ required Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) sensors still rely on Sony and Samsung. Domestic suppliers SmartSens and GalaxyCore have yet to mass-produce medical-grade BSI chips. In Q3 2024, Sony’s CMOS lead time extended to 18 weeks, directly impacting module deliveries.
   
   
2. Biocompatibility Certification Barriers: The EU’s new MDR regulations require endoscope module materials to provide full ISO 10993 biological evaluation reports. Per-module certification costs surge to €150,000-200,000, unaffordable for SMEs.
   
   
3. Patent Encirclement Risks: Japanese firms have dense patent networks in micro zoom lenses and fluorescence imaging. While Xishan’s 4K system secured MEDICA orders, its optical zoom module must still circumvent Olympus patents, restricting certain high-end features.

5. Future Outlook: Upgrading Competition from Modules to Ecosystems

• AI + 4K Convergence: Embedding NPU (Neural Processing Unit) hardware in modules for real-time lesion detection, upgrading modules from "signal collectors" to "intelligent sensors." HiSilicon has partnered with multiple module makers on medical AI ISP chips slated for Q1 2025 mass production.
  
  
• Module Revolution in Disposable Endoscopes: Exploding demand for 4K disposable endoscopes is forcing modules toward low-cost disposable architectures. Repta Medical’s 4K disposable cholangioscope module drives costs down to $30 using COB (Chip-on-Board) packaging and plastic aspheric lenses, targeting 5 million units capacity in 2025.
  
  
• Industry Standard Dominance: The China Association for Medical Devices has initiated a group standard 《Medical Endoscope 4K Camera Module Technical Specifications》. Once elevated to international status, this would lock in Chinese modules’ global competitive edge.

Conclusion