In precision scenarios such as medical endoscopy and micro-imaging, the performance of image sensors directly determines the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment and the feasibility of equipment. OmniVision's OH01A10 and OH0FA10 sensors both focus on the ultra-small size requirements in the medical endoscopy field, but there are significant differences in key indicators such as resolution, frame rate, and interface type, making them suitable for different clinical application scenarios. From a popular science perspective, this article will systematically analyze the core differences between the two and provide targeted selection suggestions.
I. Core Differences: From Optical Specifications to Performance Parameters
Both sensors are based on OmniVision's PureCel®Plus-S stacked pixel technology, focusing on "small size and high image quality". However, to meet the design requirements of different endoscopic equipment, differentiated trade-offs have been made in core parameters. The specific differences can be clearly distinguished through the following dimensions:
1. Optics and Size: Different Focuses on Ultra-Minaturization
The optical size and physical size of the sensor directly determine the outer diameter limit of the endoscopic equipment—the smaller the size, the more suitable it is for ultra-thin catheter devices (such as neurological and cardiac endoscopic catheters).
The OH01A10 adopts a 1/11-inch optical format with a package size of 2.5×1.5mm and an active array size of 1280×800 (1 million pixels). While balancing miniaturization, this size retains a larger photosensitive area, laying the foundation for high-resolution imaging.
The OH0FA10 pursues extreme miniaturization, with the optical format reduced to 1/17.5~1/18 inches. The bare chip size without a lens is only 0.93×0.93mm, and the module size with a lens is only 1.075×1.075mm. Its active array size is 720×720 (518,000 pixels). By sacrificing part of the pixel count, it achieves more extreme miniaturization and can be adapted to ultra-thin endoscopes with an outer diameter of less than 1.5mm.
In addition, there is a difference in pixel size between the two: the OH01A10 has a pixel size of 1.12μm, and the OH0FA10 has a pixel size of 1.008μm. A larger pixel size means stronger low-light sensitivity, which can improve image clarity in low-illumination environments—this difference directly affects the imaging effect in low-illumination scenarios inside the human body.
2. Resolution and Frame Rate: Trade-off Between Image Quality and Smoothness
Resolution determines the ability to restore image details, and frame rate affects the smoothness of dynamic images. Together, they determine the doctor's visual experience during surgery.
The OH01A10 is a 1-megapixel sensor that supports a maximum resolution of 1280×800 (16:9 aspect ratio) and is compatible with multiple resolution formats such as 800×800 (1:1 square) and 720p. It can achieve a high frame rate of 60fps at both 1280×800 and 800×800 resolutions. High frame rate can avoid image blurring during rapid operations, and the high resolution of 1280×800 can clearly present tissue texture, helping with early lesion diagnosis.
The OH0FA10 is a 518,000-pixel sensor with a core resolution of 720×720, which can only achieve a frame rate of 30fps. It also supports resolution downgrade adaptation: the frame rate increases to 40fps at 600×600 resolution and can reach 60fps at 400×400 resolution. Its resolution and basic frame rate are lower than those of the OH01A10, but through resolution downgrade, smoothness can be balanced in specific scenarios.
3. Output Interface and Data Transmission: Adapting to Different Equipment Architectures
The output interface of the sensor determines the compatibility with the back-end processing chip and also affects the data transmission distance and stability—which is crucial for endoscopic equipment that requires long-distance image transmission.
The OH01A10 adopts a digital output interface, supporting both 1-channel MIPI and 1-channel LVDS interfaces. The digital interface has high transmission rate and strong anti-interference ability, and the LVDS interface supports long-distance data transmission. It can also realize stereo 3D imaging by synchronizing two sensors, adapting to complex multi-modal diagnosis and treatment equipment. In addition, it integrates One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory, which can store calibration information and improve the consistency of mass production.
The OH0FA10 adopts an analog output interface (AntLinx™ analog output) and does not directly support digital transmission, requiring the matching of OAH0428 bridge chip to complete analog-to-digital conversion. Its proprietary 4-pin analog interface can transmit data up to 4 meters. Although it can meet basic transmission needs, the anti-interference ability of analog signals is weaker than that of digital signals, and an additional bridge chip is required, which increases the complexity of equipment design.
4. Power Consumption and Special Functions: Adapting to Different Usage Needs
The power consumption of endoscopic equipment directly affects the heat generation of the distal probe (to avoid burning human tissue), and special functions adapt to the personalized needs of different surgical scenarios.
The OH01A10 focuses on low-power design, with an active power consumption of only 82.2mW, which is 25% lower than the previous generation product, effectively controlling the probe temperature. It supports functions such as pseudo-global shutter and 2×2 analog binning, which can improve dynamic imaging effects and low-light sensitivity. At the same time, it is compatible with high-pressure sterilization, making it suitable for both disposable endoscopes and reusable equipment.
The OH0FA10 is powered by a single 3.3V power supply, and its power consumption is not clearly specified, but it has low-power characteristics based on PureCel®Plus-S technology. It supports pseudo-global shutter (LED mode) and lens adaptation up to 30°CRA, which can be compatible with more ultra-wide-angle lenses and expand the observation field of view. The matching OAH0428 bridge chip also has functions such as HDR, automatic startup, and higher Near-Infrared (NIR) sensitivity, which can improve imaging quality under complex lighting conditions.
III. Selection Suggestions: Scenario Matching First
Both sensors are medical-grade endoscopy-specific products. The core of selection lies in the balance between "equipment size constraints" and "imaging needs". The specific suggestions are as follows:
1. Scenarios for Prioritizing OH01A10
If the equipment's outer diameter requirements are relatively loose (e.g., ≥2mm) and high image quality and smooth dynamic imaging are required, the OH01A10 is preferred. For example:
Gastroscopes, laparoscopes, airway management endoscopes (esophagoscopes, laryngoscopes, etc.): Such equipment needs to clearly present tissue texture to assist early lesion diagnosis, and the 1280×800 resolution and 60fps frame rate can meet the requirements;
Reusable endoscopic equipment: Supports high-pressure sterilization, and the low-power design can reduce equipment heat generation and improve patient comfort;
3D stereo imaging needs: Stereo 3D imaging can be realized by synchronizing two sensors, assisting precise surgical operations.
2. Scenarios for Prioritizing OH0FA10
If the equipment requires extreme miniaturization (outer diameter ≤1.5mm) and the resolution requirement can be appropriately reduced, the OH0FA10 is preferred. For example:
Neurological and cardiac ultra-thin catheter endoscopes: Such equipment needs to penetrate narrow parts of the human body, and the 0.93mm bare chip size can greatly reduce the probe outer diameter;
Disposable ultra-thin endoscopic equipment: Extreme miniaturization can reduce the material cost of disposable equipment, adapting to mass applications;
Ultra-wide-angle observation needs: Supports lenses up to 30°CRA, which can achieve a wider field of view coverage, suitable for scenarios such as arthroscopes and uterine and renal endoscopes.
IV. Conclusion
The core difference between OmniVision's OH01A10 and OH0FA10 sensors is essentially the positioning differentiation between "high-quality smooth imaging" and "extreme miniaturization". The OH01A10 takes 1-megapixel, 60fps high frame rate and digital transmission as its core advantages, adapting to the precise diagnosis and treatment needs of medium-large endoscopic equipment; the OH0FA10 takes the 0.93mm ultra-small size as a breakthrough, solving the imaging problem of ultra-thin catheter endoscopes.
In actual selection, there is no need to blindly pursue high parameters. Comprehensive judgment should be made based on core factors such as equipment outer diameter constraints, image quality requirements of the diagnosis and treatment scenario, and transmission distance. The differentiated design of the two sensors exactly covers the full-scenario medical needs from conventional endoscopy to ultra-thin endoscopy, providing a flexible imaging solution for precision medicine.
