Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-18 Origin: Site
In the field of medical endoscopy (medical endoscopy), two cutting-edge camera modules from OmniVision—the OCHFA10 and the OVM6946—represent significant advancements in miniaturized imaging. Both are built around a tiny, highly integrated CMOS sensor (CMOS sensor). These products are primarily engineered for the disposable medical endoscope (medical endoscope) market, covering applications such as bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, and hysteroscopes. They deliver essential visual support for minimally invasive surgery, helping to mitigate cross-contamination risks and minimize surgical trauma.
To explore comprehensive solutions, see our range of Medical Endoscope Camera Module options.
The OVM6946 (often nicknamed the "Big Sesame") is an earlier product developed by OmniVision. Since its 2017 introduction, it has achieved massive deployment, with millions of units shipped globally. It is widely utilized in diverse medical endoscopy scenarios, including precise diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures. Its compact package size of 1.10 mm × 1.10 mm, with a height around 2.3 mm, earned it the "sesame seed" moniker. You can view specifications for the OVM6946 Micro Endoscope Module here.
The OCHFA10, conversely, is a technological successor to the OVM6946 and is part of OmniVision's new generation of CameraCubeChip® solutions. While maintaining a minuscule footprint, the OCHFA10 significantly boosts image resolution and overall performance, setting a new benchmark for high-definition, miniaturized CMOS Endoscope systems. The comparison between the OCHFA10 and OVM6946 clearly illustrates the continuous drive toward greater miniaturization and clarity in medical endoscopy.
We also offer specialized OCHFA10 variants, such as the OCHFA10 Side-View Module for specific applications, and the OCHFA10 CMOS Sensor Module with integrated LED.
| Parameter | OCHFA10 | OVM6946 |
| Resolution | 720×720 (518Kpixel) | 400×400 |
| Sensor Size | 1/17.5-inch | 1/18-inch |
| Pixel Size | $1.008\mu\text{m} \times 1.008\mu\text{m}$ | $1.75\mu\text{m} \times 1.75\mu\text{m}$ |
| Frame Rate | 30fps@720×720 | 30fps@400×400 |
| Core Technology | PureCel® Plus-S Pixel | OmniBSI™+ |
As evident from the data, the OCHFA10 CMOS sensor delivers a substantial increase in resolution, jumping from the OVM6946's 400×400 to 720×720, representing approximately a 1.6-fold increase in pixel count. This enhancement provides surgeons with much clearer images, aiding in the diagnosis of early-stage conditions. The OCHFA10 Micro Camera Module leverages this high resolution for superior detail.
Image Quality and Sensitivity
The OCHFA10 uses OmniVision's PureCel®Plus-S pixel technology. This technology allows it to achieve higher sensitivity, greater full well capacity (FWC), and lower noise, despite the smaller pixel size. Its enhanced near-infrared sensitivity also ensures more reliable performance, even under demanding conditions like autoclaving. The OVM6946, utilizing conventional pixel architecture, may offer a better signal-to-noise ratio in absolute low-light environments due to its larger pixel size.
Power Consumption
Both modules maintain similar power consumption: the OCHFA10 operates at approximately 25mW, matching the OVM6946 at 10fps. Both meet the stringent thermal and reliability requirements for medical devices. For diverse sizing needs, we also carry a 2.8mm CMOS Sensor Module.
OCHFA10: Targets high-precision minimally invasive surgeries, including neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and cardiology. Its small size (suitable for catheter and guidewire endoscopes with 1-2mm outer diameter) facilitates early and detailed disease diagnosis.
OVM6946: Ideal for routine endoscope examinations like gastroenteroscopy and hysteroscopy. It is heavily adopted in disposable medical endoscope devices and also finds applications in veterinary and industrial endoscope (industrial endoscope) settings.
If your requirements span both sectors, consider our specialized Medical/Industrial Endoscope Camera.
OCHFA10: Positioned as the higher-end upgrade since 2022, it commands a higher price but offers superior technology and customization, appealing to manufacturers of premium medical endoscope equipment.
OVM6946: A market-mature product since 2016, it boasts high market share, clear cost advantages, and a stable supply chain, making it the preferred choice for cost-effective, high-volume equipment. For extreme miniaturization at a competitive price, explore the 1.5mm OVM6946 Module.
Beyond the medical field, we support various high-performance industrial endoscope applications, such as the Industrial LED Endoscope Camera Module. For the cutting-edge of imaging, view our 12MP Auto-Focus USB Endoscope series.
The OCHFA10 and OVM6946 represent different generations of OmniVision's platform for the medical endoscopy sector. The OCHFA10 provides an optimized solution for high-end disposable CMOS Endoscope systems through enhanced resolution and size reduction. Conversely, the OVM6946 maintains its dominance in the mid-to-low-end market by leveraging cost efficiency and a robust ecosystem.
For new product development, targeting high-end specialized endoscopes with demanding image quality requirements makes the OCHFA10 the superior technological investment. However, for products focused on basic examination devices where cost control is paramount, the OVM6946 remains the pragmatic choice. Over time, as OCHFA10 scaling reduces production costs, a gradual replacement of the older platform is anticipated across the wider medical endoscope market.
