Tech Shout!

OmniVision Technologies, a supplier of CMOS Camera Chip image sensor solutions for high-volume imaging applications, has unveiled its smallest CamersChip product until now. Its latest, reasonably priced OV6920 is the only 1/18-inch sensor available, offering low power operation for use in disposable cameras for medical applications such as intubation and diagnostic systems.

The 2.1 mm by 2.3 mm CSP packaged chip will allow a 3.2 mm diameter microscopic camera module, making many medical procedures even less invasive for the patient. It also enables certain medical devices such as intubation systems and endoscopes to be made even smaller to allow for use on infants and small children.

“We consider it a major accomplishment by our excellent engineering team to enable such a significant reduction in size over our previous smallest 1/7-inch camera chip. The closest thing in the market today is a 1/12-inch CCD,” said Hasan Gadjali, OmniVision’s Vice President for Advanced Products. “We are encouraged by the initial response to the OV6920. Several customers are already evaluating samples and are very excited about the possibilities this small camera can offer.”

The OV6920 is the perfect solution for low-cost applications requiring both excellent colour video performance and a very small footprint. The ultra small OV6920 is a single-chip OmniPixel Camera Chip system, which only needs clock and power to get the NTSC composite signal out for direct interface with a VCR/TV/monitor. The OV6920 Camera Chip is designed for very low power consumption, requiring only a single 3.3-volt DC supply. Engineering samples of the OmniVision OV6920 CameraChip are currently available.