Miniature high-resolution CMOS image sensor creates new potential for disposable high-performance endoscopes

“China, November 12, 2018, the world’s leading high-performance sensor solutions provider ams semiconductor (ams AG, Swiss stock exchange stock code: AMS) announced the launch of a new product, which belongs to the highly acclaimed NanEye series , Based on NanEye 2D, the original miniature image sensor module successfully used in endoscopes in the industry. The NanEyeM and NanEyeXS pre-released today will help realize the production of high-performance disposable endoscopes for minimally invasive surgery.

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China, November 12, 2018, the world’s leading high-performance sensor solutions provider ams Semiconductor (ams AG, Swiss stock exchange stock code: AMS) announced the launch of a new product, which belongs to the highly acclaimed NanEye series , Based on NanEye 2D, the original miniature image sensor module successfully used in endoscopes in the industry. The NanEyeM and NanEyeXS pre-released today will help realize the production of high-performance disposable endoscopes for minimally invasive surgery.

New 1mm² NanEyeMThe LVDS digital interface can provide high-resolution images of 100k pixels, with a maximum rate of 49 frames per second at 62 MHz. NanEyeM is a miniature camera module (MCM) that includes a cable up to 2 meters long and uses a customized multi-element lens, which greatly improves the effective resolution of the sensor and reduces distortion. Compared with the previous NanEye 2D sensor with a single-element lens, the new NanEyeM’s corner matching MTF (Modular Transmission Function) has been improved (>50%), and distortion has been reduced (

The new NanEyeXS launched by ams has a footprint of 0.46mm², Is one of the smallest image sensors in the world. It provides a digital output with a resolution of 40k pixels at a maximum rate of 55 frames per second at 28MHz. This sensor is very small and has significant advantages in the development of ultra-small instruments for minimally invasive surgery. Surgical devices with very small diameters can be designed, or more space for working channels can be made in larger devices. Like NanEyeM, NanEyeXS is a miniature camera module.

NanEyeM also provides surface mount chip format. The launch of the new NanEye image sensor will provide new methods for the supply and use of many types of endoscopes, and the applications involved include:

・ Arthroscopy

・ Bronchoscopy

・ Ureteroscopy

・ Cystoscopy

・ Laryngoscopy

・ Hysteroscopy

・ Neuroscopy

In large quantities, the unit cost of endoscopes based on the new NanEye sensor is very low, enough to support the emerging disposable market. One-time benefits include eliminating the risk of cross-contamination due to ineffective sterilization, avoiding high maintenance costs, and minimizing the risk of planned interruption in the operating room when reusable endoscopes are not available.

Compared with traditional fiber-based endoscopes that are widely used in operating rooms, chip-on-chip endoscopes based on NanEyeM or NanEyeXS can provide higher-definition images. The NanEye image sensor generates clearer images, better contrast, and smoother video output, allowing doctors to more accurately control the surgical equipment in the patient’s body.

Dina Aguiar, product marketing manager for NanEye, Ams Semiconductor, said: “Medical endoscopes are a fast-growing market, and the demand for disposable devices is expected to increase. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a level of performance and image quality comparable to that of Reusable endoscopes and cost-effective imaging solutions. NanEyeM and NanEyeXS modules are designed to meet this market demand. They provide a complete set of solutions with excellent imaging capabilities for disposable endoscope applications and catheter-based applications , Can maintain the cost competitive advantage in the case of large-scale supply. For the first committed to the technological innovation of medical endoscopes, and the acclaimed NanEye 2D series, the addition of these new products makes them more complete. Ams Semiconductor takes this Consolidate its position in the fast-growing disposable endoscope market, while using these unique products to further contribute to the innovation of patient care.”

Samples of NanEyeXS and NanEyeM image sensors will be available in January 2019.