Engineered for spaces < 1.5mm, this turnkey module integrates the Guinness Record-holding sensor into a plug-and-play USB solution, featuring a dedicated ISP board for instant 200x200 video streaming.
The Goobuy UC-OV6948 NECM16USB-D102 is a Φ1.2 mm ultra-miniature USB endoscope camera module built on OmniVision’s OV6948—the world’s smallest commercial image sensor—purpose-designed for micro-inspection, catheter systems, wearable devices, micro-robots, and embedded imaging in extremely confined spaces.
With a camera head measuring just 1.2 mm in diameter, the UC-OV6948 enables imaging in locations too small for conventional modules, including micro-endoscopes, industrial tight-space inspection tools, minimally invasive surgical instruments, catheters, and ultra-compact robotics. Powered by the 0.575×0.575 mm OV6948 sensor, it delivers stable close-range imaging while maintaining ultra-low power consumption and minimal heat generation at the tip, it enables revolutionary visualization for minimally invasive medical procedures and ultra-precise Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Its UVC plug-and-play USB interface ensures seamless integration with Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, Jetson Nano/Orin and embedded ARM platforms, and offers OEM/ODM customization for cable length, lens FOV, housing, waterproofing and connector orientation.
Product Overview
The OV6948 USB endoscope camera module 1.2mm is the world’s smallest chip-on-tip camera OV6948 UVC, designed for ultra-thin probes and miniature inspection tools. With a Φ1.2 mm × 5 mm camera head, integrated LED illumination, and a compact OV6948 PCB 46×14 mm USB bridge, this module streams 200×200 @ 30 fps over USB 2.0 UVC (MJPEG/YUY2).
Its tiny form factor and high integration make it ideal for medical catheter imaging, borescope inspection, semiconductor defect detection, and microscope-level precision tasks. Whether used as an OV6948 catheter camera with LED for medical OEM tools, or as an ultra thin borescope camera for industrial inspection, this solution enables high-resolution visibility where other cameras cannot fit.
NOVEL Introducing the world’s smallest OmniVision USB endoscope camera module OV6948 – built with the OmniVision OV6948 sensor. Measuring only 0.575mm x 0.575mm, this micro camera is ideal for minimally invasive surgical tools, catheters, borescopes, and tiny embedded imaging systems. Built for precision, it offers high clarity in ultra-compact spaces
| Specification | Detail | Why it Matters? |
| Sensor Model | OmniVision OV6948 / OVM6948 | Guinness World Record Holder. |
| Tip Diameter | Φ 1.2mm +/- 0.1mm (Check your real data) | Fits inside 1.6mm - 2.0mm catheters/tubes. |
| Resolution | 200 x 200 pixels (40 KPixel) | Sufficient for feature detection in tiny lumens. |
| Depth of Field (DOF) | 3mm ~ 30mm | optimized for close-up macro inspection. |
| Field of View (FOV) | 120° Wide Angle | See the pipe walls, not just the center. |
| Cable Length | Up to 2-4 meters | Long reach for medical/industrial probes. |
| Illumination | Built-in Fiber / LED Ring? (Please Specify) | Crucial! Sensors this small usually need external light or fiber. |
Key Selling Points
Sensor Size World’s smallest 0.575mm sensor (OV6948)
Precision Imaging Clear visuals in ultra-compact surgical tools
USB Plug & Play Fast integration for developers and OEMs
Low Power/Heat Safe for continuous use in sensitive environments
OEM Customization Tailored lens, housing, cable, sterilization options
Multi-Industry Use Medical, industrial, scientific & wearable tech
MOQ = 1 for Samples Immediate evaluation available for R&D


Quick Definition: OV6948 USB Module The UC-6948 is a complete imaging solution integrating the 0.65mm² OVM6948 CameraCubeChip®. It packages the sensor into a Φ1.2mm (or similar) distal tip with integrated LED illumination (if applicable) and outputs a standard UVC USB 2.0 video stream at 200x200 resolution (30fps) via a dedicated processing board.
The Goobuy OV6948 endoscope camera is based on the OmniVision OV6948, the world's smallest commercial CMOS image sensor at 1.2mm diameter, purpose-engineered for single-use disposable medical endoscopes, robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RAMIS) visualization, industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) capsule probes, and ultra-miniature robotics inspection applications
Technical Specifications
|
No. |
|
Description |
Specification |
|
1 |
|
Model Number |
NECM16USB-D102 |
|
2 |
|
Interface |
USB / Micro USB |
|
3 |
|
Image Sensor |
1/36" OV6948 |
|
4 |
|
FOV |
1/36" D120° |
|
5 |
|
Front dimension |
Φ1.2*1.4*5mm |
|
6 |
|
Photo Pixel |
147,456 Pixels |
|
7 |
|
Video Resolution |
200*200 |
|
8 |
|
Frame rate |
30FPS |
|
9 |
|
Depth of field |
3~50mm |
|
10 |
|
Length of extension cable |
0.05~2.5M |
|
11 |
|
Size of PCB |
46*14mm |
|
12 |
|
Light source |
4 LED |
|
13 |
|
Output |
USB2.0 |
|
14 |
|
Operating System |
WINXP/7/8/10,Linux/Android/Apple Mac |
|
15 |
|
Focus |
Fixed |
|
16 |
|
Working Temperature |
-20℃ ~ +60℃ |
|
|
|
|
* Tolerance:±5% |
Module Architecture:
Distal Tip: OV6948 Sensor + Lens + (Light Source) = < Φ1.2mm
Cable: Fine micro-coaxial cable (medical grade available).
Proximal End: USB Interface Board (Decodes Analog signal to UVC Video).
Note on Resolution (200x200 px): Engineers often ask: "Is 200x200 pixels enough?" Answer: In a lumen (pipe) that is only 2mm wide, 40,000 pixels provide incredible pixel density. The 120° FOV lens ensures you get a comprehensive view of the sidewalls, and the 3-30mm depth of field keeps everything in focus without mechanical parts. It is the industry standard for "Chip-on-Tip" endoscopy.

what troubling problems it can solve in medical application?
Medical Applications:
This camera's impact on medicine is profound, primarily enabling procedures that were once impossible or highly invasive.
Problems Solved:
Special Demands Met:
OV6948 USB Endoscope Camera Module – Use Scenarios & Applications
✅ 1. Medical Endoscopy (Human & Veterinary)
Use Scenario:
Integrated into disposable or reusable endoscopes, catheters, and surgical instruments for high-resolution internal imaging during procedures.
Applications:
• ENT (ear, nose, throat) endoscopes
• Neuro and cardiac micro-endoscopy
• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) tools
• Urology and gynecology diagnostics
• Dental root canal inspection
• Veterinary diagnostic probes
Medical (Bio-Compatible): "Disposable Catheters for Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Cardiology (Vascular navigation)."
Industrial (Non-Destructive Testing): "Turbine Blade Cooling Hole Inspection"
Target Customers:
• Medical device manufacturers
• Hospitals and surgical tool developers
• Dental equipment suppliers
• Veterinary equipment OEMs
• Endoscope brand OEM/ODM developers
________________________________________
✅ 2. Industrial Micro-Inspection
Use Scenario:
Used in confined-space visual inspection tools for detecting micro-defects in small parts or enclosed spaces.
Applications:
• Micro-bore inspection tools
• Electronics assembly and solder joint inspection
• Fine-pitch connector and PCB inspection
• Turbine blade or injector tube inspection
• Watchmaking and jewelry quality control
Target Customers:
• Industrial inspection tool manufacturers
• Quality control and NDT solution providers
• Semiconductor and PCB assembly factories
• Precision component manufacturers (automotive, aerospace)
________________________________________
✅ 3. • Medical-device prototyping for minimally invasive visualization tools
• Precision industrial borescopes and narrow-cavity inspection instruments
• Small-diameter diagnostic accessories and specialized handheld scopes
• R&D programs requiring ultra-miniature embedded imaging
• Single-Use Disposable Endoscopy (US/EU Growth Market): the FDA and EU MDR have accelerated adoption of single-use endoscopes for infection prevention. The OV6948 ultra-small format is the enabling technology for affordable disposable endoscope tips.
• Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RAMIS): surgical robot end-effectors (instruments and scope tips) require the smallest possible imaging element for access to narrow anatomical corridors. The 1.2mm OV6948 enables sub-5mm surgical cameras.
• Industrial Capsule & Pipe Inspection NDT: nuclear, aerospace, and petrochemical industries use capsule probes smaller than 3mm in diameter for boiler tube, engine bore, and reactor vessel NDT inspection where larger cameras cannot access.
• In-Vivo Capsule Endoscopy (GI): wireless capsule endoscopy devices for small intestine visualization use the OV6948 as the primary imaging sensor due to its extreme miniaturization.
• Pediatric and neonatal endoscopy, cardiovascular micro-catheter imaging, lab-on-a-chip microfluidic observation, and semiconductor micro-defect inspection

| Sensor | OV6948 | OV6946 | OV9734 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | World’s smallest CIS | Ultra-mini 1 mm class | Mini HD (1/9”) |
| Size | 0.575 × 0.575 mm | 1.05 × 1.05 mm | 1/9" optical format |
| Typical Module Diameter | Φ1.2 mm | Φ1.8–2.0 mm | 3.0–3.5 mm |
| Resolution | ~200 × 200 | 400 × 400 | 1280 × 720 (HD) |
| Pixel Size | 1.75 µm | 1.75 µm | 1.4 µm |
| Frame Rate | 30 fps | 30 fps | 60 fps |
| Best Use Case | Catheters / micro-endoscopes / sub-1.5 mm tools | Mini endoscopes (1.8–2.2 mm) | HD endoscopes, borescopes, industrial inspection |
| Strength | Unmatched miniaturization | Better resolution while still tiny | HD clarity |
| Limitation | Limited resolution due to size | Larger than OV6948 | Too large for micro-catheter use |
Choose OV6948 for extreme miniaturization (Φ1.2 mm), OV6946 for compact but higher-resolution micro-endoscopy (Φ1.8–2.0 mm), and OV9734 for HD endoscope/borescope applications where 3 mm+ diameter is acceptable.
Why Choose Our OV6948 USB Camera Solution?
Novel provide various tiny endoscope camera (USB&HDMI) OEM & ODM Support
Tailored Lens + Cable + Connector Customization (USB2.0, micro USB, Type-C, HDMI)
Medical-Grade Assembly Options (Sterilization Ready)
Global Shipping & Long-Term Supply Chain Assurance (Novel started since 2007)
Trusted by Medical OEMs, Universities & Research Labs Worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can this camera be used inside the human body?
A1: Yes. The OV6948 sensor is certified for medical use and is suitable for embedding into minimally invasive diagnostic or surgical tools.
Q2: What is the minimum outer diameter of the complete camera module?
A2: It can be as small as 1.2mm with housing, depending on the cable and lens configuration.
The camera head measures only Φ1.2 mm, enabling integration into extremely narrow spaces
Why is the OV6948 sensor unique?
It is the world’s smallest commercially available CMOS sensor at 0.575×0.575 mm.
Q3: Do you support custom USB cable lengths and connectors?
A3: Yes, we can provide USB Type-C, micro USB, or proprietary connectors with customized cable lengths and shielding.
Can I get a waterproof or sterilizable version?
Yes. We offer waterproof (IP67/IP68) and autoclave-ready camera heads for medical applications.
Q4, How does the OV6948 manage heat generation in a 1.2mm medical catheter?
The OV6948 is engineered with an ultra-low power consumption architecture that produces virtually zero heat at the distal tip. This ensures patient safety during prolonged neurological or cardiovascular procedures where thermal tissue damage is a critical risk
Q5: Is the OV6