Sony Semiconductor Solutions Announces 1 mm Square Image Sensor for Medical Single-Use Endoscopes, Featuring Industry's First*¹5 m Digital Transmission and High Image Quality

Providing stable transmission of high-definition images for thin endoscopes

ATSUGI, Japan, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) today announced the upcoming release of the IMX742, a CMOS image sensor with approximately 0.51 effective megapixels^*2 for medical single-use endoscopes. This sensor is the industry's first^*1 to support digital output and data transmission through a 5 m^*3 cable.

Demand for disposable, single-use endoscopes is growing in the medical field to help prevent infections and reduce the burden of endoscope reprocessing and managing equipment after use. Cameras on such endoscopes require not only compact sensors that are compatible with today's increasingly small diameter insertion parts but also improved basic performance such as high image quality and stable signal transmission.

By miniaturizing peripheral circuits, including the A/D converter (analog-to-digital conversion circuit), and using proprietary bi-directional communication technology to transmit control and video signals via the same cable, the IMX742 combines approximately 0.51 effective megapixels with a compact 1 mm-square sensor size. Furthermore, digitizing image signals on the sensor enables low-noise imaging at a high frame rate of 60 fps, with stable transmission via a 5 m cable, providing clear images for endoscopic visualization. These features will contribute to the miniaturization and improved image quality of thin endoscope cameras used in bronchoscopes and ureteroscopes.

Sony has provided image sensors for reusable endoscopes and will expand its offerings to single-use endoscope applications, for which demand continues to rise, thereby contributing to the realization of endoscope systems designed to meet needs for reduced invasiveness and improved operability and visibility.

Model name: IMX742 1/17.7-type CMOS image sensor with approximately 0.51 effective megapixels for single-use endoscopes. Sample shipment date (planned) November 2026. 

*1 Among CMOS image sensors for medical endoscopes. According to Sony research (as of announcement on October 22, 2026).
*2 Based on the image sensor effective pixel specification method.
*3 Transmission distance confirmed in a Sony evaluation environment using an AWG44 cable.

Main Features

• Achieving high resolution and digital output in a compact 1 mm-square sensor
  The new sensor combines approximately 0.51 effective megapixels and digital output in a compact 1 mm-square sensor suitable for thin endoscopes.
  
  Digital output requires the A/D converter to be integrated into the sensor, making sensor miniaturization more challenging. This product miniaturizes peripheral circuits, including the A/D converter, while preserving sufficient area for the pixel array, thereby achieving both high resolution and digital output in a compact sensor.
  
  Additionally, it uses Sony's proprietary bi-directional communication technology to enable both the control and video signals to be transmitted via the same cable while keeping the number of sensor pins to six.
  
  These features contribute to the further miniaturization and improved image quality of thin endoscopes, including bronchoscopes and ureteroscopes.
  
  
• Stable transmission of high-quality 60 fps images on a 5 m cable
  The new sensor outputs image signals digitized on the sensor, enabling lower-noise imaging in low-light environments compared with analog output. This provides high visibility in dark areas inside the body, even when the sensor is used in thin endoscopes equipped with compact LED light sources that offer limited brightness. It also supports a high frame rate of 60 fps, enabling smooth video display that keeps pace with rapid movement during diagnosis and treatment.
  
  Additionally, outputting a digital signal enables stable video transmission, which makes it possible to configure a system using a 5 m-long cable.
  
  With all these features, the new sensor supports stable image acquisition in thin endoscopes and increased flexibility in cable routing and system configuration, contributing to the realization of endoscope systems that support smoother observation.

Related Links
IMX742 product page
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/is/medical/endoscope/IMX742.html

Sony's image sensor products for use with medical endoscopes
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/is/medical/endoscope.html

Key Specifications

• This product is not a medical device and has not been evaluated or approved for medical applications. This product is provided as a component to be embedded in devices such as medical devices.
• The product described in this document is not intended for use in medical applications in Hong Kong, and this press release is not intended as an advertisement for the product in Hong Kong.

SOURCE Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation