KONICA MINOLTA CS-100A Spot Chroma Meter

Overview

The KONICA MINOLTA CS-100A is a precision-engineered SLR-type tristimulus spot chroma meter designed for non-contact, point-based measurement of luminance (cd/m² or fL) and CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of self-luminous sources. It operates on the fundamental principle of tristimulus colorimetry—using three spectrally filtered silicon photodiodes calibrated to approximate the CIE 1931 standard observer color-matching functions. Unlike spectroradiometers, the CS-100A delivers rapid, field-deployable measurements without spectral data acquisition, making it ideal for routine quality control, lighting validation, and regulatory compliance tasks where absolute color fidelity and luminance uniformity are critical. Its single-lens reflex (SLR) optical architecture ensures precise spatial registration between the viewed and measured areas—eliminating parallax error even at minimum focus distance (1014 mm). This enables reliable assessment of small-emitting surfaces such as LED indicators, traffic signals, aviation lighting, and display backlights under real-world ambient conditions.

Key Features

• SLR optical system with 1° measurement angle and 9° field-of-view finder—guarantees exact alignment between visual targeting and measurement aperture.
• Wide dynamic luminance range: 0.01–299,000 cd/m² (fast mode), supported by built-in neutral density (ND) filters for high-brightness source evaluation.
• High repeatability: ±0.001 in chromaticity (x,y) for Y ≥100 cd/m² under fast sampling; ±0.2% ±1 digit in luminance (Y) across full range.
• Two selectable response modes—fast (0.1 s sampling) for stable sources; slow (0.4 s sampling) for flickering or low-light emitters—to optimize signal-to-noise ratio.
• Compact, handheld ergonomics: 79 × 208 × 154 mm, 890 g (battery excluded); pistol-grip design ensures stability during extended field use.
• On-device color difference calculation (ΔY, Δx, Δy) against user-defined reference values—enabling immediate pass/fail judgment per ISO 11664-4 and CIE Publication 170-2 guidelines.
• Optional close-up lens (sold separately) extends minimum measurable spot size to 1.3 mm at 205 mm working distance—critical for micro-LED and automotive signal lamp verification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CS-100A is validated for measurement of all common self-luminous sources—including incandescent, fluorescent, HID, OLED, and narrow-band LEDs—across industrial, transportation, and architectural lighting applications. It complies with the photometric and colorimetric requirements defined in JIS Z 8722, ISO/CIE 11664-1:2019 (colorimetry fundamentals), and CIE S 014/E:2006 (photometer performance criteria). Its stray light suppression (<1.5%) and angular response profile meet ANSI C78.377-2017 tolerances for LED chromaticity binning. While not a GLP/GMP-certified instrument per se, its traceable calibration protocol (via user reference correction using NIST-traceable standards) supports audit-ready documentation in regulated environments including FAA Part 139 airport lighting certification and IEC 62471 photobiological safety assessments.

Software & Data Management

The CS-100A features native RS-232C serial communication (4800 bps) for bidirectional data exchange with host PCs or external controllers. Measurement data—including Y, x, y, ΔY, Δx, Δy, and timestamp—are transmitted as ASCII strings compatible with industry-standard logging software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Excel via terminal emulators). When interfaced with the optional DP-101 Data Processor (sold separately), the instrument supports automated batch measurement, statistical analysis (mean, SD, min/max), report generation, and printer output—facilitating adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. Firmware does not support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signatures; however, raw ASCII logs may be imported into validated LIMS platforms for secure archival and audit trail generation.

Applications

• Traffic signal and runway edge lighting verification per ICAO Annex 14 and FAA AC 150/5340-30J specifications.
• LED manufacturing QA: binning consistency, luminance uniformity mapping, and chromaticity shift monitoring over thermal cycling.
• Display backlight homogeneity testing—especially for automotive instrument clusters and medical device interfaces requiring IEC 62366-1 usability validation.
• Architectural lighting commissioning: wall-wash uniformity, cove lighting CCT consistency, and emergency egress sign luminance compliance (NFPA 101 §7.10.9).
• R&D lab benchmarking: comparative evaluation of prototype light engines against reference illuminants (A, D65, F2) per CIE 15:2018.
• Photography and cinematography lighting setup: spot-checking key/fill light ratios and white balance reference points on set.

FAQ

What is the smallest measurable spot size with the CS-100A?
With the standard lens at 1014 mm working distance, the 1° measurement angle yields a 17.7 mm diameter spot. With the optional close-up lens (CS-100A-CU), the minimum measurable spot reduces to 1.3 mm at 205 mm.
Can the CS-100A measure reflective surfaces?
No—the CS-100A is an *incident* chroma meter optimized for self-luminous sources only. For reflectance-based color measurement (e.g., painted panels or textiles), KONICA MINOLTA’s CM-700d or CR-400 series is recommended.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—users may perform reference correction using a NIST-traceable luminance standard (e.g., calibrated tungsten-halogen source). Factory calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.
Does the CS-100A support USB connectivity?
No—only RS-232C serial interface is provided. A USB-to-RS232 adapter (FTDI chipset recommended) is required for modern PC integration.
How often should user reference correction be performed?
At minimum before each measurement session, and whenever ambient temperature deviates >±2°C from prior calibration conditions—due to thermal drift in silicon photodiode responsivity.