Chroma CS-150 / CS-160 Color Luminance Meter

Overview

The Chroma CS-150 and CS-160 Color Luminance Meters are handheld, battery-powered optical instruments engineered for high-fidelity, non-contact measurement of luminance (cd/m²) and chromaticity coordinates (CIE x, y or u’, v’) in a single point. Based on spectral radiance integration methodology, these meters employ newly optimized silicon photodiodes calibrated to closely emulate the CIE 1931 standard observer color-matching functions and the CIE V(λ) photopic luminosity function. This spectral matching accuracy—significantly improved over the predecessor CS-100A—ensures traceable, human-eye-relevant photometric and colorimetric data under diverse lighting conditions. The CS-160 extends dynamic range by one order of magnitude compared to the CS-150, supporting reliable measurement of ultra-bright sources such as high-intensity LEDs, aviation signal lamps, and laser-projected displays without saturation or neutral-density filter dependency.

Key Features

• SLR-style optical path with through-the-lens viewfinder enabling precise targeting—even at working distances as short as 100 mm—while displaying real-time luminance value directly in the eyepiece.
• Dual-display interface: integrated eyepiece readout for immediate luminance feedback; full-color external LCD showing chromaticity (x, y), correlated color temperature (CCT), dominant wavelength, excitation purity, and luminance in multiple units (cd/m², fL, nit).
• Advanced stray-light rejection optics minimizing contamination from ambient or adjacent light sources—critical for measurements on reflective or multi-source environments (e.g., traffic signals, architectural façades, display panels).
• Optional macro lens accessory enables spot measurements down to Ø0.4 mm (CS-160), facilitating characterization of micro-LEDs, OLED subpixels, and narrow-beam indicator lights.
• Robust mechanical design with pistol-grip ergonomics, IP54-rated enclosure against dust and water splashes, and extended battery life (>8 hours continuous operation).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CS-150/CS-160 supports measurement of both self-luminous and reflective surfaces without physical contact, making it suitable for applications where surface integrity, sterility, or geometry precludes probe-based contact. Validated use cases include LED chips, fluorescent and tungsten-halogen lamps, painted architectural surfaces, CRT/LCD/OLED displays, projection screens, and regulatory-compliant signal lighting (e.g., ICAO Annex 14, FAA AC 150/5340-30H, EN 12367 for road signs). Instrument calibration is traceable to NIST-traceable standards, and spectral response validation aligns with CIE Publication No. 15:2018 and ISO/CIE 11664-1:2019. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit-ready data export (CSV, TXT) supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows when paired with validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Software & Data Management

Chroma’s proprietary CS-SW software provides instrument configuration, real-time data streaming, batch measurement logging, and statistical analysis (min/max/avg/σ). Raw measurement files include timestamp, GPS metadata (optional), operator ID, and instrument serial number—enabling full chain-of-custody tracking. Export formats comply with ASTM E308-22 spectral data conventions and support direct import into MATLAB, Python (via pandas), and industry-standard color analysis platforms (e.g., Konica Minolta CMS, X-Rite iQC). Firmware updates are delivered via USB-C and maintain backward compatibility with legacy CS-100A calibration profiles.

Applications

• LED manufacturing QA: binning verification, luminance uniformity mapping, and chromaticity shift monitoring across thermal stress cycles.
• Display R&D: white point tuning, gamma curve validation, and viewing-angle-dependent chromaticity assessment for mobile, automotive, and AR/VR displays.
• Transportation safety compliance: photometric verification of railway semaphore lamps, airport runway edge lights, and highway variable-message signs per EN 12367 and IEC 60598-1.
• Architectural lighting design: in-situ evaluation of façade illumination, interior ambient brightness, and color rendering consistency across large-scale installations.
• Medical device UI validation: luminance and contrast ratio testing of diagnostic monitor overlays and surgical navigation displays under ambient-controlled conditions.

FAQ

What is the difference between CS-150 and CS-160 in terms of luminance range and sensor architecture?
The CS-160 features an extended-range photodetector with enhanced linearity up to 9.999×10⁶ cd/m², whereas the CS-150 is optimized for high-precision measurements up to 9.999×10⁵ cd/m². Both share identical spectral response calibration and optical design—but the CS-160 incorporates additional gain-stage circuitry to maintain SNR at extreme intensities.
Can the CS-150/CS-160 measure pulsed or modulated light sources?
Yes—both models support synchronous sampling mode with user-selectable integration time (1 ms to 10 s), enabling accurate averaging of PWM-driven LEDs and flickering discharge lamps. For high-frequency modulation (>1 kHz), external trigger synchronization is recommended.
Is factory recalibration required annually?
Chroma recommends annual recalibration against primary standards to maintain traceability. Field verification using NIST-traceable reference tiles (e.g., Labsphere Spectralon®) is supported via built-in reference mode.
Does the instrument support CIEDE2000 or other advanced color difference metrics?
Raw CIE 1931 xy and CIELAB values are exported; ΔE₀₀ calculation is performed externally via CS-SW or third-party software. The meter itself reports Δuv for CCT stability assessment per ANSI C78.377.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified for these instruments?
Typical expanded uncertainty (k=2) is ±2.5% for luminance (cd/m²) and ±0.003 in CIE x,y coordinates under standard lab conditions (23°C ±2°C, 50% RH), as documented in Chroma’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificate.