MICRO-EPSILON colorCONTROL MFA User manual

MICRO-EPSILON Eltrotec GmbH
Manfred-Wörner-Straße 101 · 73037 Göppingen / Germany
Tel. [phone] · Fax [phone]
[email protected] · www.micro-epsilon.com
Your local contact: www.micro-epsilon.com/contact/worldwide/
MFA-7
MFA-14
MFA-21
MFA-28
Operating Instructions
colorCONTROL MFA

Sensor system for testing LED function, color and intensity
MICRO-EPSILON Eltrotec GmbH
Manfred-Wörner-Straße 101
73037 Göppingen / Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
e-mail [email protected]
www.micro-epsilon.com

colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
Contents
1. Safety ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Symbols Used ................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Warnings.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Notes on CE Marking ...................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Intended Use ................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Proper Environment......................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Functional Principle, Technical Data ....................................................................................... 7
2.1 Short Description............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Measuring Principle ......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Functions ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.4 Display Element .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.5 Technical Data ................................................................................................................................................. 8
2.5.1 Technical Data for Controller ......................................................................................................... 8
2.5.2 Technical Data for MFS Sensors .................................................................................................... 9
3. Delivery .................................................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Unpacking/Included in Delivery .................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Storage .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
4. Installation and Assembly...................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Installation and Mounting .............................................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Mounting the MFS Receiver Sensor.............................................................................................................. 12
4.3 Status LED ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Electrical Connections Controller.................................................................................................................. 13
4.4.1 Connection Options ..................................................................................................................... 13
4.4.2 Pin Assignment............................................................................................................................. 13
4.4.3 Supply Voltage ............................................................................................................................. 14
4.4.4 Data Transmission for RS422, RS232 or USB ............................................................................ 14
4.4.5 RS422 (with IF2001/USB Converter)............................................................................................ 15
5. Operation ................................................................................................................................ 16
5.1 Initial Operation ............................................................................................................................................. 16
5.2 Operation using sensorTOOL ....................................................................................................................... 16
5.2.1 Controller Search ......................................................................................................................... 16
5.3 System Parameterization via sensorTOOL (Settings Menu)......................................................................... 17
5.3.1 Modulation Setup ......................................................................................................................... 17
5.3.2 Configuration................................................................................................................................ 18
5.3.2.1 Configuration/Measurement ..................................................................................... 18
5.3.2.2 Global Settings.......................................................................................................... 19
5.3.2.3 Channel Overview..................................................................................................... 20
5.4 Measurement Menu....................................................................................................................................... 21
5.4.1 Data Acquisition............................................................................................................................ 21
5.4.2 Signal Processing......................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.3 Data Acquisition Table.................................................................................................................. 23
5.4.4 Recording and Saving Measurement Data.................................................................................. 23
5.5 Single Value Menu......................................................................................................................................... 24
5.6 Color Display Menu ....................................................................................................................................... 25
5.7 Info Menu ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.7.1 Reset to Factory Settings ............................................................................................................. 26
5.7.2 Export / Import Settings .............................................................................................................. 26
5.7.3 Disconnecting............................................................................................................................... 27
6. Serial Interface (RS422, RS232 and USB) ............................................................................ 27
7. Cleaning.................................................................................................................................. 28
8. Software Support with MEDAQLib ........................................................................................ 28
9. Disclaimer............................................................................................................................... 28
10. Service, Repair ....................................................................................................................... 29
11. Decommissioning, Disposal.................................................................................................. 29

colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
Appendix
A 1 Optional Accessories............................................................................................................. 30
A 2 Factory Settings ..................................................................................................................... 32
A 3 Software Update..................................................................................................................... 32
A 4 ASCII Communication with Sensor....................................................................................... 33
A 4.1 Commands Overview ................................................................................................................................... 34
A 4.2 System ........................................................................................................................................................... 35
A 4.2.1 HELP............................................................................................................................................. 35
A 4.2.2 GETINFO, Sensor Information ..................................................................................................... 35
A 4.2.3 STATUS......................................................................................................................................... 36
A 4.2.4 PRINT, Sensor Settings ................................................................................................................ 36
A 4.2.5 PRINT ALL .................................................................................................................................... 36
A 4.2.6 GETCHANNELCNT ...................................................................................................................... 37
A 4.2.7 BASICSETTINGS ......................................................................................................................... 37
A 4.2.8 MEASSETTINGS .......................................................................................................................... 37
A 4.2.9 RESET, Rebooting Sensor............................................................................................................ 37
A 4.2.10 RESETCNT, Resetting Counter .................................................................................................... 37
A 4.2.11 SETDEFAULT................................................................................................................................ 37
A 4.3 Communication ............................................................................................................................................. 37
A 4.3.1 BAUDRATE ................................................................................................................................... 37
A 4.3.2 OUTPUT........................................................................................................................................ 37
A 4.3.3 DATARATE.................................................................................................................................... 37
A 4.3.4 OUT............................................................................................................................................... 37
A 4.3.5 GETOUTINFO............................................................................................................................... 38
A 4.4 Adjustment / Reference ................................................................................................................................. 38
A 4.4.1 DARKCORR .................................................................................................................................. 38
A 4.4.2 DARKCORR_OFFSET................................................................................................................... 38
A 4.4.3 WHITECORR ................................................................................................................................ 38
A 4.4.4 WHITECORR_FACTOR ................................................................................................................ 38
A 4.5 Measurement................................................................................................................................................. 38
A 4.5.1 AUTOGAIN.................................................................................................................................... 38
A 4.5.2 GAIN ............................................................................................................................................. 38
A 4.5.3 INTEGRATIONTIME...................................................................................................................... 39
A 4.5.4 AVERAGING ................................................................................................................................. 39
A 4.5.5 COLORSPACE.............................................................................................................................. 39
A 4.5.6 GETMEASURE ............................................................................................................................. 39
A 4.6 ASCII Error Codes ......................................................................................................................................... 40
A 5 Measurement Data Format..................................................................................................... 41

Page 5
Safety
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
1. Safety
System operation assumes knowledge of the operating instructions.
1.1 Symbols Used
The following symbols are used in these operating instructions:
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates a situation that may result in property damage if not avoided.
Indicates a user action.
iIndicates a tip for users.
Measurement Indicates hardware or a software button/menu.
1.2 Warnings
Connect the power supply according to the safety regulations for electrical equipment.
> Risk of injury
> Damage to or destruction of the controller
Avoid shocks and impacts to the sensor and controller.
> Damage to or destruction of the sensor and/or the controller
The supply voltage must not exceed the specified limits.
> Damage to or destruction of the controller
Never fold the sensor (optical fiber) and do not bend it in tight radii.
> Damage to or destruction of the sensor, failure of measuring device
Do not operate the controller if optical components are steamed up or dirty.
> Failure of the measuring device
1.3 Notes on CE Marking
The following apply to the colorCONTROL MFA-XX series:
- EU Directive 2014/30/EU
- EU Directive 2011/65/EU
Products which carry the CE mark satisfy the requirements of the EU directives cited and the relevant applicable harmo-
nized European standards (EN). The measuring system is designed for use in industrial and laboratory applications.
The EU Declaration of Conformity is available to the responsible authorities according to EU Directive, Article 10.

Page 6
Safety
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
1.4 Intended Use
- The colorCONTROL MFA-7/14/21/28 is designed for use in industrial and laboratory applications. It is used for
relative color measurement and testing
testing intensities, color and function
testing lighting such as LEDs and light bulbs
multi-channel testing with up to 28 MFS sensors (MFA-28) at the same time.
- The system must only be operated within the limits specified in the technical data, see 2.5.1.
- The testing system must be used in such a way that no persons are endangered or machines and other material
goods are damaged in the event of malfunction or total failure of the system.
- Take additional precautions for safety and damage prevention in case of safety-related applications.
1.5 Proper Environment
- Protection class: IP20
Unused optical inputs can be closed for their protection with MFS blind plugs, as function could be impaired or lost if
they become dirty.
- Temperature range:
Operation: 0 ... +50 °C
Storage: -10 ... +55 °C
- Humidity: 20 ... 80 % RH (non-condensing)
- Ambient pressure: Atmospheric pressure

Page 7
Functional Principle, Technical Data
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
2. Functional Principle, Technical Data
2.1 Short Description
The colorCONTROL MFA-XX is an optical controller for precise color recognition for industrial measurement tasks, built
into a sturdy aluminum housing. The controller is characterized by parallel measurement of multiple measuring channels
(up to 28 in an MFA-28), high color accuracy, data output via interfaces, and intuitive operation. Up to 28 MFS sensors
with optical fibers can be connected to a colorCONTROL MFA-28 controller. These sensors can be adapted to different
measuring tasks, for example LED testing (binning), primary light source testing, and display testing.
2.2 Measuring Principle
The measuring system for relative color measurement/testing consists of an evaluation unit – the MFA-XX controller
– and a MFS sensor. The sensor is connected to the controller via an optical fiber with an integrated plastic fiber. The
specimen (lighting/LED) emits electromagnetic radiation with the range of 400-700 nm (light). The light emitted from the
test subject is received via an MFS sensor at a working distance of approx. 5 mm. The light is transmitted via the optical
fiber of the MFS sensor to a perceptive true-color sensor (XYZ) of the MFA controller.
The three wavelength frequency ranges, i.e.
- X = long wave,
- Y = medium wave and
- Z = short wave frequency ranges
from the specimen are used to determine the light emitted thereby and transformed into a selected color space. These
color values are calculated according to the procedure described in DIN 5033. The transformed values (color) can be
queried by the controller or continuously transmitted via the interface.
2.3 Functions
- Detecting electromagnetic radiation of between 400 ... 700 nm and converting it into color values
- Outputting the measurement data via RS232, RS422 or USB
2.4 Display Element
The status LED of the controller indicates the following:
- Green: error-free operation
- Orange: error
- Blue: overflow

Page 8
Functional Principle, Technical Data
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
2.5 Technical Data
2.5.1 Technical Data for Controller
Model MFA-7 MFA-14 MFA-21 MFA-28
Article number 11094994 11094995 11094996 11094997
No. of measurement channels 7 14 21 28
Repeatability 1 xy < ±0.000025
Spectral range 400 ... 700 nm
Sensitivity range 1 ... 50,000 lx
Measurement values XYZ, xyY, Luv, uvL, RGB, CCT, dom
Measuring rate 2< 100 Hz < 59 Hz < 40 Hz < 30 Hz
Supply voltage + 24 V DC ± 10%
Max. current consumption 500 mA
Digital interface USB, RS422 or RS232
Connection Optical 7 connections or
sockets for MFS
sensors
14 connections or
sockets for MFS
sensors
21 connections or
sockets for MFS
sensors
28 connections or
sockets for MFS
sensors
Electrical 8-pin female connector M12 for RS422/RS232/USB
4-pin male connector for power supply
Mounting 4x M4 fastening screws
Temperature range Storage -10 ... +55 °C
Operation +0 ... +50 °C
Humidity 20 … 80 % RH (non-condensing)
Shock (DIN EN 60068-2-27) 15 g / 6 ms + two directions, 1000 shocks in each of 3 axes
Vibration (DIN EN 60068-2-6) 2 g / 10 … 500 Hz + 10 cycles in each of 3 axes
Protection class (DIN EN 60529) IP20
Material Aluminum housing, coated in black
Weight 247 g 262 g 278 g 293 g
Compatibility With all MFS sensors
Control and displays elements Status LED (green: error-free operation; orange: error; blue: overflow)
1) Details valid for 5 mm LEDs
2) Valid for a baud rate of 115200 and the transmission of color values plus timestamp. The measuring rate decreases
when transmitting dom and CCT.

Page 9
Functional Principle, Technical Data
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
2.5.2 Technical Data for MFS Sensors
Model MFS-22 MFS-K04 MFS-K04-3 MFS-K04-6 MFS-K05/90
Article number 10825504 10825506 10825508 10825510 10825512
Sensor type Receiver sensor
Working
distance 1
Start 3 mm 3 mm 3 mm 3 mm
Optimal 5 mm 5 mm 5 mm 5 mm
End 11 mm 15 mm 15 mm 15 mm
Measurement
spot diame-
ter 1
Start 4 mm 3 mm 4.5 mm 2x5 mm
Optimal 6 mm 3 mm 5 mm 2.5x6 mm
End 16 mm 6 mm 7 mm 4x14 mm
Measurement geometry 0° 90°
Min. target size Ø 4 mm Ø 3 mm Ø 4.5 mm Ø 5 mm
Sensitivity Distance 2xy
< 0.003 /mm
xy
< 0.002 /mm
xy
< 0.003 /mm
xy
< 0.004 /mm
Tilt 2xy < 0.01 / ° xy < 0.01 / ° xy < 0.02 / ° xy < 0.02 / °
Connection Integrated plastic fiber cable axial with PVC (P) sheathing,
standard length 0.5 m; other lengths 0.3 m... 2.0 m optionally available,
min. bending radius 50 mm
Mounting MFS plug
Temperature
range
Sensor head -10 ... +80 °C
Cables -20 ... +80 °C
Humidity 20 … 80 % RH (non-condensing)
Protection class (DIN EN
60529)
IP64 IP44
Material PVC,
plastic fiber
POF-2.2 with
PVC sheathing
(P)
Aluminum,
plastic fiber POF-2.2 with PVC sheathing (P)
Weight 3.4 g 5.4 g 5.6 g 7.2 g 6.7 g
Compatibility MFA controller (7, 14, 21, 28)
Special features All variants are available in other lengths > 300 mm as well. Lengths of up to 5 m are
possible with glass optical fibers. These can also be manufactured for vacuum or
high-temperature conditions.
No. of measurement channels 1
Details apply in conjunction with a colorCONTROL MFA-7 series controller
1) Measured with a white reference light source 6500 K, 32 lm, 95 Ra
2) Measured with red 637 nm 5 mm LED (1 mA, 11 V DC)

Page 10
Delivery
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
3. Delivery
3.1 Unpacking/Included in Delivery
1x colorCONTROL MFA-7/14/21/28 controller
1 Assembly Instructions
Carefully remove the components of the measuring system from the packaging and ensure that the goods are for-
warded in such a way that no damage can occur.
Check the delivery for completeness and shipping damage immediately after unpacking.
If there is damage or parts are missing, immediately contact the manufacturer or supplier.
Optional accessories are listed in the appendix, see A 1.
3.2 Storage
- Temperature range for storage: -10 ... +55 °C
- Humidity: 20 ... 80 % RH (non-condensing)

Page 11
Installation and Assembly
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
4. Installation and Assembly
4.1 Installation and Mounting
i
Ensure careful handling during installation and operation.
Make sure that the sensors can move freely and that no sharp curves or corners are formed when
installing the colorCONTROL MFA-7/14/21/28.
> Damage to or destruction or failure of the sensor
> Distortion of test results
The smallest bending radius of the sensor (optical fiber) is 50 mm (permanent) or 10 mm (short-term).
i
Make sure that all the light from the LEDs is guided from the sensor to the color chip in the colorCONTROL MFA-XX.
6x 12.5
(6x .49)
28x ø6.4
(28x .25 dia.)
23.3
(0.92)
35.25 (1.39)
83 (3.3)
42 (1.65)
ø2.7 (1.06 dia.)
42 (1.65)
134 (5.23)
100 (3.94)
17
(.67)
51 (2.01)
4x ø4,4
(4x .17 dia.)
46.45 (1.83)
11.25 (.44)
M12x1 M12x1
11
(.43)
10.4
(.41)
22.7
(.89) 12
(.47)
12
(.47)
7
(.28)
Fig. 1 colorSENSOR MFA-28 dimensional drawing, dimensions in mm
Do not allow the end surfaces of the sensor to strike edges or surfaces. Reduced signal quality or
measuring device.
PS2020
230 VAC
PE
N L
PS2020
PC
Offset
LED
Working distance
Fig. 2 Typical measurement setup of MFA-XX controller with connected MFS sensor, power supply, and connection to PC

Page 12
Installation and Assembly
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
4.2 Mounting the MFS Receiver Sensor
- Minimum bending radius:
Short-term 10 mm
Permanently 50 mm
- Numerical aperture: 0.47
- Attenuation at 660 nm less than 220 dB/km (typically 190 dB/km)
Position the sensor over the optical center of the LEDs.
Maintain a distance of 2 to 15 mm between the LED and the sensor.
i
The distance depends on the luminosity of the specimen and the sensor used.
Sensor
LED
Sensor
Offset
Working
distance
Fig. 3 Positioning the sensor Fig. 4 Working distance and offset
The intensity of a test depends on the working distance and offset of the LED with respect to the sensor. The permissible
offset depends on the measuring spot of the sensor. For more information on the working distance and on the measuring
spot, please consult the technical data, see 2.5.2. Several MFS receiver sensors are available for detecting the light, see A
1.
4.3 Status LED
Color Meaning Position of the LED
Green Controller ready to use
Orange Error (as soon as a channel is not working
correctly, the LED lights up orange)
Blue Overflow (as soon as overflow has oc-
curred in a channel, the LED lights up
blue)

Page 13
Installation and Assembly
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
4.4 Electrical Connections Controller
4.4.1 Connection Options
USB
PC
PS 2020
direct connection
PLC
IF2001/USB Display
CAB-M12-8P-co-straight; 2m-PVC; USB
CAB-M12-8P-co-straight; 2m-PUR; open ends
CAB-M12-8P-co-straight; 2m-PUR; RS232
CAB-M12-8P-co-straight; 2m-PUR; open ends
Converter
RS232 / USB
PE
4.4.2 Pin Assignment
The cable shields are connected to the connector housings. The connector housings are in contact with the controller
housing.
Perform all electrical connections only in the switched-off state.
> Risk of injury from high voltage.
12
14-pin male connector M12 for power supply
2 8-pin female connector M12 for RS232, RS422 or USB
The frequently used and standardized female connectors M12 allow use of a standard commercial cable to match the
specific, special requirements of the specific operating environment. For example, cables are available which are oil-re-
sistant or suitable for use with drag chains.
The power supply and communication connections of the controller are accessible using standardized male and female
connectors M12. All connection cables with the features required for the application (e.g. drag chain compatibility or
resistance to oil) and the matching coding can be used with the controllers.

Page 14
Installation and Assembly
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
4.4.3 Supply Voltage
To connect the supply voltage: CAB-M12-4P-co-fm-straight;
- 4-pin male connector
- 24 VDC ± 10%, Imax < 500 mA
Pin Color 1Function Description
View of controller
flange connector
1
43
2
Pin sequence,
4-pin cable socket,
viewed from solder
side
1) Wire colors
CAB-M12-4P-co-fm-
straight
1 Brown V+ Supply voltage (10 ...
28 VDC)
2 White - -
3 Blue GND Ground connection
4 Black - -
Shield The cable shield is connected to the hous-
ing.
Use a shielded cable with a length < 30 m.
MICRO-EPSILON recommends using the optionally available CAB-M12-4P-co-fm-straight cable.
4.4.4 Data Transmission for RS422, RS232 or USB
8-pin female connector for connecting the RS422, RS232 or USB interface. Depending on the interface, there is a sepa-
rate connection line, with the same data protocol being output via each of the three interfaces, see 6. The interfaces may
be operated separately but not simultaneously. The cable shield is connected to the housing.
Connect the cable shield to the evaluation unit.
Use shielded cable with a length of:
- USB cable ≤ 3m
- RS233 ≤ 10m
- RS422 ≤ 15m
MICRO-EPSILON recommends using the optionally available CAB-M12-8P-co-straight cable, see A 1.
Pin assignment for M12 8-pin
female connector (RS422/RS232/USB)
View of controller
flange socket
1
76
54
3
2
8
Pin sequence,
8-pin cable con-
nector, view of
solder side
2) Wire colors
CAB-M12-8P-co-
straight
Pin assignment for cable:
Pin Wire color on
cable 2
Assignment USB RS232 RS422
1 White GND GND GND GND
2 Brown VUSB VUSB - -
3 Green D+ D+ - -
4 Yellow D- D- - -
5 Gray RI+ - GND RI+
6 Pink RI- - RxD RI-
7 Blue DO- - TxD DO-
8 Red DO+ - DO+
Shield The cable shield is connected
to the housing. Shield

Page 15
Installation and Assembly
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
4.4.5 RS422 (with IF2001/USB Converter)
The RS422 interface can be used for configuration as well as for permanent data transmission, even over longer dis-
tances. It is interference-resistant and suitable for industrial applications. Distances of up to 1200 m are possible with a
twisted-pair cable.
For the connection between sensor and PC, the lines must be crossed.
iOnly disconnect or connect the sub-D connection between the RS422 and USB converter when no voltage is flow- ing.
Characteristics
- Maximum input voltage RX+, RX-: ±14 Vmax internally terminated with 120 Ohm.
- Output voltage TX: ±2 V, differential at 2 x 50 Ohm
Parameter
- Baud rate 115200 baud - Start/stop bit: 1
- Data bits: 8 - Handshake: No
- Parity: None - Command protocol: ASCII
iThe RS422 interface is widely used in industrial applications. Use a suitable USB converter, e.g. the IF2001/USB, see A 1, if your PC/Notebook only has USB ports.
Controller Terminal, PLC,
IF2001/USB Converter
from MICRO-EPSILON
Symmetrical differen-
tial signals accord-
ing to EIA-422, not
electrically separated
from the voltage
supply.
Use a shielded cable
with twisted wires,
e.g. CAB-M12-8P-co-
straight.
Pin Cable color
(Cable: CAB-M12-
8P-co-straight)
Function Function
7 Blue Tx- Rx-
8 Red Tx+ Rx+
6 Pink Rx- Tx-
5 Gray Rx+ Tx+
1 White GND GND
Fig. 5 Crossed data lines on receive and transmit side

Page 16
Operation
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
5. Operation
5.1 Initial Operation
Mount the MFA-XX controller as per the mounting instructions, see 4.1.
Connect the controller to the downstream display or monitoring units and to the voltage supply.
5.2 Operation using sensorTOOL
sensorTOOL by MICRO-EPSILON is a piece of software that you can use to apply settings to the controller and to view
and document measurement data. You can find it online at https://www.micro-epsilon.com/download/software/sensor-
TOOL.exe.
5.2.1 Controller Search
Connect the controller to a free USB or RS232 port of your PC and connect the power supply.
Start the sensorTOOL program.
Select the sensor group Color and sensor type colorSENSOR MFA from the drop-down menus and click on the
button.
The program will now search for connected MFA-XX sensors on the available interfaces.
Select a desired sensor. Click the Start Data Acquisition button.
Fig. 6 Sensor search with the sensorTOOL program
Click on the Configure baud rate button to apply the basic settings of the serial interface.

Page 17
Operation
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
5.3 System Parameterization via sensorTOOL (Settings Menu)
5.3.1 Modulation Setup
Select the Settings/Modulation menu.
Before the MFA-7/14/21/28 can deliver meaningful measurement results, its dynamic range must be adjusted to the mea-
surement situation. This is done with the intensity adjustment (modulation).
Via the drop-down menu, it is possible to select whether the dynamic range adjustment (modulation) takes place for all
channels, for all activated channels, or for a single channel only.
The dynamic range is adjusted (modulation) in three successive steps in the Settings/Modulation menu.
Follow the instructions listed under Step 1 (Autogain) and click on the Start Setup button.
After this step has been completed, a green check mark appears, which indicates that it was successful.
i
All channels selected for modulation must be illuminated. For this purpose, it is advisable to select the brightest
possible lighting situation such that no underflow or overflow occurs in the receiving detectors. The actual light
color is not important, because only the dynamic range in the received brightness (Ix) is adjusted.
Switch the light source off and click on the Start Step 2 button.
After this step has been completed, a green check mark appears, which indicates that it was successful.
iIn Step 2 (Dark Correction), a dark correction is carried out. None of the channels selected for adjustment may be illuminated during this process.
Enter a percentage value, switch the light source on again and click on the Start Step 3 button.
iBecause there are always fluctuations in the production of light sources or because you might not have the correct light source with maximum brightness for the adjustment, you can set a control level in % for the receiver here. If,
for example, it is set to 80 %, the light source to be measured can still be 20 % brighter before overflow occurs in
the receiver.
After this final step has been completed, you can save the modulation setup either in the working memory using the
Save in RAM button or in the MFA-7/14/21/28 controller using the Save permanently button. If you just want to save
it in the RAM, the settings will be lost when you restart the controller and the adjustment will have to be carried out again.
However, you can permanently save the settings under Settings/Configuration later.

Page 18
Operation
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
5.3.2 Configuration
Select the Settings/Configuration menu.
In this menu, you can apply settings for the transmission of measured values, as well as for the color space, data rate,
color temperature and dominant wavelength. Furthermore, you can load and save the settings and adjust the exposure
time, amplification and averaging function for each individual channel.
Fig. 7 View of Settings/Configuration menu
5.3.2.1 Configuration/Measurement
Under Configuration/Measurement, you can set the color space and data rate to be used for measurement and
output for all channels at once.
Measurement
Color space XYZ / xyY / Luv / uvL / RGB Only one color space can be selected and output for
all channels at the same time.
Data rate Value
The maximum permissible data rate depends on the
baud rate set, the number of measuring channels se-
lected, and whether the color temperature CCT and
dominant wavelength d have also been selected for
transmission under Configuration/Global Settings.
The color temperature CCT and dominant wave-
length d take longer to calculate, thus reducing the
possible data rate many times over.
Fields with gray background require a selection. Value Fields with dark border require entry of a
value.

Page 19
Operation
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
5.3.2.2 Global Settings
In the submenu Configuration/Global Settings, you can activate or deactivate the measured values color
temperature, dominant wavelength and acquisition timestamp for all measuring channels at once.
Global settings
Output color temperature Outputs the color temperature for each active measuring channel
in Kelvin.
Output dominant wave-
length Indicates the dominant wavelength for each active measuring channel in nanometers.
Output acquisition time-
stamp A timestamp documents the time of the measurement.
Fields with gray background require a selection. Value Fields with dark border require entry of a
value.

Page 20
Operation
colorCONTROL MFA-7/-14/-21/-28
5.3.2.3 Channel Overview
Settings can be applied to each individual measuring channel in the Channel Overview submenu.
Name Value Description
Channel 1...28 You can switch between the available measuring channels via the
drop-down menu.
Activate output The channel can be activated or deactivated by checking Activate
output.
Color value Displays the color values depending on the selected color space
(XYZ, xyZ, Luv, uvL and RGB)
Dominant wavelength (nm): Displays the dominant wavelength in nanometers.
Color temperature (Kelvin): Displays the color temperature in Kelvin.
Timestamp (seconds): Timestamp for the measuring channels since sensor start-up
Integration time (ms):
1, 2, 4, 8, 16,
32, 64, 128,
256, 512, 1024,
2048, 4096,
8192, 16384
You can set a value for the Integration time via the drop-down
menu.
By adjusting the sensitivity (modulation), the optimal integration
time for the lighting situation of the receiver can be determined. If
the selected setting does not appear to be optimal, the value for the
integration time can be adjusted via the drop-down menu.
Gain level:
1, 2, 4, 8, 16,
32, 64, 128,
256, 512, 1024,
2048
By adjusting the sensitivity (modulation), the optimal amplification
value for the lighting situation of the receiver can be determined. If it
does not appear to be optimal, it can be adjusted via the drop-down
menu.
Averaging: Value Choose the number of values to be used for forming a moving aver-
age.
Fields with gray background require a selection. Value Fields with dark border require entry of a
value.
By clicking on the button, a sensible combination of the parameters Integration time and Gain
level is determined automatically for the selected channel.
This button can be used to reset the intensity adjustment for the current channel.