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SpectralLED® RS-7 USER MANUAL
Page 12
SECTION 2
OPERATING PROCEDURES
2.1
Principle of Operation
2.1.1
Overall Design
The SpectralLED® RS-7 Tunable Light Source uses light emitting diodes driven by digitally controlled constant
current sources. The use of precision voltage references, along with active optical feedback, enables a stable
output with extremely linear brightness adjustment. In addition, the incorporation of multiple independent
spectral channels provides flexible spectral and colorimetric programmability of the output. NIST-traceable
calibration of the spectral output, luminance, and uniformity, add to the reliability of the source as an optical
reference tool.
2.1.2
Linear Brightness Control
The SpectralLED® RS-7 Tunable Light Source built around a 16-bit DAC controlled linear brightness adjustment
circuit operating at comparatively high speeds, and exhibits excellent repeatability. An integral real-time optical
feedback circuit arbitrates the brightness control circuit, resulting in the RS-7’s extremely linear intensity
adjustment capability. This allows the source to adjust linearly without independent monitoring by a radiometer,
without the need for neutral density filters or other attenuators, and without the need for pulse width
modulated intensity control, which can cause flicker.
2.1.3
Real-Time Feedback
The SpectralLED® RS-7 Tunable Light Source has a fully integrated real-time optical feedback system, which
monitors the source output and constantly adjusts the brightness to maintain the selected intensity level. The
RS-7 also features closed loop thermal feedback control to add another level of stability and maintain reliable
operation over many years. The RS-7 can be operated reliably even in high temperature environments (up to
40°C) while retaining linearity and stability.
2.1.4
Spectral and Colorimetric Matching
The SpectralLED® RS-7 Tunable Light Source is spectrally programmable to allow for the creation of both
narrowband and/or broadband spectrums with arbitrary spectral distributions. In addition, it can provide
‘preset’ standard illuminants and individual color components combined, simulates among other things; X-Rite
Color Checker patches illuminated by standard illuminants. Each RS-7 spectral channel is individually calibrated
and controlled. For colorimetric applications, the RS-7 can be used to accurately reproduce color coordinates
over a much larger gamut than most any standard RGB source, while exhibiting a much smaller color error than
is possible with three component RGB sources or reflective color test targets.