def METHOD_NAME(self, mfd_conf):
    '''
    Input core configuration parameters as specified in the
    configuration file
    :param dict mfd_conf:
        Configuration file containing the following attributes:
        * 'Model_Weight' - Logic tree weight of model type (float)
        * 'MFD_spacing' - Width of MFD bin (float)
        * 'Minimum_Magnitude' - Minimum magnitude of activity rates (float)
        * 'Maximum_Magnitude' - Characteristic magnituded (float)
        (if not defined will use scaling relation)
        * 'Maximum_Magnitude_Uncertainty' - Uncertainty on
        maximum magnitude
        (If not defined and the MSR has a sigma term then this will be
        taken from sigma)
        * 'Lower_Bound' - Lower bound in terms of number of sigma (float)
        * 'Upper_Bound' - Upper bound in terms of number of sigma (float)
        * 'Sigma' - Standard deviation (in magnitude units) of distribution
    '''
    self.mfd_model = 'Characteristic'
    self.mfd_weight = mfd_conf['Model_Weight']
    self.bin_width = mfd_conf['MFD_spacing']
    self.mmin = None
    self.mmax = None
    self.mmax_sigma = None
    self.lower_bound = mfd_conf['Lower_Bound']
    self.upper_bound = mfd_conf['Upper_Bound']
    self.sigma = mfd_conf['Sigma']
    self.occurrence_rate = None