Equivalent & Substitute Parts for Panasonic EX-M2E Optical Sensor

Part Overview

The Panasonic EX-M2E is a through-beam optical sensor designed for 2-meter (78.7") sensing distance applications with NPN open collector output. This sensor operates across 12V to 24V supply voltage with 1ms response time and IP65 ingress protection. The EX-M2E is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent active alternatives necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

EX-M2E

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1051EX-M2E Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

E3T-ST31

Omron Automation and SafetyIn Stock: 1191E3T-ST31 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

E3T-ST32

Omron Automation and SafetyIn Stock: 992E3T-ST32 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the Panasonic EX-M2E is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Sensing Method: Through-beam operation is mandatory
• Sensing Distance: 78.7" (2m) 6.6' specification must be maintained
• Voltage Supply: 12V ~ 24V compatibility required
• Response Time: 1ms performance specification
• Output Configuration: NPN open collector output required
• Connection Method: Cable-based connection
• Ingress Protection: IP65 or higher rating acceptable

The Omron E3T-ST31 and E3T-ST32 sensors meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. Both are active products with current manufacturing status, providing long-term availability compared to the obsolete EX-M2E. The primary distinction between substitute options relates to output logic configuration (light-ON versus dark-ON) and light source wavelength (red 650nm versus infrared).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both Omron E3T-ST31 and E3T-ST32 sensors provide direct functional equivalence to the obsolete Panasonic EX-M2E across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. Selection between the two Omron alternatives depends on application-specific logic requirements:

E3T-ST31 (Light-ON): Output activates when the light beam is unobstructed. Select this configuration for applications requiring active-high signaling during normal operation.

E3T-ST32 (Dark-ON): Output activates when the light beam is obstructed. Select this configuration for applications requiring active-high signaling during object detection or blockage conditions.

Both substitutes offer enhanced ingress protection (IEC IP67 versus IP65) and extended operating temperature range (-25°C to 55°C versus -10°C to 60°C). All three sensors maintain RoHS compliance and identical ECCN/HTSUS classifications. The transition from infrared to red (650nm) light source in the Omron alternatives does not affect functional compatibility for standard through-beam sensing applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Omron E3T-ST31 or E3T-ST32 directly replace the Panasonic EX-M2E without circuit modification?

A: Both Omron sensors provide NPN open collector output compatible with the EX-M2E electrical interface. Logic configuration (light-ON versus dark-ON) must align with application requirements. Verify output polarity in your control circuit before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between E3T-ST31 and E3T-ST32?

A: The E3T-ST31 activates output when the beam is unobstructed (light-ON logic). The E3T-ST32 activates output when the beam is obstructed (dark-ON logic). Both maintain identical electrical specifications and sensing distance.

Q: Does the change from infrared to red light source affect sensing performance?

A: Both infrared and red (650nm) light sources operate within the through-beam sensing methodology. The wavelength difference does not impact the 2-meter sensing distance specification or response time for standard applications.

Q: Are the Omron substitutes available in the same cable length as the EX-M2E?

A: The EX-M2E specifies 118.10" (3m) cable length. Verify cable length specifications for the selected Omron alternative against your application requirements.

Q: What is the ingress protection difference between IP65 and IEC IP67?

A: IEC IP67 provides enhanced protection against temporary immersion compared to IP65. Both ratings exceed the original EX-M2E specification, offering improved environmental durability.