PM3BWC LED Panel Indicator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM3BWC is a panel-mounted LED indicator manufactured by Bivar Inc., featuring a blue clear lens with 25mcd brightness at 430nm wavelength. This component is classified as Obsolete product status, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for ongoing design requirements and procurement needs. The PM3BWC operates at 4V with 25mA maximum current and features a 3mm T-1 round domed lens in a 0.16" (4.06mm) round panel cutout configuration.

Substiute Parts

PM3BWC

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 874PM3BWC Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM3BWD

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 820PM3BWD Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete PM3BWC is determined by strict alignment of core electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria establish substitution validity:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Manufacturer: Bivar Inc. (same product family)
• Series: PM3 (same mechanical platform)
• Lamp Color: Blue (optical requirement)
• Wavelength - Peak: 430nm (spectral requirement)
• Voltage: 4V (circuit compatibility)
• Current: 25mA (circuit compatibility)
• Lens Size: 3mm, T-1 (form factor)
• Panel Cutout Shape: Round (mechanical fit)
• Panel Cutout Dimensions: 0.16" (4.06mm) (panel mounting compatibility)
• Lens Style: Round with Domed Top (mechanical fit)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Lens Color: Clear or Diffused (both acceptable for blue lamp color)
• Millicandela Rating: Variation acceptable within application brightness tolerance
• Viewing Angle: Variation acceptable within application field-of-view tolerance
• Termination Style: Wire or PC Pin (both acceptable for panel mounting)
• Product Status: Active preferred for ongoing availability

The PM3BWD meets all mandatory matching parameters while offering active product status and improved availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

PM3BWD Substitution Basis:

The PM3BWD is a direct substitute for the obsolete PM3BWC based on electrical and mechanical parameter alignment. Key selection factors:

1. Product Status: PM3BWD carries Active product status, ensuring continued manufacturing availability and supply chain reliability compared to the Obsolete PM3BWC.

2. Electrical Compatibility: Both parts operate at identical 4V voltage and 25mA maximum current specifications, ensuring circuit-level compatibility without modification.

3. Mechanical Fit: Identical 3mm T-1 lens size, round domed lens style, and 0.16" (4.06mm) round panel cutout dimensions guarantee direct mechanical substitution in existing panel designs.

4. Optical Specification: Both parts emit at 430nm peak wavelength, maintaining spectral consistency for blue LED indicator applications.

5. Compliance: PM3BWD maintains identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.41.0000) classifications, with RoHS3 Compliance and REACH Unaffected status providing regulatory alignment.

6. Parameter Variations: The PM3BWD features diffused lens transparency (versus clear), blue lens color (versus colorless), 10mcd brightness (versus 25mcd), 40° viewing angle (versus 30°), and PC Pin termination (versus wire). These variations remain within acceptable substitution parameters for panel-mounted indicator applications where brightness and viewing angle tolerances accommodate the specification differences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PM3BWD directly replace PM3BWC in existing designs?

A: Yes. The PM3BWD maintains identical electrical ratings (4V, 25mA), mechanical dimensions (3mm T-1 lens, 0.16" round cutout), and optical wavelength (430nm). Direct substitution is valid for panel-mounted blue LED indicator applications.

Q: What is the impact of the 10mcd versus 25mcd brightness difference?

A: The PM3BWD provides 40% of the PM3BWC brightness output. Applications requiring the original 25mcd brightness level must evaluate whether 10mcd meets visibility requirements for the specific installation environment and viewing distance.

Q: How does the diffused lens affect optical performance?

A: The PM3BWD diffused lens provides wider light distribution compared to the PM3BWC clear lens. The PM3BWD viewing angle is 40° versus 30° for the PM3BWC, resulting in broader light spread but lower peak intensity in the direct viewing axis.

Q: Are there termination differences between these parts?

A: Yes. The PM3BWC uses wire termination while the PM3BWD uses PC Pin termination. Panel mounting compatibility remains identical; however, circuit board connection methods differ. PC Pin termination requires through-hole or surface-mount PCB pads designed for pin insertion.

Q: Does the blue lens color on PM3BWD affect the indicator appearance?

A: The PM3BWC features a colorless clear lens with blue lamp color, producing a bright blue appearance. The PM3BWD features a blue lens with blue lamp color, producing a deeper or more saturated blue appearance. Visual appearance differs; functional blue indication is maintained in both configurations.

Q: What is the inventory status for substitution planning?

A: PM3BWC inventory is 780 pieces (Obsolete status). PM3BWD inventory is 722 pieces (Active status). For new designs or long-term production, PM3BWD is recommended due to active product status and ongoing manufacturing availability.

Q: Are compliance certifications identical?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.41.0000) classifications. PM3BWD includes RoHS3 Compliance and REACH Unaffected certifications, providing regulatory assurance for current manufacturing standards.