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LED Panel Indicator PM3GD12VW6 Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The PM3GD12VW6 is a panel-mount LED indicator manufactured by Bivar Inc., designed for 12V DC applications requiring a 20mA green diffused light source. This component features a 3mm T-1 lens with wire leads and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts is essential for ongoing system maintenance, repair, and new design implementations where this indicator specification remains applicable.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Significance for Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 12V DC | Critical - must match exactly |
| Current Rating | 20mA | Critical - must match exactly |
| Lamp Color | Green | Critical - visual function requirement |
| Lens Transparency | Diffused | Critical - optical characteristic |
| Lens Size | 3mm, T-1 | Critical - physical form factor |
| Panel Cutout Shape | Round | Important - mechanical compatibility |
| Termination Style | Wire Leads | Important - connection method |
| Ratings Type | DC | Critical - electrical characteristic |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the PM3GD12VW6 is determined by strict alignment of electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria establish valid equivalency:
Mandatory Matching Parameters:
- Voltage: 12V DC (exact match required)
- Current: 20mA (exact match required)
- Lamp Color: Green (exact match required)
- Lens Transparency: Diffused (exact match required)
- Lens Size: 3mm, T-1 (exact match required)
- Panel Cutout Shape: Round (exact match required)
- Ratings: DC (exact match required)
- Termination Style: Wire Leads (exact match required)
Allowable Variation Parameters:
- Panel Cutout Dimensions: Minor variations acceptable within mechanical tolerance
- Viewing Angle: May vary based on application requirements
- Wire Lead Length: May vary based on installation requirements
- Millicandela Rating: May vary if application does not specify minimum brightness
- Ingress Protection: Enhanced ratings acceptable (backward compatible)
The substitute part Q6P3BXXG12E from APEM Inc. meets all mandatory matching criteria and is therefore classified as a direct functional equivalent.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | PM3GD12VW6 (Bivar Inc.) | Q6P3BXXG12E (APEM Inc.) | Compatibility Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 12V DC | 12V DC | Match |
| Current Rating | 20mA | 20mA | Match |
| Lamp Color | Green | Green | Match |
| Lens Color | Green | Green | Match |
| Lens Transparency | Diffused | Diffused | Match |
| Lens Size | 3mm, T-1 | 3mm, T-1 | Match |
| Lens Style | Round with Domed Top | Round with Domed Top | Match |
| Panel Cutout Shape | Round | Round | Match |
| Panel Cutout Dimensions | 0.16" (4.06mm) | 0.24" (6.10mm) | Variation - larger cutout required |
| Ratings Type | DC | DC | Match |
| Termination Style | Wire Leads - 6" (152.40mm) | Wire Leads - 7.87" (200.00mm) | Variation - longer leads |
| Viewing Angle | 40° | 100° | Variation - wider viewing angle |
| Millicandela Rating | 25mcd | 40mcd | Variation - higher brightness |
| Ingress Protection | Not specified | IP67 | Enhanced in substitute |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | 1 (Unlimited) | 1 (Unlimited) | Match |
| ECCN Classification | EAR99 | EAR99 | Match |
| HTSUS Code | 8541.41.0000 | 8541.41.0000 | Match |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Primary Substitute: Q6P3BXXG12E (APEM Inc.)
The Q6P3BXXG12E is classified as an active product with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, providing superior long-term availability compared to the obsolete PM3GD12VW6. All critical electrical parameters align exactly: 12V DC voltage, 20mA current, green diffused lens, and 3mm T-1 form factor.
Mechanical Considerations:
The substitute part features a larger panel cutout dimension (0.24" versus 0.16"), requiring panel modification if the original cutout cannot be enlarged. The extended wire lead length (7.87" versus 6") provides additional routing flexibility and may eliminate the need for lead extensions in some installations.
Optical Characteristics:
The Q6P3BXXG12E provides a 100° viewing angle compared to the original 40°, offering broader visibility. The increased millicandela rating (40mcd versus 25mcd) ensures adequate brightness for the same 20mA current draw. These enhancements are backward compatible with applications designed for the original part.
Compliance Status:
The substitute part's active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and IP67 ingress protection rating provide enhanced environmental protection and regulatory alignment for new designs and long-term system support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can Q6P3BXXG12E be used as a direct drop-in replacement for PM3GD12VW6?
A: Electrical compatibility is complete. Mechanical compatibility requires panel cutout enlargement from 0.16" to 0.24" diameter. Wire lead length is longer (7.87" versus 6"), which may require routing adjustment but does not prevent substitution.
Q: What are the critical parameters that must match for substitution?
A: Voltage (12V DC), current (20mA), lamp color (green), lens transparency (diffused), lens size (3mm T-1), panel cutout shape (round), and termination style (wire leads) must all match exactly. These parameters define functional equivalency.
Q: Does the higher millicandela rating of Q6P3BXXG12E affect circuit design?
A: No. Both parts operate at identical voltage and current ratings (12V, 20mA). The increased brightness of the substitute is a result of improved LED efficiency and does not require circuit modification.
Q: Is the wider viewing angle of Q6P3BXXG12E (100° versus 40°) a concern?
A: The wider viewing angle is an enhancement that expands visibility. Applications designed for 40° viewing angle will function correctly with the 100° substitute. This parameter does not constrain substitution.
Q: What is the significance of the IP67 rating on Q6P3BXXG12E?
A: IP67 ingress protection provides enhanced environmental sealing compared to the unspecified rating of the original part. This is a beneficial enhancement for applications exposed to moisture or dust.
Q: Are there any compliance or regulatory differences between these parts?
A: Both parts share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.41.0000) classifications. The substitute part carries ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, providing regulatory alignment for current manufacturing standards.
Q: How does the longer wire lead length affect installation?
A: The 7.87" leads (versus 6") provide additional routing flexibility. Excess lead length can be trimmed if necessary. This variation does not prevent substitution and may simplify installation in some configurations.
Q: What is the inventory status for these parts?
A: PM3GD12VW6 has 926 pieces in stock but is classified as obsolete. Q6P3BXXG12E has 925 pieces in stock and is classified as active, ensuring long-term availability for future orders.
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