PM3PGT LED Panel Indicator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM3PGT is a 3mm LED panel indicator manufactured by Bivar Inc., designed for panel-mount applications with wire termination. This component features a green clear lens with a 555nm peak wavelength and 10mcd brightness rating. The part is classified as obsolete, making substitute identification necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The PM3PGT operates at 2.2V forward voltage with a maximum current rating of 30mA and is housed in a standard T-1 package with a round domed lens and 30° viewing angle.

Substiute Parts

PM3PGT

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 926PM3PGT Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM3GD

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 1306PM3GD Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PM3PGT is based on strict compatibility criteria within the PM3 series from Bivar Inc. The primary substitute identified is the PM3GD, which maintains compatibility through the following parameters:

Critical Compatibility Parameters:

• Manufacturer: Bivar Inc. (same manufacturer)
• Series: PM3 (same series designation)
• Lens Size: 3mm, T-1 (identical package)
• Panel Cutout Dimensions: 0.16" (4.06mm) (identical mechanical fit)
• Lamp Color: Green (identical color)
• Maximum Current: 30mA (identical current rating)
• Panel Cutout Shape: Round (identical mounting interface)

Parameters with Allowable Variation:

• Lens Transparency: Clear (PM3PGT) vs. Diffused (PM3GD) — different optical characteristics
• Forward Voltage: 2.2V (PM3PGT) vs. 2.1V (PM3GD) — within typical LED tolerance range
• Millicandela Rating: 10mcd (PM3PGT) vs. 25mcd (PM3GD) — higher brightness available
• Peak Wavelength: 555nm (PM3PGT) vs. 568nm (PM3GD) — both within green spectrum
• Viewing Angle: 30° (PM3PGT) vs. 40° (PM3GD) — wider viewing angle available
• Termination Style: Wire (PM3PGT) vs. PC Pin (PM3GD) — different connection method

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The PM3PGT is classified as obsolete, while the PM3GD is active and in current production. This status difference is the primary driver for substitution necessity. The PM3GD maintains active inventory (1274 pcs) compared to the PM3PGT's limited remaining stock (884 pcs).

Compliance and Certification: Both parts carry identical regulatory classifications: ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8541.41.0000. The PM3GD includes additional compliance documentation: RoHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected status. Both components have Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited), indicating no special handling requirements.

Mechanical Compatibility: The PM3GD maintains identical panel cutout dimensions (0.16" / 4.06mm) and lens package specifications (3mm T-1 with round domed top), ensuring direct mechanical fit in existing panel mount applications.

Electrical Compatibility: Forward voltage differs by 0.1V (2.2V vs. 2.1V), which falls within standard LED manufacturing tolerances. Maximum current rating is identical at 30mA. Circuit designs accommodating the PM3PGT will function with the PM3GD without modification to current-limiting resistor calculations.

Optical Differences: The PM3GD provides increased brightness (25mcd vs. 10mcd) and wider viewing angle (40° vs. 30°). The lens transparency change from clear to diffused alters light distribution characteristics. Peak wavelength difference (555nm vs. 568nm) represents a 13nm shift within the green spectrum, which may be perceptible in color-critical applications.

Termination Consideration: The PM3PGT uses wire termination while the PM3GD uses PC pin termination. This represents the most significant functional difference and requires circuit board redesign or adapter implementation for direct substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PM3GD directly replace the PM3PGT without any modifications?

A: Mechanical and electrical compatibility is present for panel mounting and circuit operation. However, the termination style differs: PM3PGT uses wire termination while PM3GD uses PC pin termination. Direct substitution requires either circuit board redesign to accommodate PC pins or use of wire-to-pin adapters. Additionally, the diffused lens and higher brightness of the PM3GD will alter the visual appearance compared to the original clear lens design.

Q: What are the key parameters that determine substitution compatibility?

A: Substitution compatibility is determined by: manufacturer (Bivar Inc.), series designation (PM3), lens package size (3mm T-1), panel cutout dimensions (0.16" / 4.06mm), lamp color (green), and maximum current rating (30mA). These parameters ensure mechanical fit and basic functional operation. Variations in lens transparency, brightness, wavelength, and viewing angle are allowable but will affect optical performance.

Q: How does the brightness difference between PM3PGT (10mcd) and PM3GD (25mcd) affect application suitability?

A: The PM3GD provides 2.5 times higher brightness. In applications where the original 10mcd was specified for visibility, the increased brightness of the PM3GD will provide enhanced visibility. In applications where 10mcd was the maximum acceptable brightness to avoid excessive illumination, the PM3GD may be unsuitable without additional optical filtering or current reduction.

Q: What is the significance of the lens transparency difference (clear vs. diffused)?

A: The PM3PGT clear lens provides focused, directional light output with sharp edges. The PM3GD diffused lens spreads light more uniformly across the viewing angle. This affects visual appearance: the clear lens produces a bright point of light, while the diffused lens produces a more evenly illuminated lens surface. Application requirements determine which is appropriate.

Q: Are there any regulatory or compliance differences between these parts?

A: Both parts share identical export classifications (ECCN EAR99, HTSUS 8541.41.0000) and moisture sensitivity levels (MSL 1 - Unlimited). The PM3GD includes additional compliance certifications: RoHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected. These certifications indicate the PM3GD meets current environmental and hazardous substance regulations.

Q: What is the impact of the 0.1V forward voltage difference?

A: The forward voltage difference (2.2V vs. 2.1V) is within standard LED manufacturing tolerances and does not require circuit modification. Current-limiting resistor calculations will remain valid. In series LED applications, the cumulative voltage difference across multiple components should be evaluated, but for single-component substitution, this difference is negligible.

Q: How does the viewing angle difference (30° vs. 40°) affect panel indicator applications?

A: The PM3GD's wider 40° viewing angle provides visibility from a broader range of observation positions compared to the PM3PGT's 30° angle. In applications where the indicator must be visible from multiple angles, the PM3GD provides improved visibility. In applications where light should be directed to a specific viewing position, the narrower 30° angle of the PM3PGT may be preferable.

Q: What packaging differences exist between these parts?

A: The PM3PGT is supplied in standard packaging (not specified in detail), while the PM3GD is supplied in Tray packaging. This affects handling, storage, and assembly processes but does not impact component functionality or compatibility.

Q: Is the PM3GD suitable for all applications originally designed for the PM3PGT?

A: Suitability depends on specific application requirements. Mechanical fit is compatible. Electrical operation is compatible. However, the termination style change (wire to PC pin) requires circuit modification. Optical differences (diffused vs. clear lens, higher brightness, wider viewing angle, different wavelength) must be evaluated against application specifications. Applications with strict optical or brightness requirements may not be suitable for direct substitution.