Panasonic PM-F44 Optical Sensor: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Panasonic PM-F44 is an optical through-beam sensor module with NPN output configuration, selectable for Dark-ON or Light-ON operation. This slot-type sensor features a 0.197" (5mm) sensing distance and is designed for chassis mount applications with wire leads. The PM-F44 is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for system maintenance, repair, and new design implementations where equivalent functionality is required.

Substiute Parts

PM-F44

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 896PM-F44 Datasheet

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PM-F45

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1851PM-F45 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PM-F44 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Sensing Method: Through-beam operation is mandatory for functional equivalence.

Output Configuration: NPN output type must be maintained. The PM-F44 offers selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation; substitute parts must support NPN open collector output.

Sensing Distance: The PM-F44 operates at 0.197" (5mm). Substitute parts with different sensing distances (such as 0.236" or 6mm) represent functional alternatives rather than direct equivalents, as they alter the detection range and may require mechanical repositioning.

Response Time: The 20µs response time is a performance characteristic. Substitute parts maintaining this specification ensure equivalent switching speed.

Operating Temperature Range: The -25°C ~ 55°C range defines the environmental operating envelope. Substitute parts must support this temperature span.

Mounting Type and Package: Chassis mount with wire leads and slot-type packaging are mechanical requirements. Physical compatibility depends on maintaining these form factors.

Electrical Ratings: Maximum collector current (15 mA), forward current (50 mA), and collector-emitter breakdown voltage (30 V) establish the electrical load capacity.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Functional Replacement:

The PM-F45 serves as the active production equivalent to the obsolete PM-F44. Both sensors employ through-beam detection with NPN output and identical operating temperature ranges. The PM-F45 is currently in active production status, ensuring availability and supply chain continuity.

Key Considerations:

The PM-F45 operates at 0.236" (6mm) sensing distance compared to the PM-F44's 0.197" (5mm). This 0.039" (1mm) difference requires mechanical evaluation in the application. If the sensing distance is critical to system operation, the increased range of the PM-F45 may necessitate repositioning of the sensor or reflector assembly.

The PM-F44 provides selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation, while the PM-F45 is configured as NPN open collector. Applications requiring the selectable output mode must implement external logic or control circuitry to achieve equivalent functionality with the PM-F45.

Both parts maintain identical response time options (20µs available on PM-F45), identical operating temperature ranges, and equivalent RoHS compliance status. The PM-F45's ROHS3 certification exceeds the PM-F44's RoHS compliance requirement.

Supply and Compliance:

The PM-F45 is available in active production with 1782 units in stock, providing immediate availability. Both parts carry MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating and are classified under ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8543.70.9860.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PM-F45 directly replace the PM-F44 in existing installations?

A: The PM-F45 is functionally compatible as a through-beam NPN optical sensor with equivalent response time and operating temperature range. However, the 1mm increase in sensing distance (from 5mm to 6mm) must be evaluated for your specific application geometry. If the sensing distance is not a critical constraint, the PM-F45 provides direct functional replacement.

Q: What is the difference between the selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON output of the PM-F44 and the open collector output of the PM-F45?

A: The PM-F44 allows field selection between Dark-ON (output active when beam is blocked) and Light-ON (output active when beam is present) operation. The PM-F45 provides fixed NPN open collector output, requiring external pull-up resistor and logic configuration. Applications requiring output mode selection must implement this functionality externally when using the PM-F45.

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

A: Both parts are RoHS compliant. The PM-F45 meets the ROHS3 standard, which represents a more recent compliance requirement than the PM-F44's RoHS certification. Both parts carry identical MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) ratings and are classified under the same ECCN and HTSUS codes.

Q: What is the significance of the PM-F44 being obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the PM-F44 is no longer in production. The PM-F45 is the active production alternative from Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales. For new designs or system maintenance requiring long-term component availability, the PM-F45 is the recommended selection.

Q: Does the PM-F45 come in the same package configuration as the PM-F44?

A: Both parts are supplied as modules with wire leads for chassis mount applications. The PM-F44 is specifically identified as slot-type; the PM-F45 package type specification does not explicitly reference slot configuration. Verify mechanical compatibility with your mounting interface before implementation.

Q: What supply voltage does the PM-F45 require?

A: The PM-F45 operates on 5V ~ 24V supply voltage with 15 mA supply current. Ensure your power supply and circuit design accommodate this voltage and current specification.