PM-F44-C3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM-F44-C3 is an optical sensor module manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales, designed for through-beam sensing applications with a 0.197" (5mm) sensing distance. This NPN-output sensor features selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation and is housed in a slot-type module with wire leads for chassis mounting. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for system maintenance and component sourcing.

Substiute Parts

PM-F44-C3

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1090PM-F44-C3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM-F45-C3

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1004PM-F45-C3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The PM-F45-C3 is identified as a substitute for the PM-F44-C3 based on the following alignment criteria:

Common Functional Parameters:

• Sensing method: Through-Beam (both models)
• Output type: NPN configuration (both models)
• Response time: 20µs (both models)
• Operating temperature range: -25°C ~ 55°C (both models)
• Mounting type: Chassis Mount (both models)
• Package style: Module with Wire Leads (both models)
• Manufacturer: Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales (both models)
• RoHS compliance: Both compliant (RoHS / ROHS3)
• MSL rating: 1 (Unlimited) (both models)

Differentiation Parameters:

• Sensing distance: PM-F44-C3 operates at 0.197" (5mm); PM-F45-C3 operates at 0.236" (6mm)
• Output configuration: PM-F44-C3 features selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON; PM-F45-C3 uses fixed NPN Open Collector
• Supply voltage: PM-F45-C3 specifies 5V ~ 24V supply range
• Current specifications: PM-F45-C3 lists 15 mA supply current

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PM-F45-C3 serves as an active substitute for the obsolete PM-F44-C3. Both sensors maintain identical response time (20µs) and operating temperature specifications (-25°C ~ 55°C), ensuring functional compatibility in thermal environments. The PM-F45-C3 carries ROHS3 compliance, meeting current regulatory requirements, while the PM-F44-C3 meets RoHS compliance standards.

The primary technical difference is the sensing distance: the PM-F45-C3 operates at 0.236" (6mm) compared to the PM-F44-C3 at 0.197" (5mm). This 0.039" (1mm) increase in sensing distance must be evaluated against application-specific slot width and object detection requirements. The PM-F45-C3 uses fixed NPN Open Collector output, whereas the PM-F44-C3 provides selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation. Applications requiring output mode selection require circuit-level adaptation or alternative sourcing.

Both sensors are chassis-mounted modules with wire leads and share identical MSL ratings. The PM-F45-C3 is currently in active production with documented inventory availability, whereas the PM-F44-C3 is obsolete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PM-F45-C3 directly replace the PM-F44-C3 in existing assemblies?

A: Direct mechanical and electrical replacement is possible if the application tolerates the 0.039" (6mm vs. 5mm) increase in sensing distance and the fixed NPN Open Collector output configuration. Slot width and object detection range must be verified against application specifications.

Q: What is the impact of the different sensing distances?

A: The PM-F45-C3 sensing distance of 0.236" (6mm) is 0.039" greater than the PM-F44-C3 at 0.197" (5mm). This affects the maximum slot width that can be reliably detected. Applications with tight slot tolerances may require re-evaluation of sensor positioning.

Q: Does the PM-F45-C3 support the selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON feature of the PM-F44-C3?

A: No. The PM-F45-C3 uses fixed NPN Open Collector output, while the PM-F44-C3 provides selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation. Applications requiring output mode selection must implement external logic or source alternative components.

Q: Are both sensors RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The PM-F44-C3 is RoHS Compliant, and the PM-F45-C3 is ROHS3 Compliant. Both meet regulatory requirements for their respective compliance standards.

Q: What is the current availability status of these sensors?

A: The PM-F44-C3 is obsolete. The PM-F45-C3 is active in production with documented inventory availability.

Q: Are the response times equivalent?

A: The PM-F44-C3 specifies 20µs response time. The PM-F45-C3 offers dual response time options of 20µs and 80µs, with 20µs matching the original specification.