PM-F44P-C3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM-F44P-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-F44P-C3

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1101PM-F44P-C3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM-F45-P-C3

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 991PM-F45-P-C3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The PM-F45-P-C3 is identified as a substitute for the PM-F44P-C3 based on the following substitution criteria:

Common Functional Parameters:

• Sensing Method: Through-Beam (both models)
• Mounting Type: Chassis Mount (both models)
• Package Type: Module with Wire Leads (both models)
• Response Time: 20µs (both models support this specification)
• Operating Temperature Range: -25°C ~ 55°C (both models)
• RoHS Compliance: Both models meet RoHS standards
• ECCN Classification: EAR99 (both models)
• HTSUS Code: 8543.70.9860 (both models)

Allowable Variations:

• Sensing Distance: PM-F44P-C3 operates at 0.197" (5mm); PM-F45-P-C3 operates at 0.236" (6mm). These distances are within the same product family range.
• Output Configuration: PM-F44P-C3 features NPN with selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON; PM-F45-P-C3 features PNP with Open Collector output. Both are standard industrial output types.
• Supply Voltage: PM-F45-P-C3 operates at 5V ~ 24V with 15 mA supply current, providing broader voltage compatibility.
• Series Designation: PM-44 versus PM-45 indicates evolution within the Panasonic optical sensor product line.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PM-F45-P-C3 serves as the designated substitute for the obsolete PM-F44P-C3. Selection of this substitute is supported by the following engineering factors:

Product Status Consideration: The PM-F44P-C3 is obsolete with no ongoing manufacturing. The PM-F45-P-C3 maintains active product status with current inventory availability (981 Pcs New Original In Stock), ensuring long-term component sourcing reliability.

Compliance and Certification: Both parts maintain equivalent regulatory compliance. The PM-F45-P-C3 meets ROHS3 Compliant standards, representing an advancement over the RoHS Compliant designation of the original part. Both parts share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8543.70.9860) classifications, confirming regulatory equivalence.

Functional Compatibility: Both sensors operate as through-beam optical modules with chassis mounting and wire lead connectivity. The 20µs response time is common to both parts, supporting equivalent switching performance in industrial applications. Operating temperature ranges are identical at -25°C ~ 55°C.

Output Configuration Differences: The PM-F44P-C3 provides NPN output with selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation. The PM-F45-P-C3 provides PNP output with Open Collector configuration. Circuit integration requirements must account for this output type difference during implementation.

Sensing Distance Variation: The PM-F45-P-C3 operates at 0.236" (6mm) compared to the PM-F44P-C3 at 0.197" (5mm). This represents a 1mm increase in sensing distance within the same product family, requiring mechanical slot positioning adjustment in the application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PM-F45-P-C3 directly replace the PM-F44P-C3 without circuit modifications?

A: The PM-F45-P-C3 requires circuit integration changes due to output configuration differences. The PM-F44P-C3 provides NPN output; the PM-F45-P-C3 provides PNP output. Pull-up/pull-down resistor configurations and signal logic must be adjusted accordingly. Sensing distance variation (5mm versus 6mm) requires mechanical slot positioning adjustment.

Q: What is the significance of the sensing distance difference between these two models?

A: The PM-F44P-C3 operates at 0.197" (5mm) sensing distance, while the PM-F45-P-C3 operates at 0.236" (6mm). This 1mm difference affects the physical gap between the emitter and receiver in through-beam applications. Mechanical slot design and object detection positioning must accommodate this variation.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Both parts meet RoHS standards. The PM-F44P-C3 carries RoHS Compliant designation. The PM-F45-P-C3 carries ROHS3 Compliant designation, representing a more current compliance standard. Both parts are suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance.

Q: What is the inventory status of these parts?

A: The PM-F44P-C3 is obsolete with 1075 Pcs listed as New Original In Stock. The PM-F45-P-C3 maintains active product status with 981 Pcs New Original In Stock, providing ongoing availability for new designs and system maintenance.

Q: Do both sensors support the same response time?

A: Both sensors support 20µs response time. The PM-F45-P-C3 additionally supports 80µs response time as an alternative specification. The 20µs response time is common to both parts, supporting equivalent switching performance in industrial control applications.

Q: What packaging differences exist between these models?

A: Both models use Module with Wire Leads packaging for chassis mounting. The PM-F44P-C3 specifies Slot Type configuration. The PM-F45-P-C3 specifies standard Module configuration. Both support wire lead connectivity for direct circuit integration.