PM-K44P Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM-K44P is an optical sensor manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales, designed as a through-beam slot-type sensor with PNP output configuration and selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON functionality. This component operates at a 0.197" (5mm) sensing distance and is classified as an unamplified module with wire leads for chassis mounting applications.

The PM-K44P is currently listed as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain system functionality, ensure supply chain continuity, and support ongoing maintenance and replacement requirements for legacy installations.

Substiute Parts

PM-K44P

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 813PM-K44P Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM-K45-P

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 2650PM-K45-P Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PM-K44P is determined by the following critical parameters:

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

Output Configuration: PNP output type is required to maintain circuit compatibility with existing control systems.

Sensing Distance: The 0.197" (5mm) specification defines the optical gap tolerance. Substitute parts must operate within comparable sensing distance ranges to ensure proper installation in existing mechanical assemblies.

Response Time: The 20µs response time establishes the switching speed requirement for time-sensitive applications.

Operating Temperature Range: The -25°C ~ 55°C operating window must be maintained or exceeded by substitute parts.

Mounting Type: Chassis mount configuration is required for mechanical compatibility with existing installations.

Package Type: Module with wire leads is necessary for direct integration into legacy systems.

The PM-K45-P qualifies as a substitute based on shared through-beam sensing method, PNP output configuration, comparable response time, identical operating temperature range, and compatible chassis mount module packaging. The PM-K45-P operates at 0.236" (6mm) sensing distance, representing a minor increase from the PM-K44P specification that remains functionally compatible within typical through-beam sensor applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PM-K45-P is the designated substitute for the obsolete PM-K44P based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status: The PM-K45-P maintains active product status with confirmed inventory availability (2600 Pcs), ensuring reliable supply chain access compared to the obsolete PM-K44P status.

Compliance & Certifications: Both parts maintain MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity ratings. The PM-K45-P achieves ROHS3 Compliant status, representing current regulatory compliance standards, while the PM-K44P meets RoHS Compliant requirements. Both parts carry identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8543.70.9860) classifications.

Functional Compatibility: Shared through-beam sensing method, PNP output configuration, 20µs response time capability, and identical operating temperature range (-25°C ~ 55°C) establish direct functional equivalence for most applications.

Mechanical Integration: Both parts feature chassis mount module packaging with wire leads, supporting direct installation into existing mechanical assemblies without redesign.

Sensing Distance Variance: The PM-K45-P operates at 0.236" (6mm) sensing distance compared to the PM-K44P at 0.197" (5mm). This 0.039" (1mm) increase represents a minor specification change that remains compatible with standard through-beam sensor applications where optical gap tolerance permits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PM-K45-P directly replace the PM-K44P in existing installations?

A: The PM-K45-P is functionally compatible as a substitute. Both parts share through-beam sensing method, PNP output configuration, and identical operating temperature range. The primary consideration is the sensing distance increase from 0.197" (5mm) to 0.236" (6mm). Verify that the mechanical assembly and optical gap tolerance accommodate the larger sensing distance specification.

Q: What is the difference between the output configurations of these two parts?

A: The PM-K44P features PNP output with selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON functionality, providing operational flexibility. The PM-K45-P provides PNP output with open collector configuration. Both are PNP output types compatible with standard control circuits, though the PM-K44P offers additional mode selection capability.

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

A: Both parts maintain MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) ratings and identical ECCN/HTSUS classifications. The PM-K45-P achieves ROHS3 Compliant status representing current regulatory standards, while the PM-K44P meets RoHS Compliant requirements. Both satisfy current environmental and export compliance requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the response time specifications for the PM-K45-P?

A: The PM-K45-P lists response time as 20µs or 80µs, indicating selectable or configurable response time options. The PM-K44P specifies 20µs response time. For applications requiring the faster 20µs response, the PM-K45-P supports this specification, ensuring timing compatibility.

Q: How does the sensing distance difference affect mechanical installation?

A: The PM-K45-P sensing distance of 0.236" (6mm) is 0.039" (1mm) larger than the PM-K44P at 0.197" (5mm). Both parts use identical chassis mount module packaging with wire leads. Verify that the optical gap in your mechanical assembly can accommodate the larger sensing distance without requiring structural modifications.

Q: Is the PM-K45-P available in the same packaging format as the PM-K44P?

A: Both parts feature module packaging with wire leads for chassis mounting. The PM-K44P specifies slot type configuration, while the PM-K45-P specifies module configuration. Both support direct wire lead integration into existing installations without package conversion requirements.