PM-L44-C3 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM-L44-C3 is an optical sensor manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales, designed as a through-beam slot type sensor with NPN output configuration and selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation. This component features a 0.197" (5mm) sensing distance and is housed in a module format with wire leads for chassis mount applications.

The PM-L44-C3 is classified as obsolete. Locating equivalent or substitute components is necessary to support legacy system maintenance, design updates, or when original inventory becomes unavailable. Substitute parts must maintain functional compatibility across sensing distance, output configuration, response time, and operating temperature ranges.

Substiute Parts

PM-L44-C3

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 831PM-L44-C3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM-L45-C3

Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1513PM-L45-C3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PM-L44-C3 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Sensing Method: Must be Through-Beam to maintain functional operation in slot-type applications
• Output Configuration: NPN output is required; selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON operation is preferred but not mandatory if the application can accommodate fixed output logic
• Response Time: Must be 20µs or faster to maintain signal integrity in time-sensitive applications
• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or exceed -25°C ~ 55°C
• Mounting Type: Chassis Mount configuration must be maintained
• Package Format: Module with wire leads is required for direct replacement

The PM-L45-C3 qualifies as a substitute based on these criteria, with the primary difference being an increased sensing distance of 0.236" (6mm) rather than 0.197" (5mm).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PM-L45-C3 is an active product with current manufacturing status and ROHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and ongoing system support. The PM-L44-C3, being obsolete, should be replaced with the PM-L45-C3 when inventory depletion occurs.

Selection between these parts depends on application-specific sensing distance requirements. The PM-L45-C3's increased sensing distance of 0.236" (6mm) accommodates applications requiring greater separation between emitter and receiver. Both components maintain identical response time at 20µs and equivalent operating temperature ranges, ensuring functional compatibility in most through-beam slot sensor applications.

The PM-L45-C3 offers improved long-term availability and compliance with current regulatory standards (ROHS3), supporting lifecycle management for systems requiring extended operational periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PM-L45-C3 directly replace the PM-L44-C3 in existing assemblies?

A: Direct mechanical and electrical replacement is possible in most applications. The primary consideration is the increased sensing distance (0.236" versus 0.197"). Verify that the application's slot width and object detection geometry accommodate the larger sensing distance before implementation.

Q: What is the functional difference between selectable Dark-ON/Light-ON and open collector output?

A: The PM-L44-C3 provides selectable output logic, allowing configuration of either dark-ON or light-ON operation. The PM-L45-C3 uses open collector output, which requires external pull-up resistor configuration to establish output logic state. Applications using the PM-L44-C3's selectable feature must be redesigned to accommodate fixed output logic or external resistor networks.

Q: Are both components RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The PM-L44-C3 is RoHS Compliant, and the PM-L45-C3 is ROHS3 Compliant. Both meet environmental and hazardous substance restrictions for their respective compliance standards.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for these components?

A: Both the PM-L44-C3 and PM-L45-C3 have MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions during storage or handling.

Q: Does the PM-L45-C3 support the same response time as the PM-L44-C3?

A: The PM-L45-C3 supports response times of 20µs and 80µs. The 20µs option matches the PM-L44-C3 specification, ensuring equivalent signal response characteristics in time-critical applications.