Description
Core Product Summary
The Panasonic FM-252-4-P is a high-precision digital flow sensor belonging to the FM-200 series. Designed with a durable resin enclosure and body, this unit provides inline measurement and real-time monitoring for clean air, compressed air, and nitrogen gas applications requiring low flow rates up to 500 mL/min. It features an integrated 4-digit, two-color display that provides continuous visual identification of flow rates and operational statuses.
Engineered for straightforward integration into automated pneumatic systems, the FM-252-4-P operates on a 12 to 24 V DC power supply and features a 4 mm push-in pneumatic connection port. Electrical outputs include two PNP open-collector transistor outputs alongside a 1 to 5 V analog voltage output, making it compatible with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), data acquisition systems, and safety monitoring equipment.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Type | Digital Flow Sensor |
| Series | FM-200 Series |
| Body Material | Resin (Polyamide Body, ABS Enclosure) |
| Rated Flow Rate | 500 mL/min (0.5 L/min) |
| Flow Display Range | -550 to +550 mL/min |
| Pneumatic Connection | 4 mm outer diameter push-in fitting |
| Supply Voltage | 12 to 24 V DC ±10% |
| Current Consumption | Normal Mode: ≤60 mA; ECO Mode: ≤40 mA |
| Discrete Switching Outputs | 2 × PNP open-collector transistor |
| Analog Voltage Output | 1 to 5 V DC (Output impedance: ~1 kΩ) |
| Operating Pressure Range | -0.09 to +0.7 MPa |
| Repeatability | Within ±1% Full Scale |
| Display Type | 4-digit + 4-digit 2-color LCD display |
| Selectable Response Time | 50, 80, 120, 200, 400, 800, 1500 ms |
| Ingress Protection | IP40 (IEC) |
| Ambient Temperature | Operating: 0 to +50 °C |
Detailed Product Overview
The Panasonic FM-252-4-P digital flow sensor serves a critical role in micro-flow detection and pneumatic process monitoring. Utilizing MEMS thermal flow sensing technology, the module measures the mass flow of compatible gases (such as clean dry air and nitrogen) across a nominal flow range of up to 500 mL/min. By integrating the sensor element and processing electronics into a single compact housing, it eliminates the need for separate external amplifier units.
The integrated dual 4-digit LCD screen provides a primary reading for instantaneous flow rates as well as secondary values for accumulated/integrated flow totals. The two-color display turns from green to red based on user-configured thresholds, offering operators immediate visual feedback during fault conditions or out-of-spec flow variations.
System integrators can utilize the dual PNP switching outputs across multiple operating modes, including window comparator, hysteresis, integrated flow threshold, and pulse output modes. The simultaneous 1 to 5 V analog output allows continuous signal logging into analog input cards or process controllers for trend analysis and historical data capture.
FM-252-4-P
FM-252-4-P
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
- Physical Dimensions: Enclosure footprint measures approximately 17 mm (W) × 37 mm (H) × 64 mm (D).
- Enclosure Rating: Built to IP40 (IEC) enclosure standards, suitable for clean cabinet or protected machine frame mounting.
- Mounting Style: Mountable using dedicated mounting brackets via brass threaded inserts on the sensor body.
- Operating Conditions: Ambient temperature range of 0 to +50 °C and relative humidity of 35 to 90% RH (non-condensing).
- Wetted Materials: Polyamide body, fluorine rubber gaskets, silicon sensor chip, and stainless steel port filter/current plate.
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Verified Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
| Fluid Media | Clean Air, Compressed Air, Nitrogen (N_2) | Fluid must be non-corrosive and free of oil or moisture droplets. |
| Pneumatic Porting | 4 mm outer diameter tubing | Uses integrated push-in connection for quick-connect pneumatic lines. |
| Control Logic Interface | PNP Open-Collector (24 V DC / 50 mA max) | Compatible with sourcing-type PLC digital input modules. |
| Analog Interface | 1 to 5 V DC Analog Input | Requires high-impedance analog input processing (impedance ~1 kΩ). |
| Wiring Connection | Dedicated multi-core connector cable | Uses connector-type cable interface for power, discrete signals, and analog lines. |
FAQ
What is the primary function of the Panasonic FM-252-4-P?
The Panasonic FM-252-4-P is a digital flow sensor designed to measure, display, and monitor low-volume gas flow rates up to 500 mL/min in automated equipment.
What fluid types are compatible with the FM-252-4-P?
It is designed for non-corrosive, clean gases, specifically dry compressed air and nitrogen gas.
What is the output configuration of the FM-252-4-P?
This model features dual (2×) PNP open-collector transistor switching outputs as well as a 1 to 5 V analog voltage output for continuous monitoring.
What pneumatic tubing size does the sensor port accept?
The FM-252-4-P includes integrated 4 mm outer diameter push-in pneumatic connections.
What supply voltage is required to operate the sensor?
It operates on a standard 12 to 24 V DC power supply (±10%).
How does the display indicate system status?
The unit features a 4-digit, two-color LCD screen that changes background color between green and red according to user-defined flow threshold settings.
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