Equivalent & Substitute Parts for CTS 262XR103B Trimmer Potentiometer

Part Overview

The CTS 262XR103B is a 10 kOhms, 0.15W through-hole trimmer potentiometer with PC pin termination and side adjustment capability. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The 262 series carbon-based trimmer is designed for applications requiring precision resistance adjustment in compact form factors.

Substiute Parts

262XR103B

CTS ElectrocomponentsIn Stock: 816262XR103B Datasheet

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CT-6EX103

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 5943CT-6EX103 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the CTS 262XR103B is based on the following critical parameters that must remain constant or be compatible with the original design:

• Resistance Value: 10 kOhms (exact match required)
• Adjustment Type: Side Adjustment (functional requirement)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (PCB integration requirement)
• Termination Style: PC Pins (connection compatibility)
• Number of Turns: 1 (adjustment range requirement)

The Nidec Components Corporation CT-6EX103 meets all mandatory substitution criteria. While the CT-6EX103 offers enhanced specifications (0.5W power rating versus 0.15W, ±10% tolerance versus ±20%, and Cermet resistive material versus Carbon), these improvements represent upward compatibility and do not compromise circuit functionality. The reduced physical footprint of the CT-6EX103 (0.323" x 0.276" versus 0.370" x 0.394") requires PCB layout verification but does not prevent substitution in most applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Nidec CT-6EX103 is the qualified substitute for the obsolete CTS 262XR103B. Selection is based on the following factors:

Product Status: The CTS 262XR103B is obsolete with no ongoing manufacturing. The CT-6EX103 maintains active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

Compliance and Certifications: The CT-6EX103 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic components. The original CTS part does not specify compliance status.

Functional Compatibility: Both components share identical resistance value, adjustment type, mounting configuration, and termination style. The CT-6EX103 provides superior performance characteristics (higher power rating, tighter tolerance, specified temperature coefficient) without introducing functional incompatibility.

Physical Integration: PCB layout must accommodate the smaller footprint of the CT-6EX103. Hole spacing and pin configuration remain compatible with standard through-hole assembly processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Nidec CT-6EX103 directly replace the CTS 262XR103B without circuit modification?

A: Yes. Both components have identical resistance values, adjustment types, mounting methods, and termination styles. The CT-6EX103 provides enhanced specifications that are backward compatible with the original design requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the different resistive materials (Carbon versus Cermet)?

A: Carbon-based trimmers (262XR103B) and Cermet-based trimmers (CT-6EX103) both function as variable resistors. Cermet material in the CT-6EX103 provides improved tolerance (±10% versus ±20%) and specified temperature stability (±100ppm/°C). These are performance enhancements that do not prevent substitution.

Q: Does the smaller physical size of the CT-6EX103 create installation issues?

A: The CT-6EX103 is 13% smaller in width and 30% smaller in height than the CTS 262XR103B. PCB layout must be verified to confirm adequate clearance and proper hole alignment. Pin spacing and through-hole compatibility remain unchanged.

Q: Are there inventory or lead time considerations?

A: The CT-6EX103 has 5,931 units in stock with active production status. The CTS 262XR103B is obsolete. The Nidec component provides superior supply chain availability.

Q: What compliance advantages does the CT-6EX103 offer?

A: The CT-6EX103 is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. The CTS 262XR103B does not specify compliance status, which may create regulatory documentation gaps in new designs.