CT20P203 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The CT20P203 is a 20 kOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer with PC pin termination, manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based trimmer features 15-turn side adjustment and is housed in a rectangular package measuring 0.252" x 0.197" (6.40mm x 5.00mm). The part is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing design support and component procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Resistance Value	20 kOhms
Power Rating	0.5W (1/2W)
Tolerance	±10%
Temperature Coefficient	±100ppm/°C
Number of Turns	15
Adjustment Type	Side Adjustment
Resistive Material	Cermet
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination Style	PC Pins
Face Dimension	0.252" x 0.197" (6.40mm x 5.00mm)
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the CT20P203 are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching. The primary substitution criteria are:

Resistance value: 20 kOhms (exact match required)
Power rating: 0.5W minimum
Tolerance: ±10%
Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
Number of turns: 15
Adjustment type: Side Adjustment
Resistive material: Cermet
Mounting type: Through Hole
Termination style: PC Pins
Face dimensions: Compatible rectangular package

The CT-20EP203 and CT-20EX203 (both Nidec Components Corporation) are direct electrical and mechanical equivalents with identical specifications and active product status. The 3006P-1-203 (Bourns Inc.) is a manufacturer-recommended alternative that maintains all critical electrical parameters but features a higher power rating (0.75W) and slightly different face dimensions (0.250" x 0.190" vs. 0.252" x 0.197").

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	CT20P203 (Vishay)	CT-20EP203 (Nidec)	CT-20EX203 (Nidec)	3006P-1-203 (Bourns)
Resistance	20 kOhms	20 kOhms	20 kOhms	20 kOhms
Power Rating	0.5W	0.5W	0.5W	0.75W
Tolerance	±10%	±10%	±10%	±10%
Temperature Coefficient	±100ppm/°C	±100ppm/°C	±100ppm/°C	±100ppm/°C
Number of Turns	15	15	15	15
Adjustment Type	Side Adjustment	Side Adjustment	Side Adjustment	Side Adjustment
Resistive Material	Cermet	Cermet	Cermet	Cermet
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Termination Style	PC Pins	PC Pins	PC Pins	PC Pins
Face Dimension	0.252" x 0.197"	0.252" x 0.197"	0.252" x 0.197"	0.250" x 0.190"
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Non-compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring direct replacement of the obsolete CT20P203, the CT-20EP203 and CT-20EX203 from Nidec Components Corporation are preferred substitutes. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications and mechanical dimensions while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Inventory availability is confirmed for both alternatives.

The 3006P-1-203 from Bourns Inc. serves as a manufacturer-recommended alternative for designs where the increased power rating (0.75W) provides additional thermal margin. This part maintains all critical electrical parameters and is actively manufactured. The face dimensions differ slightly (0.250" x 0.190" versus 0.252" x 0.197"), requiring verification of PCB layout compatibility. This part is RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected.

Selection between Nidec and Bourns alternatives should be based on power dissipation requirements, PCB space constraints, and regulatory compliance mandates for the end application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-20EP203 and CT-20EX203 be used interchangeably with CT20P203?

A: Yes. Both Nidec parts are direct equivalents with identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, number of turns, adjustment type, resistive material, mounting type, termination style, and face dimensions. Both are active products with confirmed inventory.

Q: What is the primary difference between the Nidec substitutes and the Bourns 3006P-1-203?

A: The Bourns part features a higher power rating (0.75W versus 0.5W) and slightly different face dimensions (0.250" x 0.190" versus 0.252" x 0.197"). All other electrical parameters remain identical. The dimensional difference requires PCB layout verification.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance considerations for substitution?

A: The CT20P203 is RoHS non-compliant. The Nidec alternatives (CT-20EP203 and CT-20EX203) are ROHS3 compliant. The Bourns 3006P-1-203 is RoHS non-compliant. Selection depends on end-product regulatory requirements.

Q: Does the higher power rating of the 3006P-1-203 affect circuit performance?

A: No. The higher power rating provides additional thermal headroom but does not alter electrical performance. The part maintains identical resistance, tolerance, temperature coefficient, and adjustment characteristics.

Q: What packaging formats are available for these substitutes?

A: CT-20EP203 and CT-20EX203 are supplied in bulk packaging. The 3006P-1-203 is supplied in tube packaging. Confirm packaging requirements with procurement specifications.

Q: Are all substitutes available in current inventory?

A: Yes. CT-20EP203 has 1320 pcs in stock, CT-20EX203 has 974 pcs in stock, and 3006P-1-203 has 2260 pcs in stock.

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