CT6R203 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The CT6R203 is a 20 kOhms 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based component features PC pin termination and top adjustment capability with a 1-turn configuration. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing maintenance, repair, and legacy system support applications.

Substiute Parts

CT6R203

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 818CT6R203 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-6ER203

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1243CT-6ER203 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3362R-1-203

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 7433362R-1-203 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT6R203 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 20 kOhms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 0.5W / 1/2W (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C (exact match required)
• Number of turns: 1 (exact match required)
• Adjustment type: Top Adjustment (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Termination style: PC Pins (exact match required)
• Face dimension: Square configuration, 7.00mm x 7.00mm nominal (exact match required)

Two substitute parts meet these criteria: CT-6ER203 (Nidec Components Corporation) and 3362R-1-203 (Bourns Inc.). Both maintain identical electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility with the original CT6R203 design.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both CT-6ER203 and 3362R-1-203 are electrically and mechanically equivalent to the obsolete CT6R203 for direct substitution in through-hole applications requiring 20 kOhms, 0.5W cermet trimmer potentiometers with top adjustment.

CT-6ER203 is the preferred substitute when RoHS3 compliance is required. This part is manufactured by Nidec Components Corporation and maintains active product status with full availability. The CT-6ER203 preserves the exact square face dimension (7.00mm x 7.00mm) of the original CT6R203.

3362R-1-203 is the manufacturer-recommended alternative from Bourns Inc., available in the Trimpot® 3362 sealed series. This part maintains active product status and full electrical equivalence. The face dimension is rectangular (6.99mm x 6.60mm), representing a minor mechanical variation that remains compatible with standard through-hole PCB layouts designed for 7.00mm square components. RoHS compliance status differs from the original specification.

Selection between these two substitutes depends on specific application requirements regarding RoHS compliance, packaging format, and dimensional tolerance acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-6ER203 and 3362R-1-203 be used interchangeably with CT6R203?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent and mechanically compatible for through-hole PCB mounting. All three components share identical resistance (20 kOhms), power rating (0.5W), tolerance (±10%), temperature coefficient (±100ppm/°C), number of turns (1), adjustment type (top), resistive material (cermet), mounting type (through hole), and termination style (PC pins). The 3362R-1-203 has a rectangular face dimension (6.99mm x 6.60mm) compared to the square dimension (7.00mm x 7.00mm) of the original and CT-6ER203, but this variation remains compatible with standard through-hole spacing.

Q: What is the primary reason for substituting CT6R203?

A: The CT6R203 is obsolete. CT-6ER203 and 3362R-1-203 are active products with current manufacturing and availability, making them suitable for new designs, repairs, and legacy system maintenance.

Q: Does RoHS compliance matter for my application?

A: RoHS compliance requirements depend on your end-use application and regional regulations. CT-6ER203 is RoHS3 compliant, while both the original CT6R203 and 3362R-1-203 are RoHS non-compliant. Select CT-6ER203 if RoHS3 compliance is mandatory for your application.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the substitutes?

A: CT-6ER203 is supplied in bulk packaging, while 3362R-1-203 is supplied in tube packaging. Both formats are suitable for component handling and storage in production environments.

Q: What is the significance of the face dimension difference in 3362R-1-203?

A: The 3362R-1-203 has a rectangular face (6.99mm x 6.60mm) versus the square face (7.00mm x 7.00mm) of CT6R203 and CT-6ER203. This minor dimensional variation does not affect electrical performance or standard through-hole PCB compatibility, as the PC pin spacing and hole pattern remain functionally equivalent.