CT-94P-103 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94P-103 is a 10 kOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based side-adjustment trimmer features PC pin termination and an 18-turn adjustment mechanism housed in a rectangular package measuring 9.60mm x 4.80mm. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications requiring this specific resistance value and power rating.

Substiute Parts

CT-94P-103

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 822CT-94P-103 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EP103

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 2987CT-94EP103 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296P-1-103

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 16263296P-1-103 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94P-103 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 10 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)
• Adjustment type: Side Adjustment (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Termination style: PC Pins (exact match required)

Two substitute parts meet these criteria: CT-94EP103 (Nidec Components Corporation) and 3296P-1-103 (Bourns Inc.). Both maintain functional equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. Variations in package dimensions, number of turns, and compliance certifications are noted but do not preclude substitution where circuit board layout and adjustment resolution requirements permit.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EP103 is the primary substitute for the CT-94P-103. Both parts share identical electrical specifications and adjustment characteristics. The CT-94EP103 offers the advantage of active product status and RoHS3 compliance, supporting modern manufacturing and environmental regulatory requirements. Package dimension differences (square versus rectangular) require PCB layout verification but do not affect electrical performance.

3296P-1-103 serves as an alternative substitute where supply constraints or design flexibility permit. This Bourns part maintains all critical electrical parameters and adjustment type. The 25-turn mechanism provides finer adjustment resolution compared to the 18-turn original, which may be beneficial in applications requiring precise tuning. Package dimensions remain compatible with standard through-hole PCB layouts. RoHS non-compliance status matches the original part specification.

Selection between CT-94EP103 and 3296P-1-103 depends on PCB layout constraints, adjustment resolution requirements, and compliance certification needs for the end application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EP103 replace CT-94P-103 in existing designs?

A: Yes. CT-94EP103 maintains electrical equivalence across all critical parameters: 10 kOhm resistance, 0.5W power rating, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient, cermet material, side adjustment, and PC pin termination. PCB layout must accommodate the square package dimension (9.60mm x 9.60mm) versus the original rectangular dimension (9.60mm x 4.80mm).

Q: What is the difference between 18-turn and 25-turn adjustment mechanisms?

A: Both CT-94EP103 and 3296P-1-103 provide side adjustment with the same electrical performance. The 25-turn mechanism in 3296P-1-103 offers finer adjustment resolution per rotation compared to the 18-turn original. Selection depends on application tuning requirements and operator preference for adjustment sensitivity.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance differences between substitutes?

A: CT-94EP103 is RoHS3 compliant, while both CT-94P-103 and 3296P-1-103 are RoHS non-compliant. For applications requiring RoHS certification, CT-94EP103 is the appropriate choice.

Q: Do package dimension differences affect electrical performance?

A: No. Package dimension variations (rectangular versus square) do not affect electrical characteristics. Substitution requires only PCB layout verification to confirm physical fit within the allocated component space.

Q: Can 3296P-1-103 be used where CT-94P-103 was specified?

A: Yes. 3296P-1-103 meets all electrical and mechanical substitution criteria. The Bourns Trimpot® 3296 series maintains the required 10 kOhm resistance, 0.5W power rating, cermet material, and PC pin termination. PCB layout must accommodate the rectangular package dimension (9.53mm x 4.83mm), which is compatible with standard through-hole spacing.