CT-94W-103 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94W-103 is a 10 kOhms 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer with cermet resistive material, 18-turn top adjustment, and PC pin termination. Manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components, this component is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status and limited availability relative to active alternatives, identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

CT-94W-103

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1071CT-94W-103 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EW103

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 11608CT-94EW103 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296W-1-103

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 869803296W-1-103 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94W-103 is determined by the following critical parameters: resistance value (10 kOhms), power rating (0.5W), tolerance (±10%), temperature coefficient (±100ppm/°C), adjustment type (top adjustment), resistive material (cermet), mounting type (through hole), and termination style (PC pins).

Two substitute parts meet these criteria:

CT-94EW103 (Nidec Components Corporation) matches all electrical and mechanical parameters identically, including the 18-turn specification and rectangular form factor. This part is active and available in high volume.

3296W-1-103 (Bourns Inc.) matches all electrical parameters and mechanical mounting requirements. The primary difference is the number of turns (25 turns versus 18 turns) and dimensional tolerance variations within the rectangular form factor (0.375" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.189").

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EW103 is the primary substitute for the CT-94W-103. This part maintains identical electrical specifications, mechanical dimensions, and turn count. Both components are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and carry unlimited moisture sensitivity level ratings. The CT-94EW103 is currently active with high inventory availability (11,562 pcs), making it the direct replacement for obsolete stock management.

3296W-1-103 is an alternative substitute when CT-94EW103 is unavailable. This part satisfies all core electrical requirements and mechanical mounting compatibility. However, design considerations apply: the 25-turn specification provides finer adjustment resolution compared to the 18-turn original, the component is RoHS non-compliant, and REACH status is affected. Dimensional variations are minor (within 0.003" tolerance) and compatible with standard through-hole PCB layouts. This option is suitable only when regulatory compliance requirements permit non-RoHS components and when the increased turn count does not conflict with circuit design parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EW103 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for CT-94W-103?

A: Yes. The CT-94EW103 maintains identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, turn count, adjustment type, resistive material, mounting type, termination style, and form factor. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between CT-94W-103 and 3296W-1-103?

A: The 3296W-1-103 has 25 turns instead of 18 turns. This provides finer adjustment granularity. Dimensional differences are minimal (0.003" variation in length and width). The 3296W-1-103 is RoHS non-compliant and REACH affected, whereas the original is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the substitute parts?

A: CT-94EW103 is supplied in bulk packaging. 3296W-1-103 is supplied in tube packaging. Both are suitable for through-hole assembly processes.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs?

A: CT-94EW103 is recommended for new designs requiring ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. If regulatory requirements permit, 3296W-1-103 offers higher availability and finer adjustment capability.

Q: Are the PC pin terminations compatible across all three parts?

A: Yes. All three parts use PC pin termination and are compatible with standard through-hole PCB layouts designed for 0.1" pitch pin spacing.