CT-94W-104 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94W-104 is a 100 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 part is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status and limited availability relative to active alternatives, equivalent substitute parts are necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

CT-94W-104

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 979CT-94W-104 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EW104

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 18319CT-94EW104 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296W-1-104

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 180533296W-1-104 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94W-104 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 100 kOhms
• Power rating: 0.5W (1/2W)
• Tolerance: ±10%
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
• Adjustment type: Top Adjustment
• Resistive material: Cermet
• Mounting type: Through Hole
• Termination style: PC Pins
• Physical dimensions: Rectangular form factor within tolerance

Two substitute parts meet these criteria:

1. CT-94EW104 (Nidec Components Corporation) — Direct functional equivalent with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Active product status with RoHS3 compliance.

2. 3296W-1-104 (Bourns Inc.) — Functionally equivalent with one parameter variance: 25-turn adjustment versus 18-turn. Mechanical dimensions are within tolerance (0.375" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.189"). Active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EW104 is the primary substitute for direct replacement. It maintains identical electrical specifications, mechanical dimensions, and adjustment characteristics as the CT-94W-104. The part is active and widely available. RoHS3 compliance provides regulatory advantage for new designs and manufacturing environments with RoHS requirements.

3296W-1-104 is a secondary substitute suitable when turn-count variance is acceptable for the application. The 25-turn design provides finer adjustment resolution compared to the 18-turn original. Physical dimensions are within tolerance for standard PCB mounting. This part is active and available in high volume. Selection of this substitute requires confirmation that increased turn count does not conflict with circuit tuning requirements or mechanical constraints.

Both substitutes are active products with significantly higher inventory availability than the obsolete CT-94W-104, supporting long-term supply chain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EW104 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for CT-94W-104?

A: Yes. CT-94EW104 maintains identical electrical parameters (100 kOhms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C), identical mechanical dimensions, and identical adjustment characteristics (18-turn top adjustment). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the significance of the 25-turn adjustment in 3296W-1-104 compared to the 18-turn CT-94W-104?

A: The 25-turn design provides finer adjustment resolution per mechanical rotation. Applications requiring precise tuning may benefit from increased turn count. Applications with coarse adjustment requirements or mechanical constraints may not require this additional resolution. Circuit performance is not affected by turn count alone; only adjustment granularity changes.

Q: Are the physical dimensions of 3296W-1-104 compatible with CT-94W-104 PCB layouts?

A: Dimensions are within tolerance. CT-94W-104 is 0.378" x 0.189" (9.60mm x 4.80mm); 3296W-1-104 is 0.375" x 0.190" (9.53mm x 4.83mm). Difference is approximately 0.003" (0.07mm) per dimension. Standard PCB footprints accommodate this variance. Verify specific PCB layout constraints for your application.

Q: What is the difference between bulk and tube packaging?

A: Bulk packaging (CT-94EW104) is suitable for high-volume manufacturing and automated assembly. Tube packaging (3296W-1-104) provides organized component storage and is typical for lower-volume or manual assembly operations. Packaging does not affect electrical or mechanical performance.

Q: Why is RoHS compliance relevant for this substitution?

A: RoHS3 compliance (CT-94EW104) indicates the part meets current environmental and regulatory standards for lead-free manufacturing and restricted substance limits. Non-compliant parts (CT-94W-104, 3296W-1-104) may face restrictions in certain manufacturing environments or markets. For new designs, RoHS-compliant alternatives are preferred.