CT-94W-201 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94W-201 is a 200 Ohm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based, 18-turn top-adjustment component features PC pin termination and rectangular form factor (9.60mm x 4.80mm). The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Substiute Parts

CT-94W-201

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1075CT-94W-201 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EW201

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 3277CT-94EW201 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296W-1-201

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 39223296W-1-201 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94W-201 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 200 Ohms (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: 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)
• Form factor: Rectangular configuration with compatible dimensions

Two substitute parts meet these criteria: CT-94EW201 (direct equivalent from Nidec Components Corporation) and 3296W-1-201 (manufacturer-recommended alternative from Bourns Inc.). Both maintain functional and mechanical compatibility with the original specification, though with variations in turn count and compliance status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EW201 (Direct Equivalent): This part is the preferred substitute for direct replacement applications. It maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the CT-94W-201, including the 18-turn configuration. The CT-94EW201 is classified as active product status and achieves RoHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. Dimensional compatibility is exact, ensuring PCB layout and mechanical assembly without modification.

3296W-1-201 (Manufacturer-Recommended Alternative): This Bourns Trimpot® 3296 sealed variant provides functional substitution with the following considerations: the 25-turn configuration offers finer adjustment resolution compared to the 18-turn original, which may alter tuning characteristics in applications requiring specific turn-count ratios. Dimensions are nominally equivalent (9.53mm x 4.83mm versus 9.60mm x 4.80mm), with minimal impact on PCB footprint. This part is active product status but remains RoHS non-compliant. REACH compliance status differs from the original specification.

For new designs prioritizing regulatory compliance, CT-94EW201 is the recommended selection. For applications where turn-count variation is acceptable and sealed construction is beneficial, 3296W-1-201 provides an alternative path.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EW201 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for CT-94W-201?

A: Yes. CT-94EW201 maintains identical electrical specifications (200 Ohms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C), identical mechanical configuration (18-turn top adjustment, cermet resistive element, PC pin termination), and identical form factor (9.60mm x 4.80mm). No circuit modifications or PCB redesign are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between CT-94EW201 and 3296W-1-201?

A: The primary difference is turn count: CT-94EW201 retains the 18-turn specification of the original, while 3296W-1-201 features 25 turns. This affects adjustment resolution and tuning sensitivity. Dimensional differences are minimal (9.60mm x 4.80mm versus 9.53mm x 4.83mm). Both maintain identical electrical ratings and cermet construction.

Q: Does the 25-turn configuration of 3296W-1-201 affect circuit performance?

A: Turn count affects adjustment resolution and tuning sensitivity but does not alter the final resistance value or electrical performance once set. Applications requiring specific turn-count ratios for mechanical coupling or adjustment speed should retain the 18-turn configuration (CT-94EW201).

Q: What are the RoHS compliance implications?

A: CT-94W-201 and 3296W-1-201 are RoHS non-compliant. CT-94EW201 is RoHS3 compliant. For applications subject to RoHS directives or customer requirements, CT-94EW201 is the appropriate selection.

Q: Are dimensional differences between substitutes significant for PCB layout?

A: Dimensional differences are negligible. CT-94EW201 matches the original exactly (9.60mm x 4.80mm). The 3296W-1-201 variant measures 9.53mm x 4.83mm, representing a 0.07mm reduction in length and 0.03mm increase in width. Standard PCB footprint tolerances accommodate this variation without layout modification.

Q: What packaging formats are available?

A: CT-94EW201 is supplied in Bulk packaging. 3296W-1-201 is supplied in Tube packaging. Packaging selection depends on production volume and handling requirements.