CT-94W-500 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94W-500 is a 50 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 product is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing maintenance, repair, and new design applications where this specification remains required.

Substiute Parts

CT-94W-500

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 685CT-94W-500 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EW500

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 2113CT-94EW500 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296W-1-500

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 206133296W-1-500 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94W-500 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 50 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 with noted variations in turn count and compliance status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EW500 (Direct Substitute - Nidec Components Corporation)

This part provides the closest functional equivalence to the CT-94W-500. It maintains identical electrical specifications (50 Ohms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient) and mechanical configuration (18 turns, top adjustment, cermet material, PC pin termination, matching form factor). The CT-94EW500 is currently in active production status with significantly higher inventory availability (2088 units). It achieves RoHS3 compliance, making it suitable for applications requiring modern environmental standards. REACH status remains unaffected. This substitute is recommended for applications where RoHS compliance is a requirement.

3296W-1-500 (Alternative Substitute - Bourns Inc.)

This Trimpot® 3296 sealed series component meets all core electrical specifications and maintains mechanical compatibility through through-hole PC pin termination and comparable rectangular dimensions (9.53mm x 4.83mm versus 9.60mm x 4.80mm). The primary distinction is the increased turn count of 25 turns versus the original 18 turns, which provides finer adjustment resolution. The 3296W-1-500 is in active production with the highest inventory availability (20574 units). However, it remains RoHS non-compliant and carries REACH Affected status. This substitute is suitable for applications where the increased adjustment resolution is beneficial and environmental compliance is not mandated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EW500 be used as a direct replacement for CT-94W-500?

A: Yes. The CT-94EW500 maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications, including 50 Ohm resistance, 0.5W power rating, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient, 18-turn configuration, top adjustment, cermet material, and PC pin termination. Form factors are identical (9.60mm x 4.80mm). The primary advantage is active production status and RoHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the significance of the 25-turn configuration in the 3296W-1-500?

A: The 3296W-1-500 provides 25 adjustment turns compared to the original 18 turns. This increases the mechanical resolution of adjustment, allowing finer control over the 50 Ohm resistance value. All other electrical parameters remain equivalent. Selection depends on whether the application benefits from enhanced adjustment granularity.

Q: Are there dimensional compatibility concerns with the 3296W-1-500?

A: Dimensional differences are minimal. The 3296W-1-500 measures 9.53mm x 4.83mm versus the original 9.60mm x 4.80mm. These variations fall within typical PCB layout tolerances for through-hole components. PC board hole spacing and mounting footprints remain compatible.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs?

A: Selection depends on compliance requirements. For applications requiring RoHS3 compliance, the CT-94EW500 is the appropriate choice. For applications where environmental compliance is not mandated and finer adjustment resolution is beneficial, the 3296W-1-500 offers superior inventory availability and active production status.

Q: What is the impact of REACH Affected status on the 3296W-1-500?

A: REACH Affected status indicates the component may contain substances of concern under REACH regulations. This does not preclude its use but requires verification against specific application and regional requirements. The CT-94EW500 maintains REACH Unaffected status, making it the preferred choice for applications with strict chemical compliance mandates.

Q: Are packaging differences significant between substitutes?

A: The CT-94EW500 is supplied in Bulk packaging, while the 3296W-1-500 is supplied in Tube packaging. Both formats are standard for through-hole components and do not affect functional compatibility. Selection may depend on procurement and inventory management preferences.