CT-94W-502 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94W-502 is a 5 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 from original sources, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure supply chain reliability for applications requiring this specific trimmer potentiometer configuration.

Substiute Parts

CT-94W-502

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1123CT-94W-502 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EW502

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 7379CT-94EW502 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296W-1-502

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 15493296W-1-502 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the CT-94W-502 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: resistance value (5 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). Physical dimensions must remain within acceptable mechanical tolerances for PCB mounting compatibility.

The substitute parts identified maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in the number of turns (18 vs. 25) and product status (obsolete vs. active) are noted but do not prevent functional substitution when the primary electrical parameters align.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EW502 (Nidec Components Corporation) is the primary direct equivalent. It maintains identical electrical specifications and physical dimensions while offering active product status and RoHS3 compliance. This part is recommended for new designs and applications where regulatory compliance is required.

3296W-1-502 (Bourns Inc.) is a functional substitute with equivalent electrical performance. The primary difference is the increased number of turns (25 vs. 18), which provides finer adjustment resolution. Physical dimensions are within acceptable tolerance (9.53mm x 4.83mm vs. 9.60mm x 4.80mm). This part is suitable for applications where the additional adjustment turns do not create mechanical or functional conflicts. Note that this part is RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected.

For applications requiring RoHS compliance, CT-94EW502 is the appropriate selection. For applications where turn count variation is acceptable and compliance is not a constraint, 3296W-1-502 provides an alternative with established availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EW502 be used as a direct replacement for CT-94W-502?

A: Yes. CT-94EW502 maintains identical electrical specifications (5 kOhms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C), adjustment type, resistive material, mounting configuration, and physical dimensions. It is the direct equivalent part.

Q: What is the significance of the 18-turn vs. 25-turn difference between CT-94EW502 and 3296W-1-502?

A: The number of turns affects adjustment resolution. An 18-turn potentiometer requires approximately 20° of rotation per complete resistance sweep, while a 25-turn potentiometer requires approximately 14.4°. The 25-turn configuration provides finer adjustment granularity. Both are functionally compatible if the application does not require specific turn-count matching.

Q: Are there physical compatibility concerns when substituting 3296W-1-502?

A: Physical dimensions are nearly identical (9.53mm x 4.83mm vs. 9.60mm x 4.80mm), representing a difference of 0.07mm and 0.03mm respectively. These variations are within standard PCB mounting tolerances and do not present mechanical compatibility issues.

Q: What compliance differences exist between the substitute parts?

A: CT-94EW502 is RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. 3296W-1-502 is RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected. CT-94W-502 is RoHS non-compliant and REACH unaffected. Selection should align with applicable regulatory requirements for the end application.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new designs?

A: CT-94EW502 is recommended for new designs due to active product status and RoHS3 compliance. It provides the most direct equivalence and ensures long-term supply chain stability.