CT-94W-504 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94W-504 is a 500 kOhms trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This through-hole component features cermet resistive material, 18-turn top adjustment, and 0.5W power rating with PC pin termination. The part is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Active alternatives are available from current manufacturers with identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

CT-94W-504

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 835CT-94W-504 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EW504

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1673CT-94EW504 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296W-1-504

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 10603296W-1-504 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94W-504 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: resistance value (500 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-94EW504 (Nidec Components Corporation): Direct electrical and mechanical equivalent with identical specifications across all critical parameters. Differs only in product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 compliant vs. non-compliant).

3296W-1-504 (Bourns Inc.): Functionally equivalent with matching resistance, power, tolerance, temperature coefficient, adjustment type, resistive material, mounting, and termination. Mechanical dimensions are within tolerance (0.375" x 0.190" vs. 0.378" x 0.189"). Number of turns differs (25 vs. 18), representing increased adjustment resolution without affecting electrical performance in applications requiring standard potentiometer functionality.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EW504 is the primary substitute for direct replacement applications. This part maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and applications with RoHS requirements.

3296W-1-504 serves as a functional alternative where the increased turn count (25 vs. 18) provides finer adjustment resolution. The marginal dimensional variation (within 0.003" tolerance) is compatible with standard through-hole PCB layouts. This option is appropriate for applications prioritizing adjustment precision. Note that REACH status differs (affected vs. unaffected), requiring compliance verification for specific regulatory jurisdictions.

Selection between CT-94EW504 and 3296W-1-504 depends on regulatory compliance requirements (RoHS/REACH), adjustment resolution needs, and packaging preferences (bulk vs. tube).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EW504 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for CT-94W-504?

A: Yes. CT-94EW504 maintains identical electrical specifications (500 kOhms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C) and mechanical dimensions (0.378" x 0.189" face). PCB footprint and mounting are compatible without modification.

Q: What is the functional difference between the 18-turn and 25-turn versions?

A: The number of turns affects adjustment resolution. The 25-turn 3296W-1-504 provides finer control per rotation compared to the 18-turn CT-94W-504. Both achieve the same resistance range and electrical performance. Selection depends on application requirements for adjustment granularity.

Q: Are there packaging considerations when substituting these parts?

A: Yes. CT-94EW504 is supplied in bulk packaging, while 3296W-1-504 is supplied in tube packaging. Verify compatibility with your procurement and assembly processes. Both are through-hole components suitable for standard PCB assembly.

Q: What compliance differences exist between the substitutes?

A: CT-94EW504 is ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for applications with RoHS requirements. The 3296W-1-504 is RoHS non-compliant but REACH affected. Verify regulatory requirements for your application before selection.

Q: Are the dimensional tolerances between CT-94W-504 and 3296W-1-504 acceptable for PCB layout?

A: Yes. The face dimensions differ by approximately 0.003" (0.375" vs. 0.378" width and 0.190" vs. 0.189" height). These variations fall within standard PCB through-hole tolerances and do not require layout modification for typical applications.