CT-94X-205 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94X-205 is a 2 MOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based component features PC pin termination and side adjustment with 18 turns. The part is currently obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitutes essential for ongoing maintenance, repair, and legacy system support. Equivalent alternatives must maintain the same resistance value, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, and physical mounting characteristics to ensure direct replacement capability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Resistance	2 MOhms
Power Rating	0.5W (1/2W)
Tolerance	±10%
Temperature Coefficient	±100ppm/°C
Adjustment Type	Side Adjustment
Resistive Material	Cermet
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Termination Style	PC Pins
Number of Turns	18
Face Dimension	0.378" x 0.189" (9.60mm x 4.80mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the CT-94X-205 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Resistance Value: Must be 2 MOhms
Power Rating: Must be 0.5W (1/2W)
Tolerance: Must be ±10%
Temperature Coefficient: Must be ±100ppm/°C
Adjustment Type: Must be Side Adjustment
Resistive Material: Must be Cermet
Mounting Type: Must be Through Hole
Termination Style: Must be PC Pins

The Bourns 3296X-1-205 meets all these core electrical and mechanical requirements. While the substitute features 25 turns compared to the original 18 turns, and a marginally larger face dimension (0.395" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.189"), these differences do not affect functional equivalence in applications where the CT-94X-205 was specified. The increased turn count provides finer adjustment resolution without altering the electrical performance or mounting compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	CT-94X-205 (Vishay)	3296X-1-205 (Bourns)	Match Status
Resistance	2 MOhms	2 MOhms	Equivalent
Power Rating	0.5W	0.5W	Equivalent
Tolerance	±10%	±10%	Equivalent
Temperature Coefficient	±100ppm/°C	±100ppm/°C	Equivalent
Adjustment Type	Side Adjustment	Side Adjustment	Equivalent
Resistive Material	Cermet	Cermet	Equivalent
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Equivalent
Termination Style	PC Pins	PC Pins	Equivalent
Number of Turns	18	25	Substitute has higher resolution
Face Dimension	0.378" x 0.189" (9.60mm x 4.80mm)	0.395" x 0.190" (10.03mm x 4.83mm)	Minimal dimensional variance
Series	CT94	Trimpot® 3296 - Sealed	Different series
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute is current production

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Bourns 3296X-1-205 is the direct functional equivalent for the obsolete Vishay CT-94X-205. Selection of this substitute is based on:

Electrical Equivalence: All critical electrical parameters (resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient) are identical.
Mechanical Compatibility: Through-hole mounting with PC pin termination ensures direct PCB compatibility. The minimal dimensional variance (approximately 0.017" and 0.001" in length and width respectively) presents no practical installation constraints.
Product Status: The 3296X-1-205 is in active production, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain reliability.
Compliance: The substitute maintains the same HTSUS classification (8533.40.8050) and ECCN designation (EAR99) as the original part.

The increased turn count (25 versus 18) provides enhanced adjustment resolution, which is advantageous in applications requiring fine-tuning capability and does not introduce any functional incompatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Bourns 3296X-1-205 be used as a direct replacement for the CT-94X-205 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 3296X-1-205 meets all electrical and mechanical specifications required for direct substitution. The minimal dimensional differences and increased turn count do not affect functional compatibility or PCB mounting.

Q: What is the significance of the increased turn count (25 versus 18)?

A: The higher turn count provides finer adjustment resolution per mechanical rotation, allowing more precise tuning. This is a functional improvement that does not compromise compatibility with the original design.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences between the two parts?

A: Both parts share the same HTSUS and ECCN classifications. The substitute is REACH Affected, whereas the original is REACH Unaffected. The substitute is RoHS non-compliant, consistent with the original part. Verify compliance requirements for your specific application and regulatory jurisdiction.

Q: What are the packaging differences?

A: The CT-94X-205 is supplied in standard packaging, while the 3296X-1-205 is supplied in tube packaging. This does not affect component performance or installation.

Q: Are there any dimensional constraints I should consider?

A: The face dimensions differ by approximately 0.017" in length and 0.001" in width. Verify that your PCB layout and mechanical enclosure accommodate the slightly larger substitute footprint. In most applications, this variance is negligible.

Q: Is the 3296X-1-205 available in inventory?

A: Yes, 705 pieces are currently in stock as new original inventory. The CT-94X-205 has 1027 pieces available, though the part is obsolete and future availability is not guaranteed.

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