CT-94X-504 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94X-504 is a 500 kOhms, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based, side-adjustment trimmer features an 18-turn design with PC pin termination and rectangular form factor (9.60mm x 4.80mm). The part is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent alternatives for ongoing production and repair applications. Substitute parts must maintain electrical performance across resistance, power rating, tolerance, and temperature coefficient specifications while accommodating mechanical compatibility requirements.

Substiute Parts

CT-94X-504

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 849CT-94X-504 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EX504

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1046CT-94EX504 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296X-1-504

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 22573296X-1-504 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the CT-94X-504 are qualified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter alignment. The primary substitution criteria are:

Electrical Parameters (Critical):

• Resistance value: 500 kOhms
• Power rating: 0.5W minimum
• Tolerance: ±10%
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C
• Resistive material: Cermet

Mechanical Parameters (Critical):

• Adjustment type: Side Adjustment
• Mounting type: Through Hole
• Termination style: PC Pins
• Form factor: Rectangular configuration compatible with 9.60mm x 4.80mm footprint

Secondary Considerations:

• Number of turns (18 turns preferred; 25 turns acceptable with circuit validation)
• Product status and compliance certifications
• Packaging format and inventory availability

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EX504 (Direct Substitute - Nidec Components Corporation): This part provides the closest electrical and mechanical match to the CT-94X-504. It maintains identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, number of turns, and physical dimensions. The CT-94EX504 is currently in active production status with RoHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and production environments requiring regulatory compliance. Inventory availability is adequate at 992 pieces.

3296X-1-504 (MFR Recommended - Bourns Inc.): This Trimpot® 3296 sealed trimmer meets all critical electrical specifications and maintains mechanical compatibility through identical side-adjustment, through-hole, PC-pin configuration. The primary distinction is the increased number of turns (25 versus 18), which provides finer adjustment resolution. Physical dimensions show minor variation (0.395" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.189"), requiring PCB layout validation for space-constrained applications. This part is actively produced with substantial inventory (2200 pieces). RoHS compliance status differs from the main part; REACH status indicates affected materials requiring supply chain documentation.

Both substitutes maintain the cermet resistive material and electrical performance envelope of the original CT-94X-504, ensuring functional equivalence in circuit applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EX504 be used as a direct replacement for CT-94X-504? A: Yes. The CT-94EX504 maintains identical electrical parameters (500 kOhms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C) and mechanical specifications (18 turns, side adjustment, through-hole PC pins, 9.60mm x 4.80mm form factor). Physical footprint compatibility is confirmed.

Q: What is the significance of the 25-turn design in the 3296X-1-504? A: The 3296X-1-504 features 25 turns compared to the 18-turn design of the CT-94X-504. This increases adjustment resolution and reduces the mechanical angle per electrical unit change. Circuit applications requiring fine-tuning capability may benefit from this characteristic. Applications with coarse adjustment requirements will function identically.

Q: Are there physical footprint differences between substitutes? A: The CT-94EX504 matches the CT-94X-504 footprint exactly (9.60mm x 4.80mm). The 3296X-1-504 shows minor dimensional variation (10.03mm x 4.83mm). PCB layouts with tight spacing constraints should be evaluated for the Bourns part.

Q: What compliance differences exist between the substitutes? A: The CT-94EX504 is RoHS3 compliant, suitable for regulated markets. The 3296X-1-504 is RoHS non-compliant but REACH-affected, requiring supply chain documentation for certain applications. The original CT-94X-504 is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability? A: The 3296X-1-504 (Bourns) demonstrates the highest inventory level (2200 pieces) and active production status. The CT-94EX504 (Nidec) is also actively produced with adequate stock (992 pieces). Both represent sustainable alternatives to the obsolete CT-94X-504.

Q: Can substitutes be used interchangeably in existing designs? A: CT-94EX504 provides direct interchangeability without design modification. The 3296X-1-504 requires PCB layout validation due to minor dimensional differences and should be evaluated for adjustment resolution compatibility with the specific application circuit.