CT-94Y-104 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94Y-104 is a 100 kOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based trimmer features 18 turns of adjustment with top-mounted control and PC pin termination, designed for precision applications requiring manual calibration in compact rectangular form factors.

The CT-94Y-104 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure component availability for production, and support long-term product maintenance and repair operations.

Substiute Parts

CT-94Y-104

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1187CT-94Y-104 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EY104

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 3336CT-94EY104 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296Y-1-104

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 10003753296Y-1-104 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94Y-104 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Resistance value: 100 kOhms (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)

Variations in the number of turns and face dimensions are permitted within the scope of mechanical fit and application-specific adjustment resolution requirements, provided all other parameters remain equivalent.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EY104 (Direct Substitute): This part is the primary equivalent for the CT-94Y-104. It maintains identical electrical specifications, mechanical dimensions, and turn count. The CT-94EY104 is manufactured by Nidec Components Corporation and carries Active product status with RoHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and applications requiring environmental compliance. Inventory availability is substantial at 3,235 pieces.

3296Y-1-104 (MFR Recommended Alternative): This Bourns Trimpot® 3296 sealed trimmer meets all critical electrical parameters and maintains mechanical compatibility within tolerance. The primary distinction is the increased turn count of 25 turns versus 18 turns on the original part, providing finer adjustment resolution. Face dimensions vary slightly (0.375" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.189"), remaining within acceptable mechanical fit tolerances for standard PCB layouts. This part is Active status with extensive inventory availability exceeding 1 million pieces. Note that RoHS compliance status differs from the original specification.

Selection between these substitutes should be based on design requirements for adjustment resolution, compliance certifications needed for the end application, and mechanical space constraints within the assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the CT-94EY104 be used as a direct replacement for the CT-94Y-104?

A: Yes. The CT-94EY104 is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the CT-94Y-104. Both parts share identical resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, turn count, and physical dimensions. The primary advantage of the CT-94EY104 is its Active product status and RoHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the significance of the 25-turn versus 18-turn difference between the CT-94Y-104 and 3296Y-1-104?

A: The number of turns determines adjustment resolution. The 3296Y-1-104 with 25 turns provides finer per-turn adjustment compared to the 18-turn CT-94Y-104. Applications requiring coarse adjustment may use either part; applications requiring precise calibration steps may benefit from the increased turn count of the 3296Y-1-104.

Q: Are there dimensional compatibility concerns with the 3296Y-1-104?

A: Face dimensions of the 3296Y-1-104 (0.375" x 0.190") differ slightly from the CT-94Y-104 (0.378" x 0.189"). These variations fall within standard PCB layout tolerances and mounting hole spacing conventions. Mechanical fit should be verified for applications with tight spatial constraints or custom mounting fixtures.

Q: What compliance differences exist between these substitutes?

A: The CT-94Y-104 and 3296Y-1-104 are RoHS non-compliant. The CT-94EY104 is RoHS3 compliant. Applications subject to environmental or regulatory compliance requirements should specify the CT-94EY104 or confirm that RoHS non-compliant parts are acceptable for the end application.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: The 3296Y-1-104 demonstrates the highest inventory availability at over 1 million pieces, indicating strong ongoing production and supply chain support. The CT-94EY104 offers 3,235 pieces in stock with Active product status, ensuring continued availability for near-term requirements.