CT-94Y-204 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94Y-204 is a 200 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, making identification of equivalent and substitute components essential for ongoing system support and procurement planning. Active alternatives with matching or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications are available from current manufacturers.

Substiute Parts

CT-94Y-204

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1027CT-94Y-204 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3296Y-1-204

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 15643296Y-1-204 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

CT-94EY204

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1071CT-94EY204 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-204 is determined by the following critical parameters: resistance value (200 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 tolerance for PCB layout compatibility.

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Electrical and Mechanical Equivalents: Parts matching all critical parameters including resistance, power rating, tolerance, temperature coefficient, adjustment type, resistive material, mounting type, and termination style. Minor variations in turn count (18 vs. 25 turns) and physical dimensions (within 0.003" tolerance) are acceptable provided the part fits the PCB footprint and adjustment resolution requirements.

Manufacturer Alternatives: Parts from active manufacturers meeting identical electrical specifications and mounting requirements, with current product status and compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 3296Y-1-204 (Bourns Inc.)

The 3296Y-1-204 is the recommended direct substitute for the CT-94Y-204. This part matches all critical electrical parameters: 200 kOhms resistance, 0.5W power rating, ±10% tolerance, and ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient. Physical dimensions are within acceptable tolerance (0.375" x 0.190" vs. 0.378" x 0.189"). The primary difference is turn count (25 turns vs. 18 turns), which provides finer adjustment resolution. The part is in active production status with current availability. RoHS non-compliance status matches the original part.

Secondary Substitute: CT-94EY204 (Nidec Components Corporation)

The CT-94EY204 provides an exact electrical and mechanical match to the CT-94Y-204, including identical resistance (200 kOhms), power rating (0.5W), turn count (18), and physical dimensions (0.378" x 0.189"). This part is in active production status. The CT-94EY204 carries ROHS3 compliance certification, providing an advantage for applications requiring RoHS compliance. This substitute is optimal when maintaining identical adjustment characteristics and compliance requirements are priorities.

Alternative Consideration: 3296Y-1-104 (Bourns Inc.)

The 3296Y-1-104 is listed as a manufacturer-recommended alternative but differs in resistance value (100 kOhms vs. 200 kOhms). This part is suitable only for applications where the circuit design permits a 100 kOhms trimmer potentiometer. All other electrical and mechanical parameters match the original specification. This part is in active production with high inventory availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3296Y-1-204 be used as a direct replacement for the CT-94Y-204?

A: Yes. The 3296Y-1-204 matches all critical electrical specifications (200 kOhms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient) and mounting requirements (through-hole, PC pins, top adjustment, cermet material). Physical dimensions are within acceptable tolerance. The 25-turn design provides finer adjustment resolution compared to the 18-turn original.

Q: What is the significance of the turn count difference between the CT-94Y-204 (18 turns) and the 3296Y-1-204 (25 turns)?

A: Turn count affects adjustment resolution. The 3296Y-1-204 with 25 turns provides approximately 39% finer adjustment steps per mechanical rotation compared to the 18-turn CT-94Y-204. Both parts achieve the same resistance range (0 to 200 kOhms) and are electrically equivalent. Selection depends on application requirements for adjustment granularity.

Q: Are there physical footprint compatibility concerns when substituting the 3296Y-1-204 for the CT-94Y-204?

A: Physical dimensions differ slightly (0.375" x 0.190" vs. 0.378" x 0.189"). These differences are within typical PCB layout tolerances. Verify that the PCB footprint accommodates the Bourns part dimensions before implementation. Both parts use identical PC pin termination and top adjustment configuration.

Q: Why is the CT-94EY204 listed as a secondary substitute if it matches the CT-94Y-204 exactly?

A: The CT-94EY204 is electrically and mechanically identical to the CT-94Y-204 and is the optimal choice when maintaining exact adjustment characteristics (18 turns) and identical physical dimensions are required. It is listed as secondary because the 3296Y-1-204 offers the advantage of active production status from a major manufacturer (Bourns) with established supply chain infrastructure. Both are valid substitutes depending on application priorities.

Q: Is the 3296Y-1-104 (100 kOhms) suitable as a substitute for the CT-94Y-204 (200 kOhms)?

A: The 3296Y-1-104 is not a direct substitute due to the resistance value difference (100 kOhms vs. 200 kOhms). This part is suitable only if the circuit design is modified to accommodate a 100 kOhms trimmer potentiometer. All other electrical and mechanical parameters are compatible.

Q: What compliance differences exist between the substitute parts?

A: The CT-94EY204 carries ROHS3 compliance certification, while the CT-94Y-204, 3296Y-1-204, and 3296Y-1-104 are RoHS non-compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, the CT-94EY204 is the appropriate selection. The 3296Y-1-204 is REACH Affected, while the CT-94Y-204 and CT-94EY204 are REACH Unaffected.