CT-94Y-501 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CT-94Y-501 is a 500 Ohm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based, 18-turn top-adjustment component features PC pin termination and is designed for precision resistance tuning applications. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing production, maintenance, and repair applications where this specific model is no longer available from the original manufacturer.

Substiute Parts

CT-94Y-501

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 1174CT-94Y-501 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EY501

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1828CT-94EY501 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296Y-1-501

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 16603296Y-1-501 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CT-94Y-501 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: resistance value (500 Ohms), 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). The face dimensions must remain within acceptable mechanical tolerances to ensure PCB compatibility.

Two substitute parts meet these criteria:

CT-94EY501 (Nidec Components Corporation) maintains complete electrical and mechanical equivalence with identical specifications across all critical parameters. This part is currently active in production.

3296Y-1-501 (Bourns Inc.) provides functional equivalence with one notable variation: it features 25 turns instead of 18 turns. While this increases adjustment resolution, the electrical performance, power rating, resistance value, tolerance, temperature coefficient, and physical mounting remain compatible with the original design intent.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-94EY501 is the primary substitute for direct replacement applications. This part maintains complete specification equivalence with the original CT-94Y-501 while offering the advantage of active production status and RoHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and updated production runs.

3296Y-1-501 serves as a functional alternative where the increased turn count (25 vs. 18) is acceptable or beneficial. The slightly different face dimensions (0.375" x 0.190" vs. 0.378" x 0.189") require PCB layout verification to ensure mechanical clearance. This part is also in active production but does not carry RoHS compliance.

Selection between these substitutes depends on compliance requirements, PCB layout constraints, and whether the increased adjustment resolution of the 3296Y-1-501 aligns with application needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can CT-94EY501 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for CT-94Y-501?

A: Yes. CT-94EY501 maintains identical electrical specifications (500 Ohms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C), identical mechanical dimensions (0.378" x 0.189" face), and identical turn count (18 turns). No circuit or PCB modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between CT-94EY501 and 3296Y-1-501?

A: The 3296Y-1-501 features 25 turns compared to 18 turns in the CT-94EY501. This provides finer adjustment resolution. Face dimensions differ slightly (0.375" x 0.190" vs. 0.378" x 0.189"), requiring PCB layout verification.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance differences between the substitutes?

A: Yes. CT-94EY501 is RoHS3 compliant, while 3296Y-1-501 is non-compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, CT-94EY501 is the appropriate choice.

Q: Do the substitutes use the same resistive material?

A: Yes. Both CT-94EY501 and 3296Y-1-501 use cermet resistive material, matching the original CT-94Y-501.

Q: Can 3296Y-1-501 be used in applications where precise turn-count matching is critical?

A: No. The 25-turn design of 3296Y-1-501 differs from the original 18-turn specification. Applications requiring exact turn-count matching should use CT-94EY501.

Q: What packaging formats are available for these substitutes?

A: CT-94EY501 is available in bulk packaging. 3296Y-1-501 is available in tube packaging. Verify packaging requirements with your procurement specifications.